You're about
to have your first experience with a new and exciting technology.
LASERS. A million questions are probably going through your mind.
Perhaps you've head about dental lasers on T.V. or on the radio.
Just in case you haven't had the opportunity to learn about lasers,
I want to give you some basic information and
maybe even allay some of your concerns regarding dental laser
treatment.
When you are
seated in the operatory, one of the dental assistants will give
you a pair
of safety glasses to wear, position the laser next to the dental
chair, and place a sterile laser tip in the sterilized handpiece.
You will then be ready to go. Unlike the dental drill, there is
no whining sound to disturb your sleep or to make you grip the
sides of the dental chair. The only noise you will hear will be
the slight hissing sound of the air jet that is attached to the
laser. According to most of our patients, this silent feature
is definitely a big plus !
Dental lasers
can be used for a variety of treatment procedures. Depending upon
the treatment needs, your dentist may use the laser for several
minutes or possibly for
only a brief moment. However, even those procedures that require
only a short period of laser usage, benefit from the many advantages
of laser therapy. Bleeding is minimized, swelling is controlled
and there is usually little if any postoperative discomfort. For
maximum comfort, most of the procedures do, however, require a
local anesthetic.
This will be discussed with you prior to the beginning of the
treatment session.