Lasers deliver energy in the form of light.  Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a "target."  In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, dentine, decay, or gum tissue.

We are delighted to incorporate the Hoya ConBio Versa Wave laser ( as seen on Channel 9 News ) in our surgery for both 'hard' and 'soft' tissue procedures.

For hard tissues (teeth / bone), our laser can be used to prepare the cavity and remove dental decay from a tooth. The laser is much, much gentler on the tooth than a conventional dental 'drill', and most treatments can be performed painlessly, with no need for injections or similar. Similarily, laser is far kinder than conventional drills in surgeries involving bone.

Since the laser sterilizes the tooth, there is less chance of bacteria causing more tooth decay under the filling in years to come. Problems with broken teeth may also be a thing of the past thanks to the laser. As traditional dental drills spin at about 300,000 rpm (faster than the turbine of a jet engine), the vibrations from the drills can cause micro-cracks in teeth. Over time, the small cracks can become larger resulting in failing of the filling and even breaking of the tooth. Laser cavity preparation, on the other hand, does not cause any vibration or cracking of the teeth.

For soft tissues, laser treatment produces a denatured protein layer which seals the operation site and significantly enhances the speed of healing. In addition, the laser also cauterises the nerve endings resulting in far less pain sensation after surgery.

Some procedures that we can do with the laser include:

• Cosmetic contouring of the gum tissue (gum lift, reshaping)
  
• Frenectomies (frenum is a small muscle attachment under the lips)
  
• Periodontal therapy(gum disease)
  
• Excision of minor growths
  
• Crown lengthening(removing gum and bone to expose more tooth)
  
• Apthous ulcer and cold sore (Herpes) treatment.
  
• Removal of excess melanin in gingival tissues (Black Gum)
  

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