Laser Therapy

Why Laser Therapy?

Laser use in dental hygiene therapy has been around since the 1990s; however, with new technology making the lasers more accessible, this therapy is becoming more widely used. When used in conjunction with traditional dental cleaning (scaling and root planing), the effects create an environment for optimal oral health and have positive overall body health effects. Alberta has the largest scope of practice for its registered dental hygienists and is the only province that allows dental hygienists to use laser technology.

To understand how laser therapy works, here is a quick lesson on oral diseases. Bacterial infections cause oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). The mouth is most often the first point of entry to the digestive system and lungs, which both lead into the bloodstream. Oral bacteria can also enter the bloodstream, allowing it to freely move throughout the rest of the body, developing into infection and disease elsewhere. Research studies show a correlation between poor oral health and an increased risk for heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, low birth rates and premature births. A recent study titled, Good oral health reduces risk of fatal outcomes from COVID-19, published by McGill University, states, "COVID-19 patients with gum disease were 3.5 times more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit, 4.5 times more likely to need a ventilator, and 8.8 times more likely to die when compared to those without gum disease." Please visit the Covid-19 updates page for a link to read the full article.

The first way a dental hygienist can use laser therapy is Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR). Laser energy is directed into the space between the gums and the teeth. The energy from the laser is absorbed by the bacteria, ultimately causing bacterial death. This treatment is performed before regular dental scaling to eliminate the possibility of harmful (pathogenic) bacteria entering the body's bloodstream. After LBR treatment, bacteria take 6-9 months to re-establish themselves to the same levels before treatment. Compared to traditional dental hygiene cleaning (scaling and root planing), the bacteria can re-establish after just three months. LBR will also benefit individuals with other inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's; by removing the harmful bacteria from the mouth with LBR, there are ultimately fewer bacteria getting into the digestive system, improving overall health and symptoms. This painless procedure takes approximately 5-7 minutes. LBR therapy will be incorporated into routine care appointments for all clients at Beaumont Dental Hygiene Studio aged 18 and older.

The second way a dental hygienist can use laser technology is for individuals with advanced gum disease. For those who have had their dental hygienist take measurements of their gum pockets (periodontal readings), healthy pocket depths are between 1-3 mm. Readings above 3mm indicate gum disease. Higher measurements indicate gum disease that is more advanced, chronic and more difficult to treat. With a prolonged gum infection, the bacteria will become embedded within the gum tissue next to the tooth. Dental hygienists can use Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT) to treat that infected gum tissue. This procedure requires local anesthetic. Dental hygienists use laser energy to remove only the diseased gum tissue that sits next to the tooth, allowing healthy tissue to re-attach to the teeth. During LAPT, the laser energy will also cause a beneficial effect called bio-stimulation.  Bio-stimulation occurs after the diseased tissue is removed; the laser energy stimulates new cell growth creating new connective tissues around the teeth. Only specific areas identified after a periodontal assessment will have LAPT completed.

A third way laser technology is used as part of your dental hygiene visit is for dental desensitization. A desensitizing agent is placed on the teeth, and the laser energy is used to embed the agent within the tooth surface. This painless procedure, easily incorporated within your routine dental hygiene therapy appointment, should allow people with pre-existing sensitive teeth to be without any dental sensitivity for 6-12 months after the procedure. 

The final way lasers will be used at Beaumont Dental Hygiene Studio is to help those suffering from cold sores or large canker sores. The laser energy will be directed around and onto the sores causing healing to occur at a faster rate. Both sores usually take 10-14 days to heal, but after laser treatment, they can be gone within 4-5 days. The pain from the sores will immediately be gone. This painless procedure can be completed as part of your routine care appointment, or you can schedule an appointment just for laser therapy for a cold sore. 

All of these procedures can be billed to insurance, and pre-authorizations can be done upon request. For more information on Laser Therapy or to view articles, please click the link below or contact us.