An Advanced Approach To Dentistry
Technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, continuously improving our ability to get things done. Dentistry is no exception ā in fact, itās become an essential part of modern dentistry, improving the quality of existing procedures. Lasers allow us to provide treatments that are less harsh on the body while also allowing you to benefit from a more comfortable dental experience paired with a faster recovery. At State Street Smiles, we keep our office equipped with the latest dental technology for your benefit, which includes using the esteemed Solea Laser and VELscope.
With these advanced tools, our expert dentists can tackle common dental problems such as gum disease and cavities. It can even help us perform surgeries like frenectomy without the use of needles while also cutting your recovery time in half. At our convenient location in Hackensack, NJ we can assist New Jersey patients from our home location and surrounding locations such as in Teterboro, Maywood, and Teaneck.
So we’re starting, let’s start with your name. Hi, my name is Jose Martinez. I’ve been coming here as a customer for the last probably 14 years at the Jackson’s Dentistry Office. Today was really, really different. I was approached by the, a dental assistant that they will be using laser. So I was in my room for a few moments thinking about what will that change, because I came to fulfilling on my tooth. So I asked close questions and short questions to both the doctor and the assistant. And they said that the difference was that no anesthesia was needed, was going to be needed. So we started the procedure and my experience was phenomenal and no numbness at the end. Especially one of my fears coming here or to the dentist is the pinch is the of the shots, the flavor of the getting a shot and then going back home for two hours, having my gums numb for a while. And that’s a sensation that is really no, a hundred percent satisfactory. So this time with the laser, it was totally a different experience. It was painless, it was faster and 15 minutes that was done. And when she said, we almost done, I was like, what? Wow. No pain, no repercussions. When she told you that we’ll be doing no shots, how did you feel? What was your thoughts? I said, okay, no shots, but what’s going to happen?
So it was painless. A hundred percent. You really feel like some, like a cold shower. Are you drinking? Maybe you eating ice cream using that portion of the area, they’re going to work around. And that’s it. Nice and easy and very highly recommend it. So how would you compare having the fillings done this time around to having it done previously? Oh, this time around I will come back and I will be requesting the laser. Well, I’m glad it worked for you and we’re happy to have you as always. Okay Of course. Yeah.
What is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistryĀ is an innovative, minimally invasive type of dental care for almost painlessly treating all types of dental issues without needles while shortening recovery time. Laser dentistry can be used to address a wide range of dental problems and offers a more comfortable treatment for patients compared to traditional metal tools.Ā
āLaserā is an acronym that stands forĀ ālight amplification by the stimulated emission of radiationā and refers to an instrument that creates a narrow and precisely focused beam of light energy. When this laser light is used, it reacts with the soft and hard tissues of your gums, allowing your New Jersey dentist to remove, shape, or cauterize the treated area as needed.Ā
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Staying up-to-date on your dental appointments is vital, but for those who are short on time, have dental sensitivity, or fear the dentist, that isnāt always easy. Laser dentistry can make the entire experience easier. Benefits of laser dentistry include:
- Less pain during dental work
- Faster healing time
- Less bleeding
- Reduced chance of infection following treatment
- No drills or needles
- Anesthesia (Novocaine) may not be necessary
- More accurate treatments due to laser precision
- Reduced risk of viral and bacterial transmission
- Decreases or eliminates tooth sensitivity
Our Laser Dentistry Services
At State Street Smiles, we use the VELscope and Solea Laser, which can be used for a variety of dental procedures, including:
- Removing tooth decay within teeth as well as preparing the surrounding enamel to receive fillings
- Treating gum disease by reshaping gums and eliminating bacteria without the need for sutures
- Detecting abnormal tissue for signs of oral cancer
- Taking biopsies (small pieces of tissue) for analysis to detect possible signs of oral cancer
- Removing lesions in procedures for tongue and lip tie correction procedures
What is the Solea Laser?
The Solea Laser is the first CO2 dental laser cleared by the FDA for both hard and soft tissue procedures. Developed in Boston using research from the University of California School of Dentistry, the Solea produces a unique wavelength guided by sophisticated computers to help dentists perform precise and virtually painless dental procedures. This technology has changed the world of dentistry by creating an easy, pain-free dental experience for children and adults alike.
What is VELscope?
TheĀ VELscopeĀ is a useful, handheld device that we can utilize to examine your mouth and tongue for signs of abnormalities. Early detection is essential for treatment, recovery, and survival, which is why we use the VELscope at our Hackensack office. This device emits a harmless blue light that causes the soft tissues of your mouth to become naturally fluorescent. Because healthy tissues have a distinct pattern, it becomes immediately clear if your teeth or any of your other oral structures have any underlying issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can laser dentistry help with teeth sensitivity?
Yes, laser dentistry can be used to treat teeth sensitivity. Lasers can desensitize the nerve endings in the tooth and seal exposed tubules in the dentin, reducing sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet stimuli. This quick, non-invasive treatment provides immediate relief in many cases. Patients with chronic tooth sensitivity, especially after gum recession or enamel erosion, often benefit from laser therapy. It’s a safe option for minimizing discomfort while helping to protect teeth from further sensitivity issues.
How does laser dentistry improve healing times after procedures?
Laser dentistry can significantly improve healing times compared to traditional methods. Lasers make more precise incisions with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, reducing inflammation and promoting faster healing. The laser also sterilizes the treatment area as it works, lowering the risk of infection. Patients often experience less post-procedure discomfort and require fewer sutures, allowing for a quicker recovery. This is especially beneficial for treatments like gum surgery or biopsies, where faster healing results in a more comfortable and convenient overall experience.
Can laser dentistry help with sleep apnea treatment?
Yes, laser dentistry can assist in treating mild to moderate sleep apnea. Laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty (LAUP) is a procedure that removes or reshapes excess tissue in the throat, which can obstruct airways and contribute to sleep apnea. By using lasers, dentists can perform the procedure with greater precision, less discomfort, and a shorter recovery period than traditional surgical methods. While it’s not suitable for all sleep apnea cases, those with airway blockages caused by soft tissue may find laser treatment an effective solution for improving their breathing during sleep.
Is laser dentistry suitable for treating canker sores?
Yes, laser dentistry is an excellent option for treating canker sores. Lasers can reduce pain and promote faster healing by sterilizing the sore and removing infected tissue. The laser’s energy helps stimulate tissue regeneration while providing immediate relief from discomfort. Treatment is quick and non-invasive, making it ideal for patients with frequent or painful canker sores. Many patients notice a significant improvement in their symptoms within hours of laser treatment, helping them resume eating and speaking comfortably much sooner.
Can lasers be used to detect cavities early?
Yes, lasers can be used to detect cavities in their earliest stages. Laser fluorescence devices, such as DIAGNOdent, can detect even microscopic levels of decay before they are visible on X-rays or to the naked eye. These devices use laser technology to measure changes in tooth structure caused by decay, providing a non-invasive and painless way to catch cavities early. Early detection allows for more conservative treatments, preserving more of the natural tooth and preventing the need for extensive fillings or crowns down the line.
Does laser dentistry reduce the need for anesthesia?
Yes, laser dentistry often reduces the need for anesthesia. Because lasers are minimally invasive and cause less discomfort than traditional dental tools like drills, many patients can undergo certain procedures without local anesthesia. This is especially true for soft tissue treatments, such as gum reshaping or frenectomies. Even for tooth structure procedures, lasers are often less painful and generate less heat, reducing the need for numbing agents. Patients who are anxious about needles or injections may find laser dentistry to be a more comfortable and less intimidating option.
Can laser dentistry be used for teeth whitening?
Yes, laser-assisted teeth whitening is an option that can accelerate the whitening process. During laser whitening, a bleaching agent is applied to the teeth, and then a laser activates the whitening properties of the solution, speeding up the reaction. This allows for faster and more noticeable results compared to traditional whitening methods. Patients can achieve significant whitening in a single session, making it a convenient choice for those looking for quick results. The laser also helps the whitening gel penetrate the enamel more effectively, leading to a brighter smile.
