DID YOU KNOW?

*  97% of patients who experienced laser treatment would recommend it to their friends and family members.

*  82% of adults surveyed consider it important that their dentist has a laser.

*  Patients expect lasers in healthcare - from dermatology to ophthalmology to dentistry! 

                       . "Dr. Mastis was so wonderful!  She explained everything thoroughly and was so  gentle."  -Stacy K. 

"I was honestly amazed at how quick and easy my visit was!"  -Karen G.

 "I have finally found the dentist I've been looking for."  -Tim A.

By visiting Dr. Mastis, you'll have the opportunity to experience a new and exciting technology! We would like to give you some basic information and perhaps reduce any of your concerns.

Laser dentistry refers to any dental procedures that involve the use of a laser. Dental lasers are a family of instruments. Some lasers are used for surgery, some to cure restorative materials and enhance tooth bleaching, and others to remove tooth structure for elimination of decay and disease. Different lasers are used for different procedures.

Recent advances in laser technology have allowed dentists to offer laser treatment. During a dental laser treatment a laser device that transmits a highly concentrated beam of light is used to treat tooth decay, enamel, and gum tissue. Common laser dentistry procedures include oral surgery or periodontal treatment (gum disease, gingivitis) often referred to as laser periodontics, cavity treatment, and teeth whitening.

Depending on your treatment, Dr. Mastis may use the laser for a long period of time or possibly only for brief moments. However, even those procedures that require only a short period of laser usage benefit from the advantages of laser therapy. With laser surgery, there is a reduced need for local anesthesia, bleeding is minimized, swelling is controlled, and there is usually little, if any, postoperaative discomfort. Laser energy that removes tooth decay is fast and seldom requires anesthesia.

It has been shown that dental lasers are safe for both children and adults. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several types of dentistry lasers for use on adults and children. Many of the lasers for dentistry are similar or identical in design to other medical lasers that have been used successfully for years in the specialties of ophthalmology, neurosurgery, Ear/Nose/Throat (ENT), and dermatology.

Advantages of Laser Dentistry include:

• Minimal or no anesthesia
• Minimal bleeding
• More controlled swelling
• Reduced postoperative infection/discomfort
• Less chance of infection
• Reduced time in dentist's office
• Less pain
• No noise (like a traditional dentist's drill)
• Enhance effect of tooth whitening
• No absorption of harmful chemicals
• Improved bonding process
• Quick removal of tooth decay
• Longer lasting fillings · Faster healing
• Preservation of healthy tooth structure
• A more sterilized environment (dental laser kills bacteria)
• For the treatment of canker sores and herpes lesions,
• The laser can actually speed healing and decrease the pain experienced by cold sores.

Laser Dentistry Procedures and Effects:

Laser dentistry or laser periodontics allows for the treatment of gum disease at any earlier stage. In addition, it can be useful to pregnant women and people with debilitating medical conditions. While there is no guarantee of total "pain free laser dentistry" discomfort is greatly reduced. By receiving dental laser treatments, patients often have no need for "novocaine" or other anesthetics! Dental laser treatment, often referred to as laser periodontal treatment, works well for treating canker sores and bacterial infections around teeth and gums.

During a treatment it is also common for the patient to wear protective glasses to protect his/her eyes from continued exposure to bright light. The laser emits a tiny ticking sound-a far cry from the days of traditional dental drills. However, keep in mind that a laser might not be appropriate for all procedures. Today, many dental services can be performed with either the laser or traditional treatment, and are generally covered by most insurance plans.

Dr. Mastis knows which types of procedures are more patient friendly with a laser than with alternative traditional methods. She has devoted extensive training time to achieve advanced proficiency in lasers in order to bring to you the many advantages of this exciting new technology. Dr. Mastis will be able to determine whether or not laser dentistry is right for you.