Laser-Assisted Teeth Cleaning Debuts in Alaska

Laser-assisted teeth cleaning has come to Alaska for the first time with the certification of 10 dental hygienists to use the new ezlase™ soft tissue diode laser from BIOLASE Technology, the world’s leading dental laser company. The 10 hygienists — all from Alaska Premier Dental Group in Anchorage and Wasilla — are the first in the state to incorporate lasers in their work, following 2006 state approval of laser use for dental hygiene applications.

The practice’s entire hygiene team is now trained in ezlase use for cleaning and sterilizing under the gumline. This approach — now a standard part of every hygiene procedure at both offices — also eliminates the need to scrape gums with an instrument for patients with severe cases of gum disease. Benefits include reduced patient discomfort, less tissue trauma and bleeding, and increased resistance to periodontal disease made possible by more effective removal of bacteria. Continued laser use also has been reported to stimulate bone growth in certain patients.

“We have been using laser dentistry for soft tissue recontouring in smile makeovers for a decade, and as far as we can tell we were one of the first dental practices in Alaska to adopt the technology,” said Joe Baggette DMD, a partner of Alaska Premier Dental Group. “With the addition of the ezlase system, we are seeing big benefits for patients who were on the verge of being referred to a periodontist. People who never seemed to make improvements now are showing positive signs such as less bleeding and shallower pocket depth measurements.”

In addition, all eight of the practice’s dentists are certified to use the ezlase equipment, including new team members Aaron Wells, David Mishler, Chuck Skinner and Brett Lopez. The dentists use the technology for procedures such as recontouring gum tissue for smile makeovers, trimming excessive gum growth around braces, removing and biopsying growths in the mouth, and assisting tongue-tied patients, reducing both post-operative pain and healing time.

“This practice has made an investment in advanced technology and training that will make a major difference in the dental experience for thousands of consumers in Alaska,” said BIOLASE CEO Jake St. Philip.

The laser energy used by the ezlase system was developed specifically to treat gum and other soft tissue in the mouth safely and comfortably. The device allows dentists and hygienists to aim special, highly concentrated laser energy at precisely the areas to be treated.

SOURCE: BIOLASE