How does laser work?

Lasers are a relatively new addition to the orthodontist’s armamentarium. Compared with a scalpel, the laser beam can more easily cut, ablate and reshape the oral soft tissues in the oral cavity, with no or very reduced bleeding and less pain, as well as with no need for suturing. This process also provides haemostasis (stops bleeding), microbial inhibition and destruction (disinfection) and photobiomodulation. There is increasing evidence that the appropriate use of lasers is associated with reduced intra and post-operative pain and enhanced wound healing, compared to the conventional use of scalpel or electrosurgery.

Diode lasers produce minimal to no interaction with healthy dental hard tissue, often with less trauma and pain compared to conventional scalpel surgery, making them suitable for soft-tissue procedures. Diode lasers provide enhanced bloodless site visibility and facility to perform delicate soft tissue procedures, which is important in areas with difficult access. We service the North London area including Finchley, Totteridge, Whetstone, Barnet, Muswell Hill, Highgate, Crouch End, Hampstead, and Wembley. We use a 940-nm indium-gallium-arsenide-phosphide (InGaAsP) diode laser (Epic X Diode laser, Biolase) for ‘laser gingivectomy’ to improve oral hygiene or bracket positioning, aesthetic laser gingival recontouring, and laser exposure of superficially impacted teeth. For further information please see the following article authored by Dr Farahani*

Do I need an injection (needle) before the laser procedure?

For most procedures, we use a topical anaesthetic (gel) before beginning the procedure, and the actual treatment takes only a few minutes. Very rarely to improve the patient experience we inject the site with the minimal amount of local anaesthetic after application of a topical anaesthetic (gel).