Neighbor News
Laser changes the drill for cavity filling
Family Dental Group of Paxton utilizes laser technology to prepare teeth for fillings.
When you think about why people don’t like or even fear going to the dentist, most of it stems from childhood visits that required a shot to fill in a cavity. In recent years and at many dental practices, laser technology has replaced anesthesia and drilling to prepare teeth for fillings. And that’s alleviated the fears of many who used to dread a trip to the dentist.
“Ask people what they don’t like about going to the dentist and most people will respond the shot, the drilling or both,” said said Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD, who owns and operates Family Dental Group of Paxton with his wife Dr. Archana Lavana, DMD. “With laser technology, we can eliminate that part of the process so it really comes down to just a filling.”
How it works is fairly straight forward. The dentist applies the laser beam to the decayed area of the tooth. The laser beam combines with a spray of air and water to keep the tooth cool. The laser works by heating water molecules in the tooth, which expands and dislodges decay—all without the laser cutting into the healthy enamel and dentin of the tooth.
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After the tooth cavity has been cleaned out and disinfected by the laser, filling material is injected into the treated area. All without the use of anesthesia or drill.
“While the sound of drilling is gone, the laser does make a noise resembling a woodpecker. The smell also is less of an issue and most patients tolerate the procedure very well,” said Dr. Lavana.
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Dr. Lavana notes that more than 70 percent of cavities Family Dental Group of Paxton treats can be filled using this method. Adds Dr. Lavana, “There are some cases where we cannot get all the decayed matter out and have to drill.”
Perhaps the most important benefit of the laser treatment lies in the new perception of patients towards fillings, particularly children.
“With the laser, we essentially have a pain-free, needle-free way to fill cavities and that makes a tremendous difference with all patients, especially children,” said Dr. Lavana. “For dentists and patients, there’s the additional benefit that it doesn’t cost any more to use the laser.”
For more information on laser treatment for filling, please call the Family Dental Group of Paxton at 508-755-2905.
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