Laser Dentistry
 “The future of dental care!”
At Amir Sanjabi, DDS, we use lasers as a non-invasive alternative treatment for cavity treatment, gum surgery or other oral issues.
Laser surgery became commercially available for tooth procedures in 1989 and have made dental treatments more comfortable, cost-effective and quick. The Food and Drug Administration has approved laser dental surgery for at least 20 procedures.
Our Laser Dentistry Services
LANAP® Laser
Traditional gum disease treatment methods involve cutting or amputation of the gums. While these methods are generally effective, they are extremely invasive and often require a long recovery time. LANAP® uses laser light in the deep pockets between the gum and tooth to remove and prevent the bacteria that cause periodontitis. The gums are left completely intact and are compressed against the tooth.
Read more about LANAP® Laser.
LAPIP™ Laser
LAPIP stands for Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure, and is an alternative to traditional Flap and Osseous surgery for implants. The procedure is for people who have gum disease around dental implants. The laser procedure, unlike traditional gum surgery, requires no cutting or amputating of the gums.
Read more about LAPIP™ Laser.
Gum Depigmentation / Gum Bleaching
While dark gums are not inherently unhealthy, treatments do exist to lighten them for patients who may find their current look unattractive. Gum bleaching is an aesthetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of one’s smile. We use a laser to remove dark pigmentation in the gums and thereby lighten their color. This approach avoids the stress of needles and allows for a safer, overall painless treatment.
Read more about Gum Depigmentation.
Types of Lasers Used in Dentistry
Dentists use two main types of lasers: hard tissue lasers and soft tissue lasers. Each laser works with a different wavelength and pulse of light that is appropriate for cutting into specific kinds of tissues.
Hard Tissue Lasers
Hard tissue lasers are designed to cut through water and bone, especially hydroxyapatite, the calcium phosphate salt found in your teeth. These lasers are precision instruments that can cut very accurately into your teeth. They are used to prepare and shape your tooth by removing small amounts of tooth structure. However, hard tissue laser treatments may take more time than conventional drills because of the precise nature of laser cutting. Hard tissue lasers are used for:
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Cavity detection
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Treating tooth sensitivity
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Preparing teeth for fillings |
Soft Tissue Lasers
Soft tissue lasers use light wavelengths that are designed to impact hemoglobin — an iron-rich protein found in the blood — and water. These lasers are perfect for cutting into soft tissue and sealing blood vessels quickly. This results in less bleeding and quicker healing time. Soft tissue lasers can also create a trough around excess gum tissue for dental access and increased visibility. They can also treat periodontal disease by removing the infected gum tissue and promoting healing. Additionally, soft tissue lasers are used for:
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Crown lengthening
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Removing soft tissue fold caused by dentures
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Treating tongue frenulum attachment
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Fixing gummy smiles by reshaping gums |
Some other laser dentistry procedures include:
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Nerve regeneration
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Teeth whitening
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Treating root canal infections
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Treating sleep apnea by removing throat tissues
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Removing benign oral tumors
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Exposing wisdom teeth
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Treating cold sores |
Advantages of Using Laser Dentistry
There are several benefits of laser dentistry over other treatment methods:
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You are less likely to require sutures
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Minimal bleeding as laser seals blood vessels
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Wounds heal, and tissue regenerates faster
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Anesthesia is unnecessary in some procedures
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Low chances of damage to surrounding tissues
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Low chance of infection because the laser will sterilize the gum
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Reduces anxiety in patients who dislike dental drills |
Limitations of Using Laser Dentistry
As with all dental procedures, laser dentistry also has a few limitations:
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Lasers can’t be used on teeth with metal amalgam fillings
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They can’t be used to remove fillings and defective crowns
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Traditional drills may still be used to adjust the bite and shape and to polish a filling
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Some procedures still require anesthesia
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Some common dental procedures cannot be worked on with laser
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Laser dentistry can be prohibitively expensive |
At Amir Sanjabi, DDS, we have sought training in the use of hard and soft lasers. Schedule an appointment by calling us at (562) 287-8016 to see if laser dentistry is right for you.
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Hours
(562) 287-8016 
Amir Sanjabi, DDS