San Francisco and Marin CA
Our Bay Area laser dentists at Glen Park Dental provide exceptional dentistry by using leading-edge technology. We are excited to announce that we now offer laser dentistry in San Francisco using the LightScalpel CO2 laser. This specialized device takes oral surgery to a whole new level. Using a concentrated beam of light, the laser vaporizes tissue as it seals blood vessels, resulting in a quicker recovery for patients. Find out more about the LightScalpel CO2 laser and what it means for patients visiting our San Francisco dental practice.
What is LightScalpel Surgery?
Traditional surgery involves the use of a scalpel or scissors, which can damage tissue around the surgical site. The LightScalpel laser, however, uses a beam of light about the width of a human hair, which minimizes mechanical tissue trauma. The laser’s unique ability to vaporize or “erase” tissue is used to make incisions or remove unhealthy tissue. Its ultimate precision allows for only a few cells to be removed at a time, yet is powerful enough to remove large tissue masses or tumors.
Are LightScalpel Lasers Safe?
LightScalpel lasers are safe, as long as a trained physician follows the laser’s approved guidelines. The FDA has cleared the device for use on soft tissue, including in dentistry. When receiving laser dental treatment, you will be provided safety glasses to wear that shield your eyes from the laser beams.
Benefits of LightScalpel CO2 Laser
- Less Bleeding – The LightScalpel CO2 laser vaporizes tissue and seals blood vessels as it works. This reduces bleeding, which provides better visualization of the treatment area.
- Less Swelling – The laser beams do not cause trauma to the surgical site. Also, because the laser seals blood and lymphatic vessels, it results in less post-operative swelling.
- Less Discomfort – With the LightScalpel laser, there is minimal post-operative discomfort because there is no pressure placed on surrounding tissue.
- Less Infection Risk – The laser produces a high-intensity light capable of destroying bacteria. This sanitizing effect reduces the risks of post-operative infection.
- Less Invasive – Using pinpoint precision, the laser removes only a few cells at a time, which means it is less invasive than using traditional surgical methods.
- Less Time – The LightScalpel laser helps maintain a drier surgical site, which allows the dentist to work more efficiently. Also, because there is little to no downtime following laser dental treatments, recovery time is much shorter. In many cases, patients may return to work or school on the same day as their procedure.
- Reduced Risk of Scarring – Several studies conclude that CO2 surgical sites experience a reduced amount of myofibroblasts as compared to traditional surgical methods.
How does Glen Park Dental use LightScalpel Laser?
This American-made device has been approved by the FDA for use in soft tissue surgical procedures. At Glen Park Dental, LightScalpel CO2 laser is used for the following procedures:
- Frenectomy – Releasing tongue- or lip-ties
- Gingivectomy – Removal of excess or diseased gum tissue for the treatment of periodontitis
- Gingivoplasty – Reshaping gum tissue to treat “gummy smile” or lengthen the appearance of teeth that are too short
- Excision of Fibroma – Removal of benign fibroids or fibroid tumors
- Biopsies – Removal of suspicious soft tissue, such as oral cancer, for further testing
- Dental Implant Procedures – Removal of gum tissue for implant placement access
Glen Park Dental provides oral surgical treatment using the most precise and safe technology available through the LightScalpel CO2 laser. Find out how LightScalpel CO2 laser could make a difference in your oral care by contacting Glen Park Dental today at (415) 585-1500 or visit our website to request a consultation.
Glen Park Dental provides laser dentistry in Marin and San Francisco.
