Dental Applications
Below is an outline of the clinical applications of Low Level Laser Therapy in Dentistry. Detailed clinical application guides are provided to customers at time of purchase, which feature the treatment doses, location and tips for each application. Guides tailored to dental specialties are also available upon request (includes Pedodontics, Implant, TMJ, Endodontics, Oral Surgery and Orthodontic Guide)With Laser Light Canada customer support and Clinical Application Guides, Laser Therapy can be integrated into your practice easily and without stress!
Who Applies Phototherapy Treatments?
In Canada and the USA, phototherapy devices are in the public domain so it can be used by a dental assistant. It is up to the individual dentist to determine the training needed by the dental assistant.
Where to Apply
With any wound, the phototherapy device should be applied at the site of the wound. In teeth, the device should be applied to the sore area but also should be applied at the apex according to the application diagram.
Applications
POST SURGICAL
Effects of Phototherapy:
• Reduction of post-op pain and swelling
• Reduced need for analgesics
• Better bone formation
• Reduced probability of dry socket
Procedures:
• Post-extraction
• Flap surgery
• Fractures
Treatment Notes:
Laser therapy will eliminate the pain, swelling and bruising that usually accompanies any dental surgery, making it a great tool for any dentist or oral surgeon.
PRIMARY TOOTH RESTORATIONS
• Analgesia for most primary tooth restorations
• Reduction of Nausea and Gagging
• Increased Uptake or Elimination of anesthesia
(very important in trying to prevent lip biting)
• Reduction of Post-op Sensitivity
Treatment Notes:
Laser therapy is being used successfully by many pedodontists for primary tooth restorations and nausea reduction. Patients love the reduced need for needles making dental procedures less stressful for both dentist and patients.
RESTORATIVE PROCEDURES
Effects of Phototherapy:
• Analgesia for small tooth restorations and crown cementations
• Reduction of post-op sensitivity
• Production of secondary dentin in deep restorative procedures
• Reduction of Nausea and Gagging
Procedures:
• Primary tooth restorations
• Crown cementations
• Faster uptake and elimination of anesthetic
DENTAL INFECTION
Effects of Phototherapy:
• Reduction of edema (swelling)
• Stimulates the immune system and brings neutraphils to site
of infection for faster healing
• Speeds the uptake of the antibiotic into the system
ENDODONTICS
Effects of Phototherapy:
• Reduction of post-op pain and swelling
• Diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis
• Treatment of dentin hypersensitivity
• Reduction in pulp hyperemia
• Reduced need for post-op analgesics
Procedures:
• Dentine hypersensitivity
• Root canal treatment
• Bleeding and Pain during scaling
• Diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis
• Reduction of pulp hyperemia
SOFT TISSUE LESIONS
Effects of Phototherapy:
• Reduction in pain
• Prevention sore in caught in early stages
• Faster healing
• Decreased rate of recurrence
Procedures:
• Herpes Lesions
• Apthous Ulcers
• Denture Sores
• Angular Chelitis
• Bruising after injections
NERVE LESIONS
Effects of Phototherapy:
• Return of sensation after traumatic damage or severing of a nerve
• Pain relief in cases of trigeminal neuralgia (sometimes)
Procedures:
• Paraesthesia
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
IMPLANTS:
Effects of phototherapy:
• Reduction of pain after surgery
• Faster integration of implant
ORTHODONTICS
Effects of Phototherapy:
• Reduced intensity of Pain after tightening of appliance
• Increases speed of tooth movement because of stimulation of osteoblasts
DRY SOCKET:
Effects of Phototherapy:
• Pain relief
• Prevention
• Faster healing
SINUSITIS
Effects of phototherapy:
• Reduced pain
• Draining of sinuses
FACIAL PAIN
Effects of Phototherapy:
• Pain relief
• Muscle relaxation
Procedures:
• TMJ Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Jaw pain after long appointments
OTHER USES OF LASER THERAPY
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Acupuncture Treatments
• Osteoarthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Stress related Inflammatory Ailments - tendonitis, fascitis,
bursitis (frozen shoulder, heal spurs, tennis elbows)
• Burns
• Myogenic Neck Pain/headaches
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