LightScalpel Laser

LightScalpel Laser Oral Surgery and Soft Tissue Dentistry

Our office utilizes the exciting CO₂ laser surgical technology from LightScalpel. Here is some basic information that will help you to understand lasers better and alleviate some of your concerns.

What is a CO₂ laser?

A CO₂ laser is a device that produces an extremely powerful and concentrated beam of light. In fact, our surgical CO₂ laser creates a beam that is even more powerful than a similarly-sized beam leaving the surface of the sun.

The highly focused CO₂ laser beam cuts cleanly and precisely, with little to no thermal effect on the tissues beyond the target area; this ensures a safe and predictable surgical outcome. Years of experience in medicine and oral surgery went into the design of the LightScalpel laser, which was made to provide superior care for patients.

What is laser surgery and how does it work?

Traditional surgery with a scalpel or scissors can bruise or crush tissue.  When we use the CO₂ laser, only an intense beam of laser light interacts with the tissue, i.e. surgery is performed photo-thermally. There is no mechanical trauma to the tissue and the thermal coagulation zone is very narrow (as little as 50 microns).

The CO₂ laser has the unique ability to vaporize or ‘erase’ tissue. The CO₂ laser can be used to make incisions, as well as to remove unhealthy tissue. The CO₂ laser is so precise that we can selectively remove only a few cells at a time if needed. At the same time, it is powerful enough to de-bulk entire tumors. 

What are the advantages of laser surgery?

The CO₂ laser can also be used to coagulate tissue and control the bleeding. The laser also seals the lymphatics, so there is less swelling post-operatively. Various studies have shown that patients experience less discomfort after CO₂ laser surgery.

We are proud to provide the many advantages of laser technology to our patients. Among these advantages are the following

 

• Minimized Bleeding: As it cuts, the laser beam seals small blood vessels. This drastic reduction in bleeding enables a number of new surgical procedures which are not practical or even possible with a scalpel. Better visualization of the surgical site allows the oral surgeon to cut more precisely, without unnecessary trauma to healthy surrounding tissues. In addition, some procedures do not require sutures when done with the laser (e.g., fibroma removal, some frenectomies, leukoplakia treatment, and others). Excellent visibility provides another huge advantage of CO₂ laser surgery, i.e., the oral surgeon completes the surgery faster. Shorter procedures reduce anesthesia time. In addition, some laser-assisted procedures can be performed in conjunction with others to save the patient time under anesthesia. Finally, better visibility ensures a better aesthetic outcome.
• Less Swelling and Discomfort: The CO₂ laser beam seals lymphatics, resulting in less post-operative swelling and discomfort associated with traditional scalpel surgery.

• Reduced Risk of Infection: Sanitizing effect of the laser beam reduces the risk of infection
• Reduced Surgery Time: The hemostatic effect of the laser beam results in the improved visibility of the surgical field. The surgeon and the team do not have to spend much time trying to control bleeding. As a result, the duration of the surgery is reduced.

• Faster recovery: Reduced trauma, minimized bleeding, pain and swelling, and shorter time under anesthesia often allow the patient a speedy post-surgical recovery and they can resume their normal activities sooner than after conventional scalpel surgery.
• Advanced laser accessories mean better results: The flexible fiber waveguide of the LightScalpel CO₂ laser and lightweight ergonomic handpieces provide a tremendous benefit for the surgeon and ultimately, for the patient, i.e., the freedom of movement and lack of arm/hand fatigue for the surgeon intra-operatively ensure more precise and efficient surgery and better clinical outcome. In addition, LightScalpel accessories significantly facilitate surgeries in difficult-to-reach places.

Is laser surgery safe?

If the laser is used according to accepted practices by a trained practitioner, the laser is at least as safe as other instruments. You will wear special protective glasses, just as you would protect your eyes from sun exposure.

 

Is laser surgery appropriate for me?

A laser can perform a wide variety of surgical procedures. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you are a candidate for laser surgery.

Conclusion

Lasers have been playing an increasingly significant role in oral surgery due to their numerous benefits, such as minimized bleeding, reduced swelling, minimal post-operative discomfort, and the ability to resume normal activities sooner than with conventional scalpel surgery. The CO₂ laser makes surgery shorter, simpler, and more effective.

Ask us about laser surgery!

Find out more at www.lightscalpel.com