THE MAN BEHIND THE MASK SPEAKS....

Laser Dentistry Comes to the Fraser Valley:

Lasers have come a long way from something only seen in sci-fi movies, to becoming more a part of our everyday lives. Today lasers are found in our computer printers, compact disc players, grocery store check-out scanners and even some of the weapons used to defend our country. More and more surgical and medical procedures are being performed using lasers and finally, in the last 20 years, lasers have become one of dentistry's most exciting advances.

Dr. Cam Kesteven and his team are pleased to welcome this exciting new technology to their cosmetic practice and are thrilled to be able to offer the unique benefits of soft-tissue laser technology to their patients. Dr. Kesteven has completed his continuing education training and requirements for the Standard Proficiency Certification with the DEKA Ultra Speed CO2 Soft Tissue Laser and he is very happy with the results he is seeing in his patient's smile. His patients have been very receptive to all the benefits lasers have to offer in their treatment planning.

Laser dentistry differs from traditional dentistry in that it is minimally invasive and many procedures can be completed in minutes, which equates to less time spent in the dental chair. Lasers provide a more reliable result with much less, if any, discomfort. Some types of laser dentistry procedures don't even require local anesthesia (no shots)! Anesthesia is dependant on the amount of tissue being removed and the length of the procedure.

Other advantages of soft-tissue laser dentistry include less, if any post-operative pain and swelling, and with only slight bleeding. This lack of pain, swelling and bleeding is due to the nerve endings and blood vessels being sealed off by the laser, so no sutures are needed after the procedure.

In periodontal procedures the laser can be used to remove inflamed and diseased gum tissue within the periodontal pocket that surrounds a tooth more effectively than with traditional hand instrumentation. The diseased gum tissue is vaporized away and the laser will also desensitize the root surfaces., The laser facilitates access to the root surface and sterilizes the periodontal pocket and generates new soft tissue attachment. Periodontally involved patients will heal more quickly, and their gum disease can be managed and maintained successfully because of improved tissue response.

Other laser procedures offered include gum recontouring for an enhanced smile. The procedure is called a gingivectomy and excess gum tissue is removed to lengthen the teeth. Excess gum tissue sometimes develops as a side effect from taking certain drugs, such as dilatin, from poor oral hygiene, or from wearing braces. Think of this procedure as a "gum lift".

The intense pain from cancer sores and cold sores can be instantly relieved without any anesthetic with the laser, and these mouth sores will heal in half the time they normally take to heal. Laser biopsies to check for cancerous lesions or to remove unwanted lumps and bumps takes only minutes to perform and do not require suturing.

Two other procedures that can be performed in minutes with a laser are a frenectomy, which is the removal of tissue attachments from under the tongue or from the upper or lower lip that can contribute to gum recession or cause speech impediments, and a vestibuloplasty, which can increase denture retention by alllowing extension of the denture borders to provide a better fit.

Anyone can be a candidate for laser dental procedures. Age is not a factor. There are no contra-indications for laser use and that includes pregnancy, diabetes, people on blood thinners or who have pacemakers or heart problems.