Cameron Sordi, Others On Laser Root Canal Treatment

In recent years, dentistry has undergone a fairly significant technological shift as dentists around the world have begun implementing cutting-edge innovations into their practices. Designed for a magnitude of purposes, from efficiency and sustainability to speedy recovery times and less invasive treatment options, the integration of technological innovation into the field of dentistry is proving to be a good pairing.  

One area that has been especially impacted by the introduction of technology is endodontics, also known as root canal therapy or RCT.

Considered by many to be one of the most dreaded dental procedures, it is estimated that as many as 24 million root canal treatments are performed annually in the United States alone.  In an effort to reduce some of the negative stigma and pain associated with endodontic treatments, dental offices across North America have begun adding laser tools to aide in root canal procedures, as well as other dental procedures. http://blog.biolase.com/waterlase/bid/213169/Dentists-Deploy-Lasers-to-Treat-Root-Canals

Anchorage-based dentist Dr. Kirk Johnson uses seven different lasers at his Alaskan dental office to treat a variety of issues or assist in treatments like filling cavities to performing root canals.  “It’s quicker, it’s cleaner, and it basically sterilizes everything while you are doing it. It’s very, very precise and it heals up quicker,” Dr. Johnson explained to the press this year. “So straight across the board, it’s a better way of doing things.” http://www.ktva.com/lasers-replace-traditional-drills-at-local-anchorage-dentist-office-265/

The Waterlase Dental Laser developed by Biolase Technologies is the leading endodontic laser, combining a laser and a high-pressure water system to remove the dead tissue and infection from the canal. Currently, the only FDA-approved RCT laser, the Waterlase system produces enough heat and pressure to remove debris without using drills or hand files.  In this way, Waterlase can significantly reduce the amount of time spent in the dental chair and reduce recovery times. http://www.biolase.com/Pages/Endolase.aspx

The laser’s ray can penetrate deeply into the porous dentinal tubules, removing bacteria without damaging the surrounding tissue. While traditional endodontic instruments typically only clean and shape a tooth’s canal spaces, the laser actually sterilizes them, which can increas procedure success rates.  The focus and accuracy of a laser has the potential to provide better endodontic results.

The high tech Waterlase treatment can also leave a tooth with a natural rough surface to allow for better bonding of filling material.  ”The restorations last a lot longer and preserve a lot more of the tooth structure,” said Dr. Irfaan Salyani, who uses a number of lasers at his Collingwood office. “These procedures can save a lot of teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.” http://www.theenterprisebulletin.com/2016/03/11/dentistry-for-the-future—no-drills

Ontario dentist Dr. Cameron Sordi thinks the addition of laser therapy can reduce the number of patients who fear dental procedures. “By speeding up the process and reducing post-treatment downtime, laser treatments can reduce patients’ negative perceptions as well as the amount of pain experienced,” said Cameron Sordi. “Both of these have been huge factors in patients’ fears and their delays in seeking dental care.” https://ca.linkedin.com/in/cameronsordi

Lasers are also reducing the need for needles in specific site freezing. “With lasers, we are starting to see the elimination of the instruments and procedures that cause patients the most discomfort,” added Sordi.

Researchers and innovators are currently working on a laser treatment that can help teeth regenerate dentin and grow new tissue.  This treatment is showing promise and may one day eliminate the need for many dental procedures. http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27595573