Currently, Integrative Dentistry has three types of Lasers available for treating patients. Erbium, Nd:YAG, and Diode lasers. The Fotona laser used at the practice incorporates two of the three types: the Erbium and the Nd:YAG. Here is how they are used:
1 – Erbium Laser
When your tooth has an infection in the canal, the best option is to try to save your tooth whenever possible. Following is the link to an in-depth article by Dr. O’Rielly about how and why the Erbium laser can be used to thoroughly sterilize a tooth during root canal treatment.
Although there are no guarantees, the Erbium laser used in our practice, in conjunction with treatment by our Endo specialist Dr. Packer, effectively supports a positive outcome for root canal therapy. See the interview with Dr. Mercola for another comprehensive explanation by Dr. O’Rielly’s mentor, Dr. Kanter, who pioneered this technique.
2 – Nd:YAG Laser
Another article by Dr. O’Rielly discussing this new protocol in root canal therapy is here.
Sometimes a tooth is unrestorable and must be extracted. Once the extraction has been done, here is where this type of laser comes in. The BioStimulation function of the Nd:YAG laser is used to send pulses of healing light energy into the extraction site. This minimizes any swelling or pain. Patients who receive this procedure after an extraction rarely need anything more than over-the-counter pain relief medicine, usually only for a day.
The speed and effectiveness of healing made possible by the NdYag laser is truly remarkable.
Here is an article discussing our protocol using laser ozone when we do an extraction and the results we are getting.
Both dentists providing care at Integrative Dentistry, Dr. O’Rielly and Dr. Evans, are enthusiastic about the results obtained by using the Fotona laser for their patients’ needs.
3– Diode Laser
This is the laser that hygienists favor because it can be used with a great deal of precision. This type of laser will remove tissue that has been damaged by bacteria without harming the healthy tissue nearby.
A skilled hygienist can remove the unhealthy tissue, promote healing and leave the healthy gum intact. Because the gum tissue is allowed to regenerate naturally, much more invasive and expensive gum procedures down the road can be avoided.
Additionally, if gum surgery or LANAP laser surgery has already been performed, the Diode laser can be used to preserve the results of the more extensive treatment/s.
For more information about how one or more of the treatments possible with lasers can help you, call us at 760-632-1304.
Carey O’Rielly DDS has been a practicing dentist for 35 years. He went to USC Dental School and Duke University for his undergraduate degree. He grew up in Laguna Beach and now lives in La Costa with his wife Victoria, who runs his office.
He began his career by owning and operating a network of six offices in the San Francisco Bay Area. Presently he owns a private holistic practice in North County San Diego’s Encinitas.
Dr. O started looking for solutions to his health challenges that resulted from the stress and environmental toxicity that built up over a ten year period running his dental network. He has dedicated himself to learning about oral systemic problems and how dentistry can affect your health. He has applied what he has learned over the last twenty years to ensure he, his staff and his patients are protected from the chemicals and toxic materials found in most dental offices. He has produced an environmentally friendly office that is also peaceful and calm.
He is an expert on dental materials having looked at hundreds of biocompatibility lab tests over the years. He has identified the most bio-friendly materials to use in his practice and which dental materials can be used to replace metal fillings and crowns, including BPA free and fluoride free ‘white’ fillings. He also uses metal-free Zirconia or ceramic implants and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) grafting materials which come from the patient’s own blood.
Dr. O’Rielly teaches C.E. courses on the systemic effects of gum disease. He is an expert in using phase contrast microscopy for analyzing dental infections, where he shows patients what kind of microbes, i.e. bacteria, amoeba, and yeasts like candida are populating the mouth and affecting the body as a whole.
He has an educational blog and is writing a book on dental health called ‘Hidden Dental Infections: Healing Root Canals and Infected Teeth with the Erbium Laser’ where he discusses dental nutrition, toxic dental materials and the effects of old root canals on inflammation and overall health.
