Laser Dentistry

Soft tissue laser surgery has many advantages over traditional surgery performed with a blade and scalpel. Dr. Horng and his team use a LightScalpel CO2 laser. Dr. Horng selected this type of laser because it is the best surgical laser at cutting without a lot of bleeding. When the laser is placed on the surgical site, the laser vaporizes the tissue. When a laser is used, Dr. Horng is essentially using a beam of light to perform the surgery. The following are advantages of laser surgical treatment of soft tissue:

Minimal Bleeding

Incisions with minimal bleeding, or entirely bloodless incisions, provide greater visibility of the surgery site and allow for higher precision during surgery, resulting in minimal tissue trauma. In comparison with traditional scalpel surgery, no stitches are needed.

Faster Tissue Healing

Laser wounds are often left to heal by secondary intention, meaning there is little to no scarring, which is especially important for treating areas in visible zones. Because the laser beam sterilizes and decontaminates the area being worked on, bacterial infections are minimized and antibiotics are not necessary.

Reduced postoperative pain and discomfort

Patients report less postoperative pain, swelling, and discomfort with laser surgery. The healing process associated with CO2 laser surgery is enhanced and less painful than other types of surgery.

Dr. Horng and his team are trained on the appropriate, safe, and effective use of the laser. Dr. Horng is a Certified member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry.

Dr. Horng may recommend use of the laser for:

• Maxillary frenum revisions
• Mandibular frenum revisions
• Lingual frenum revisions
• Removal of hyperplastic (excessive) tissue growth caused by drugs or suboptimal care in orthodontic patients
• Biopsies
• Treatment of aphthous ulcers (canker sores)
• Exposure of unerupted teeth