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 LightScalpel CO₂ laser, only an intense beam of laser light interacts with the tissue. There is no mechanical trauma to the tissue and the coagulation zone is very narrow (as little as 50 microns – almost the width of a human hair).

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. Our laser is so precise that it can selectively remove only a few cells at a time if needed. At the same time, it is powerful enough to de-bulk the largest of tumors.

What are the advantages of Lightscalpel Laser procedures?

Here is a list of some of the many advantages for patients that the LightScalpel laser technology provides:

• Minimized Bleeding: As it vaporizes the tissue, the LightScalpel laser seals small blood vessels. This great reduction in bleeding makes surgical procedures quick and easy. In many cases, no sutures are required.
• Less Swelling and Discomfort: The LightScalpel CO₂ laser beam seals lymphatics, resulting in less post-operative swelling and discomfort associated with traditional scalpel surgery.
• Reduced Risk of Infection: The sanitizing effect of the laser reduces the risk of infection and means faster healing.
• Shortened Surgery Time: Less bleeding results in the improved visibility of the surgical field. The surgeon and the team do not have to spend much time trying to control the bleeding, and as a result, the duration of the surgery is reduced.
• Faster recovery: Reduced trauma, minimized bleeding, less pain and swelling, and shorter periods of anesthesia mean, in most cases, you can go back to work or school the same day.
• Reduced Risk of Scarring: Several studies have shown that CO₂ laser-irradiated areas, (compared to traditional methods) heal with less wound contraction and scarring due to the reduced amount of myofibroblasts at the surgical site.
• Advanced laser tools mean better results: The lightweight ergonomic handpieces and flexible fiber waveguide of the LightScalpel CO₂ laser allow for enhanced precision with pinpoint accuracy. Also, LightScalpel accessories significantly facilitate surgeries in difficult to reach places.

Ask your doctor if LightScalpel laser surgery is right for you.

Many soft tissue procedures in pediatric dentistry, such as the release of infant lip-ties and tongue-ties (laser frenectomy), can be safely and efficiently performed with the LightScalpel dental CO₂ laser with repeatable and predictable tissue response, gentle (sub-millimeter) and fast ablation and instant hemostasis. The clear and bloodless operating field, the extremely precise tissue vaporization, and, reportedly, relatively minimal postoperative pain make the CO₂ laser the instrument of choice for soft tissue pediatric dentistry.

Are Lightscalpel Laser procedures safe?

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