PROCEDURES

LASER SURGERY

Lasers have been used in surgery for many years but are still considered by many as "new technology". LASER is an acronym which stands for, "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". Laser energy can be used in ways similar to a scalpel, but in addition, allows the performance of surgical procedures which in the past, were difficult or impossible with conventional techniques. Various laser wavelengths have been found useful in surgery but each has it's advantages and disadvantages dependant upon it's tissue absorption characteristics.

The CO₂ laser is an extremely useful general purpose laser especially for the oral cavity, pharynx (throat), and skin. The CO₂ wavelength is highly attracted to water and therefore ideal for soft tissues. It's penetration is only 0.1 mm, thus allowing accurate incision and ablation of tissue with out significant thermal injury to surrounding structures.

What Conditions are Treated with Laser?

The CO₂ laser has advantages of providing a bloodless surgical field, sealing nerves and lymphatics, providing a "sterile" incision with decreased pain postoperatively, and decreased swelling and scarring. It also allows the controlled ablation (removal) of large flat lesions without the need for skin grafting or closure. The uses in surgery are numerous and essentially includes anything in which a scalpel may be used. Removal of lesions from vascular areas such as the tongue, may be done in an essentially bloodless fashion. Frequently, only topical anesthesia is required for superficial intra-oral lesions. Below are listed some of the common procedures in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery that can be assisted with the CO₂ laser and are routinely performed in our office.

Removal of pharyngeal lesions
Removal of vascular lesions
Frenectomy
Vestibuloplasty
Tuberosity reduction
Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty
Excision of benign lesions (fibroma, papilloma, pyogenic granuloma, epuli, symptomatic lichen planus, leukoplakia, verruca, etc.).
Crown lengthening and removal of redundant peri-implant tissues
Treatment of apthous ulcers to reduce pain and duration
Second stage implant uncovering
Salivary calculi (stones)removal
Cosmetic Skin Resurfacing and the removal of dermatological lesions (skin tags, moles, etc.)
Laser Assisted Uvulo-palatoplasty (LAUP) for treatment of loud and disruptive snoring

Dr. Stephens is a recognized national lecturer on these and other laser procedures, certifying other surgeons in these advanced laser procedures. The availability of the CO₂ laser in our office enables us to provide our patients with leading edge surgical care and increases our abilities to treat a variety of conditions. Please feel free to ask us about how laser surgery can benefit you.

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