Brought to you by Greater Washington Dentistry

Many of us have had negative experiences at the dentist office. This could have been due to a variety of factors. The mouth is a very sensitive area. Keeping your mouth open for long periods of time can be uncomfortable. The needles for anesthesia are scary. The loud sound of the drill ringing between your ears can be unbearable. Not to mention the shower you, certainly, were not ready for with all that water spraying everywhere!

Did you know that there is an alternative to all of this?

Laser dentistry is the answer you have been searching for. Lasers have been used in medicine for roughly 40 years. They are safe and becoming more widely used in the field of dentistry. In fact, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved laser dentistry for specific conditions. Lasers offer a more comfortable treatment option for a wide variety of treatments as opposed to conventional drills and other non-laser tools. They can make dental treatments more effective and comfortable.

How Does It Work?

The instrument creates light energy that is highly focused into a narrow beam. This beam is then directed at the area of focus to obtain intended results. There are two primary functions of lasers in dentistry: hard and soft tissue. Hard tissue refers to the teeth and soft tissue, the gums.

Different wavelengths and strengths are used for different types of procedures. The light from the laser that shines on the area is extremely specific allowing for minimally invasive treatment to be performed. This interaction causes minimal side-effects such as pain and excessive heat to the surrounding area versus conventional methods. In fact, it can actually promote healing in the treated area. Whereas previous healing times would be longer with significant post-operative pain/sensitivity.

The laser works in a way which minimizes vibration leading to increased comfort during the procedure. This is especially important in our pediatric populations to reduce fear and anxiety. Certain lasers work with your teeth in a way that actually have a pain-relieving effect. This is very important because it can eliminate the need for the anesthesia. This is the portion of an appointment where the needle is used!

Proper training and education are essential for the dentist. Dr. Shohreh Sharif has taken years of extensive continuing education courses from all around the world in laser dentistry. She has state of the art equipment to ensure safety during the procedure and a successful outcome.

Explore your options and ask if laser dentistry is suitable for your next dental procedure. Laser dentistry has the chance to change the age-old negative conceptions and phobias that are associated with a trip to the dentist and the drill.

MEET THE DENTIST

Dr. Shohreh Sharif

D.D.S., FAAPD, FICD

Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Associate Professor, Howard University

College of Dentistry

Diplomate, American Orthodontic Society

(703) 992-9222 | www.washingtondentist.com