This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 450 nm blue diode laser and 465 nm blue LED light in reducing oral Lactobacillus bacteria.
When you hear “glass,” your mind probably jumps to windows, drinking glasses, or maybe even delicate vases. But did you know that glass is also a powerful, high-tech material quietly supporting modern medicine and dentistry every single day?
In recent decades, dental implants have emerged as a valuable tooth replacement option, offering favorable esthetic outcomes and long-term stability. Despite their high success rates, implants are subject to biological complications that compromise peri-implant tissues,1 peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis being two of the most common inflammatory conditions.2 Current epidemiological studies highlight the high prevalence of peri-implant mucositis, … Read more
Abstract Inappropriate use of lasers in frenotomy can lead to serious complications in patients with ankyloglossia (tongue-tie), a condition that restricts tongue mobility and affects functions like breastfeeding, swallowing, speech, and facial development. While laser frenotomies have gained popularity, improper technique and insufficient training can result in significant postoperative complications. These include hemorrhage, airway obstruction, … Read more
If I were starting out in practice today, there are certain items I have come to realize that are must haves that allow me to perform at the highest level to insure optimal treatment outcomes. In most cases, I have chosen these items based on the criteria of being faster, easier, and better for me, … Read more
Oral leukoplakia is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre in 2020 as “White plaques of questionable risk having excluded (other) known diseases that carry no increased risk for cancer”.1 It is the most common oral pre-cancerous lesion and, by definition, oral leukoplakia excludes white lesions such as frictional keratoses, namely benign alveolar ridge … Read more
Many technologies used in dentistry are evolving and we must keep up with the progress. My interest in various laser and light therapies has recently led me to discovering new and emerging uses of BLUE light which I was not aware of, so I plunged into literature to learn more and what I found pleasantly … Read more
As we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, it is nice to reflect on what the first quarter brought us, lessons learned, and what the future has in store. I celebrated the 25-year reunion with my U of T classmates last year. Most of us are still practicing—some as principal owners facing various … Read more
Abstract: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, known as “dentronics,” is transforming laser dentistry through enhanced diagnostic precision, improved patient outcomes, and treatment optimization. AI technologies enable rapid analysis of diagnostic data from imaging systems, facilitating early detection of oral diseases such as caries and oral cancer. When integrated with laser technology, AI … Read more
Over the past four decades, millions of all-ceramic restorations, both veneers and crowns, have been cemented (or bonded) in place in order to satisfy the ever-growing demand for aesthetic smiles. Dentists have invested many hours of continuing education to enhance their diagnostic and clinical capabilities, while researchers and dental companies have made sustained efforts to … Read more
The Periodontal-Restorative Interface: Biologic and Aesthetic Considerations When designing the optimal aesthetic outcome for a patient during the smile rejuvenation process, the restorative dentist must seek to create a symmetrical and harmonious relationship between the lips, gingival architecture, and the positions of the natural teeth. This diagnostic methodology is facially generated treatment planning, where the … Read more
The primary goal in endodontics is to save teeth and preserve long-term function. If a patient presents with a diseased or inflamed pulp, it must be removed from the root canal system in a manner that preserves tooth structure and restores occlusal function.1 Over the last ten years minimally invasive endodontics (MIE) is a concept … Read more
It has long been established in endodontics that mechanical instrumentation of the canal system is insufficient for proper disinfection. Instead, a combined chemo-mechanical approach is needed whereby mechanical and chemical interactions occur with the pulp and dentin of a tooth.1-3 Infected dentin is removed and shaped with files while irrigating solutions chemically interact with the … Read more
The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), is hosting its first in-person annual conference and exhibition in over two years. ALD 2023 will take place April 21st-22nd at the Hilton Dallas/Plano/Granite Park. According to ALD executive director, Gail Siminovsky, CAE, “The pent-up energy is fantastic! Speakers and industry partners are excited to return to our annual … Read more
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the most common non tooth-related reasons for chronic orofacial pain, affecting 5-12% of the population with 75% of the population presenting at least one sign and 35% presenting at least one symptom of TMD. Women are twice as likely to experience pain symptoms due to hormonal, biological and psychosocial factors. A … Read more
Introduction Er,Cr:YSGG laser has been chosen to perform the apicoectomy1,9,13 as an alternative for the use of a scalpel and rotary instruments due to the laser’s precision, lack of vibration16,17 and lack of microfracture occurrence on hard tissues, such as bone and root. Additionally, laser apicoectomy had the benefit of less post-operative discomfort1, capability to … Read more
The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), the only independent and unbiased non-profit association dedicated to improving patient care with the proper use of laser technology, recently announced the launch of its “DSO Laser Training Program” (DLTP). According to ALD executive director Gail Siminovsky, CAE, “The growth of DSOs and group practices are changing the face … Read more
The Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD), the only independent and unbiased non-profit association dedicated to improving patient care with the proper use of laser technology, is announcing that March 29th will be the last day to register online for its upcoming annual conference and exhibition. “We’ll still accommodate on-site registrations during the conference, but lectures … Read more
The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), the leading professional organization dedicated to the dental specialty of periodontics, has published its “best evidence consensus” (BEC) panel proceedings on the topic of laser usage. The proceedings are the result of the AAP’s second BEC meeting, a model of scientific inquiry rooted in the best available published research … Read more
We all remember graduating dental school and thinking to ourselves: “What’s next?” The future is full of possibilities; we must make decisions which will ultimately affect the rest of our careers and lives. Some of us knew right away that general practice was not for them, whereas specialties like surgery, periodontics or endodontics presented opportunities … Read more