Laser: Desensitizing Teeth

• $45 for Desensitization via topical medicament (have to also place fluoride)
  
• 1.5 Watts/Pulse/90 seconds/uninitiated (If needed 2nd = 1.7 /pulse/90, 3rd = 2.0/pulse/90)
• Find sensitive area by using the explorer and having patient raise their hand when you hit the sensitive spot.
• Have them rank pain on scale of 1 (not painful) – 10 (most painful)
• Turn off operatory light so you can see aiming beam
• Set laser to 1.5 watts Pulse
• Start with laser 5 mm away from sensitive spot, for 90 seconds slowly “paint” area in circles, slowly approaching  up to 1 mm  (Do not touch tooth but try to spend most of the time as close to the tooth  as comfortable)
• Explore tooth again and have patient rank pain again after you go over the sensitive spot  (pain should go from 7-8 to 1-2 and you will need to repeat again if pain is not reduced to a 1-2)
• If needed, repeat a 2nd time at 1.7/pulse/90 seconds
• If needed, repeat a 3rd time at 2.0/pulse/90 seconds
• Place topical fluoride on sensitive area when finished (for insurance code)

How long will this last?

Lasts indefinitely:  For some months, for some years. Does seem to work better than any desensitizing agent:

What we are doing? How does it work?:

Hydrodynamic theory = liquid in dentinal tubules causes sensitivity when moving around due to mechanical (touch) or thermal stimulus. The dentinal fluid moves back and forth and transfers stimulus to the pulp = sensation of pain.
Laser reaches water in dental tubules and dehydrates the fluid = it shrinks up = less water and more insulating tooth structure and fluid more viscous so it doesn’t move around as much. It does NOT occlude the dentinal tubules. No VISUAL change.