Photoactivated (laser) disinfection^TM

Most of the problems that dentistry treats are involved with controlling infection. Teeth are the most vulnerable parts of our bodies to infection on a daily basis because they are not covered by a protective layer of skin and they have only a limited blood supply. However we constantly expose them to foods and other items placed in our mouths that are full of bacteria and then we work them very hard by chewing on them several times a day.

When bacterial infection penetrates into teeth it causes cavities. If these are left the bacteria spread throughout the tooth and beyond causing abscesses and loss of teeth. Once established these bacteria can be difficult to remove from tooth structure and for years the only effective way of combating the infection has been to remove the infected portion of the tooth. This is very damaging and results in weakened teeth often with very large fillings that are no more resistant to future bacterial infection than before.

Other methods of removing infection associated with teeth include systemic antibiotics and use of chemicals such as sodium hypochloride (bleach) and iodoform. These treatments all have potentially serious side effects on the surrounding tissues and general health.

Photo-Activated Disinfection (PAD^TM) is a simple procedure that uses a non-toxic liquid dye (tolonium chloride) to stain the bacteria and then application of a diode laser light to kill the marked organisms. Tolonium chloride molecules bind preferentially to cell membranes of the bacteria. When irradiated these molecules assist the release of reactive oxygen which causes damage within the bacteria.

The dye and the red laser light can penetrate deeply into the tooth and the treatment is quick and simple. There are no known side effects.

PAD^TM can deliver the following benefits for dental treatment:

• Less tooth material is removed, so if fillings are needed they can be smaller, leaving stronger, healthier tooth.
• Drilling is reduced and an anaesthetic may be avoided
• Decay is less likely to recur because the removal of bacteria is more effective so fillings and crowns will last longer.
• Root canal treatment can often be avoided when the infection is removed from a deep filling.
• Gentler but effective removal of bacteria from teeth can make root canal treatment more comfortable and more effective.
• Infected teeth in children can be treated painlessly allowing the tooth to be kept until it is shed naturally without use of antibiotics or risk to the underlying developing tooth.

Treatment is painless. There is no sensation caused by the PADTM procedure;for example, heat, vibration or pain. Indeed where less tooth material is removed, drilling is reduced and an anaesthetic may be avoided.

PAD^TM is delivered as an adjunct to the usual treatments and an additional fee is applied for each application.