Laser to offer sensory friendly dentistry at MMI

Dental patients will be met with a more sensory friendly experience at the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute soon, thanks to the donation of a carbon dioxide laser.

Dental appointments often come with an overload of sensory information, including shrill drills, vibrations and bright lights. The laser should help to quell some of those overwhelming sensations, said Corinne Van Osdel, DDS.

The machine is designed to be used on soft tissue, like the gums, or hard tissue, like the teeth, Dr. Van Osdel said.

The laser, which will be used largely for cavity removal, has some sound but isn’t as shrill as a typical dental drill, and it eliminates vibration. It’s also possible, Dr. Van Osdel said, that many patients may not need numbing for laser treatment.

Patients have to wear special sunglasses during laser treatments, which could help with light sensory issues.

Dr. Van Osdel hopes to have the laser operating sometime in August.

“We know that people become fearful of the dentist early on,” Dr. Van Osdel said. “It’s not anybody’s favorite place to go, but usually that’s because of a generational thing or a bad experience.

“If we can make sure all of our experiences are positive, that can ensure that this next generation of patients will have less fear and more success in the dental chair.”