In this Gulf News interview, Dr. Imneet Madan explains how she became a laser pediatric dentist and why the technology changed her practice.
Gulf News speaks to Dr. Imneet Madan, laser pediatric dentist at Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic.
What first drew you to lasers?
My aim was simple. Above all, I wanted to avoid local anaesthetic that left children numb for hours afterwards.
The most common complication was a traumatic bite. Children repeatedly bit their numbed lips or cheeks without realising. Therefore removing the numbness removed the injury.
Erbium and Diode lasers were a quantum leap. Their no-contact, no-pressure mechanism means routine cavity preparation needs no local anaesthetic at all.
When did you introduce them?
I earned a Master of Science in Laser Dentistry from RWTH Aachen University in Germany. After that, I introduced lasers into my practice at the start of 2012.
The shift in cooperation was immediate and obvious. Besides the technology, reframing it with words children enjoy helped too. For instance, we call it Magic Light, Popping Light, Magic Water and Star Wars.
Why has laser-assisted dentistry become more popular?
With Erbium lasers, water and air spray are significantly reduced compared with conventional drills. As a result, aerosolisation drops, and aerosol has always been the biggest concern in dental treatment.
In addition, the surface temperature rise during cavity preparation with Erbium lasers is much higher. Consequently viruses and bacteria around the site cannot sustain themselves.
What does this mean for a child?
A laser pediatric dentist can treat most cavities with no needle and no drill. Therefore children cooperate, because nothing frightening happens.
That changes the long-term relationship with dentistry. A child who trusts the chair keeps attending, so problems stay small. You can read more in laser dentistry for children and fear free dentistry.
Further parent guidance on treatment choices is published by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
See a laser pediatric dentist in Dubai
If your child dreads the drill, a needle-free consultation is a gentle place to begin. Call +971 50 682 3462 or book an appointment with Dr. Imneet Madan in Dubai.
