What is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is a highly precise and efficient procedure for treating several dental problems including tooth decay and gum disease. The laser produces a very accurate and high-intensity beam of light energy. This laser light can be safely used in a wide range of dental procedures for:
- Reducing the pain and discomfort caused by cold sores and cankers
- Exposing wisdom teeth that are partially erupted
- Removing restricting muscle attachments
- Removing tissues that have overgrown
- Performing biopsy
- Removing tissues that are inflamed
- Reshaping gum tissues and removing bone tissues during crown lengthening treatments
- Treating root canal infections
- Accelerating teeth whitening procedures
How it Works to Enhance Dental Treatments
Laser technology employs high-intensity light energy for surgical procedures and dental treatments. It acts as a safe and effective cutting instrument that vaporizes tissues that come in contact with the laser. When used for curing, laser strengthens the bond between the tooth and the filling and when used in teeth whitening procedures, it acts a heat source that further enhances the efficacy of bleaching agents. This high-precision, less painful technology is now being widely used for both hard tissue and soft tissue dental treatments including:
Tooth Laser Dentistry
- Â Low-intensity laser is used for detecting cavities
- Â Hard tissue dental lasers are used in dental filling procedures and restorations
- Â Laser dentistry is also used for sealing tubules that cause sensitivity
Gum Laser Dentistry
- Â Dental lasers can easily reshape gum tissues and bone structures to provide a stronger foundation for placing restorations
- Â Laser can painlessly remove the soft tissue folds that are often caused by ill-fitting dentures
- Â Laser dentistry can greatly improve the appearance of a gummy smile by exposing healthy tooth structure
- Â Laser dentistry is an ideal solution for treating restrictive muscle attachments in children and babies who are tongue-tied
Other applications include suture-free removal of benign tumors, regeneration of damaged nerves and blood vessels, sleep apnea, and TMJ treatment.
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is less painful and so it reduces the need for sedation. It greatly reduces anxiety in patients who fear the use of dental drills. Laser dentistry is minimally invasive and so it significantly reduces swelling, tissue damage and bleeding during soft tissue treatments. Laser wounds heal faster and tissues also regenerate quickly. Laser minimizes the risk of bacterial infections because the high-energy light beam used in a laser procedure sterilizes the area that is being treated. Finally, the laser is efficient at preserving healthy teeth during cavity treatments. If you are an anxious dental patient who seeks comfort and safety, you might want to consider this precise approach that accelerates recovery and minimizes pain.
How safe is Laser Dentistry
If laser technology is used in adherence to accepted practices by a trained, certified and experienced dental practitioner, then you can be sure that your dental treatment would be just as safe and effective as any other dental treatment. However, just like other dental treatments, you need to take some precautionary measures prior to the treatment procedure and proper after-care following a surgery if you want a positive outcome.
Is Laser Dentistry an Option for Me?
Although laser is highly safe and effective when used for dental treatments, it is not appropriate for everyone. Laser dentistry cannot be used for treating teeth with old fillings, large cavities, and defective crowns. However, if you are a good candidate for laser dentistry, it is sure to make you feel less anxious and more comfortable during your treatment. The best way to know if you qualify for a minimally invasive laser treatment is to ask your dentist.