As the world around us grows and advances, we choose to move with it and take advantage of all it has to offer. In the dental world, laser dentistry is one of those advances. It has allowed dentists in all types of settings to treat patients effectively, comfortably, and with much fewer risks.
Let’s take a closer look at laser dentistry and what it is used for.
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is a thin beam of focused light that has the energy to get through several different dental treatments. Approved by the FDA, there are two different types of lasers used in dentistry – those designed to treat hard tissue such as teeth and those to treat soft tissue, such as gums.
Hard tissue lasers are strong enough to cut through bone – hence why they are used in procedures involving the teeth. They are accurate and precise, cutting the tooth only where needed and minimizing the invasiveness of the tissues. Dentists most commonly use these for finding cavities, prepping the tooth for a filling, and even dealing with tooth sensitivity.
Soft tissue lasers – those most used in a periodontal office – are designed with soft gum tissue in mind. As the gum gets cut by the laser it simultaneously seals off any exposed blood vessels. This helps to reduce bleeding as well as reduce the chance of infection. Healing is quicker, too. Many procedures involving the gums can be safely and effectively handled using these lasers with great results.
The more dentists use lasers in their dentistry work, the more they experience the potential and powerful benefits they provide.
Common Laser Dentistry Procedures
While lasers may not be able to handle all dental procedures, they are capable of handling many, including:
- Crown lengthening
- Pocket reduction (for those with gum disease)
- Gum contouring
- Frenectomy
- Soft tissue folds
- Tooth decay
- Hypersensitivity
- Preparation for dental fillings
And it does all of these things in a much less invasive manner than if they were done using traditional dental tools.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
The benefits of laser dentistry are plentiful. Most patients who experience it tend to find that it is a much more pleasant experience than traditional procedures. Of course, this isn’t the only benefit that comes from taking advantage of the new technology.
Local anesthesia may not be necessary. It depends on the patient and the procedure, but local anesthesia is often not needed with laser dentistry. And, if it is, it is often less than you’d typically receive for a regular dental procedure.
Less blood loss. The highly-focused light beam of lasers aids in the clotting of exposed blood vessels, greatly reducing blood loss.
The chance of infection is significantly lower. Thanks to the ability of the laser to sterilize the area, the risks of infection are much lower.
Healing time is reduced. Laser procedures are less invasive so the healing time is greatly reduced.
Reduce dental fear. Dental fear and anxiety are very common issues for many patients – and it often stems from the sounds and the manner in which dental procedures are traditionally handled. However, laser dentistry is much more comfortable and makes the experience much more tolerable for those with hesitations.
Take Advantage of All That Laser Dentistry Has to Offer
Imagine being able to have your natural teeth and gums restored to health without any invasive dental procedures. At Periodontal Associates, we strive to stay on top of the latest technology so that we may provide our patients with the best treatment options – and that includes laser dentistry.
If you would like to learn more about laser dentistry and how you can benefit from it, reach out to one of our convenient locations:
Framingham Office 508-875-6185
Newton Office 617-964-6185
Or, request an appointment online.