How can laser dentistry help me?

Laser dentistry is incredibly versatile and plays an important role in a growing number of common dental procedures.  Though laser dentistry is most notably associated with cosmetic treatments, it is equally effective for preventative purposes.  This newer style of dentistry utilizes intense, accurate beams of light projected by a dental laser. 

Here are some of the ways that dental lasers can be used:

• Removal of harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease– Lasers can be used alongside traditional cleaning (or scaling) to eliminate bacteria below the gumline with no discomfort at all.
• Reshaping soft tissue – Dental lasers can dissolve soft tissue to expose more of the natural tooth (crown lengthening), reshape soft tissue to make “gummy smiles” more attractive, and remove uncomfortable soft tissue folds caused by denture wear.
• Frenectomy – Lasers can improve speech and the feeding habits of babies, children and adults by untying the tongue and help close spaces between teeth caused by frenum attachments.
• Tumor removal – When benign tumors have formed in the soft tissue areas of the mouth, a dental laser can completely remove them without causing pain.
• Whitening – Lasers can greatly expedite the tooth whitening process by increasing the activity of the particles in the peroxide bleaching solution.
• Biopsy – Lasers are sometimes used to perform a biopsy on suspicious areas of soft tissue.  This biopsy procedure can be performed instantly and with great precision

  The beauty of dental lasers is that they damage far less of the surrounding tissue than traditional techniques such as conventional surgery – which means less discomfort and pain after treatment.

    Your Dental Hygienist may suggest using a laser to treat unhealthy gums, after they have completed your cleaning and removed all plaque, debris and calcified deposits.  These deposits around and under your gums  contain bacteria that cause disease and  infect gum tissue.  Once these  large irritants  are removed, a safe, low power laser can be used to kill any remaining trace bacteria cells that may have not been physically removed during the cleaning.  By removing nearly all the bacteria around your teeth and in your gums, you will see an amazing reduction in inflammation, bleeding and all other symptoms associated with gum disease and an increase in the overall health of your mouth.

This specialized treatment can be performed one time at a dental hygiene visit or it may be performed multiple times over a few months, depending upon the health and condition of the gums as well as the depth of the periodontal pockets

Laser use will also help increase circulation and collagen formation at the bottom of your periodontal pockets and help to revive or rejuvenate the gingival attachment of the gum tissue. 

Here are some of the other benefits associated with laser dentistry vs conventional (surgery) treatment:

• Faster healing and tissue regeneration.
• Reduced bleeding during and after treatment.
• Reduced need for anesthesia.
• Reduced need for stitches and sutures.
• Reduced risk of bacterial infections after procedures..

How are laser procedures performed?

Different types of dental laser have been created to treat different conditions.  Each laser uses a different wavelength of light, which predicates its best use.  The most common types of dental laser are carbon dioxide lasers and diode lasers, which are usually employed to treat soft tissue problems.  The dentist will decide which type of laser is best to use after evaluating X-rays and a thorough examination.

The laser beam is extremely bright, and special glasses will be provided to protect the eyes.  The dentist will then direct the beam at the affected area and carefully dissolve the soft tissue, harden the filling or whiten the teeth.

The procedure will take far less time than conventional methods, and cause far less anxiety and discomfort.  .

If you have questions or concerns about laser dentistry, please ask us.