Regular visits to the dentist are essential for detecting and treating oral issues early. Dental professionals provide a complete exam of your teeth and other surrounding structures, including your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.
Preventive dental care is vital for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing potential dental issues before they become more serious and costly problems. However, some patients may prolong visits to the dentist out of anxiety.
Laser dentistry uses an all-tissue layer to remove decay and offers reduced pain, minimized bleeding, faster healing times, and increased precision in dental procedures. It’s an excellent option for those with dental anxiety or who require fillings but dislike the noise made by the dental drill.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is the application of lasers to treat various dental problems. Laser dentistry may provide a more comfortable alternative for several dental treatments involving hard or soft tissue than drills and other non-laser equipment.
How Does A Dental Laser Work?
The acronym LASER stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” The device produces a precise and concentrated beam of light energy that strikes tissue and causes a reaction allowing it to remove or reshape the tissue.
Uses Of Laser Dentistry
Several procedures can use laser dentistry, including:
Hypersensitivity treatment
Treat tooth decay
Treating gingivitis
Teeth whitening
Snoring reduction
Reducing cold sores and canker discomfort
What Procedures Can Be Done with a Dental Laser ?
The 2 basic categories of laser dentistry are hard and soft tissue procedures. The teeth are hard tissue, while the gums are soft tissue.
Hard tissue procedures include:
Cavity treatments: Dental lasers vapourize enamel and remove decay from teeth.
Dental fillings and procedure preparation: Laser dentistry does not usually require local anesthesia or traditional drilling.
Sensitive teeth treatments: Teeth with hypersensitivity to cold and hot temperatures can be treated with dental lasers, which seals channels within the tooth’s root.
Soft tissue procedures include:
Gum restructuring: Laser dentistry can be used to restructure gum tissue that causes a “gummy smile,” where the gums cover a large portion of the teeth.
Crown extension: This procedure changes both gum tissue and bone for healthier structure in teeth and assists in the placement of dental restorations.
Tongue frenulum attachment: Sometimes, the fold of skin under the tongue that anchors it to the floor of the mouth is thicker or tighter than it should be. A laser frenectomy can help loosen a constricted frenulum.
Soft tissue folds removal: Soft tissue folds from dentures that fit poorly can be removed with dental lasers without sutures or discomfort.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry offers many benefits, such as minimizing the need for sutures, promoting blood coagulation to reduce bleeding in soft tissues, and expediting wound healing time.
Additionally, anesthesia may not always be required for treatments, the risk of bacterial infection is low due to the sterilizing effect of the laser, and the procedures performed by laser dentistry may cause less injury to the surrounding tissues.
Is Laser Dentistry Safe?
There are few risks associated with laser dentistry. Your dentist must complete training for each dental laser device before performing dental laser treatments.
Training is provided by manufacturers, professional organizations, and dentistry schools. Before undergoing dental laser surgery, don’t be afraid to ask your dentist about their knowledge and experience with the procedure.
Prevention Before Procedure
Regular dental exams and cleanings are crucial for maintaining optimal oral health. Being proactive and identifying problems early on is ideal as it often leads to more favorable outcomes and less costly treatments than addressing issues later. Prioritizing preventive care can save you both time and money in the long run while keeping your smile healthy and bright.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly to clean in between teeth, occasionally using mouthwash, and seeing your dentist twice a year are the ingredients for a healthy, happy smile.
Book your dental checkup today!