While the technology is still relatively new, it’s being used by more and more dentists who are becoming experienced in the use of lasers for a variety of applications. When can you expect laser technology to be used at your dentist office?

For Reshaping Gum Tissue

Laser dentistry is a common tool used for reshaping gum tissue. Gum tissue may need to be restructured for a variety of reasons: a person may have too much gum tissue covering their teeth such as in gummy smile, or a person may be unhappy with unevenness of their gum tissue.

Dentists have been using laser dentistry to contour the gums in cases such as for patients who suffer from gummy smile [1]. Lasers allow for less bleeding and discomfort following the procedure, making them ideal for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or have concerns about healing time.

For Surgery

Laser dentistry is also more commonly being used for oral surgery, such as to remove tissue for a biopsy for oral cancer. There are a few benefits to using laser technology when it comes to oral surgery.

Lasers can minimize postoperative swelling and pain, such as for procedures like a frenectomy, when the connective tissue in the mouth needs to be lengthened [2]. Lasers help minimize pain, bleeding, and the need for invasive procedures, which many patients can benefit from.

For Root Canals

Dentists have also been using laser technology in root canal therapy as well. In root canal therapy, the nerves in your tooth are removed due to decay or infection, and dentists need to remove all the bacteria and dead tissue inside your tooth during the procedure. Lasers allow dentists to eliminate bacteria in places where traditional tools can’t reach [3]. What this means is that dentists can remove more bacteria and allow for a cleaner root canal to seal and protect your tooth, enhancing the chances of success for your recovery.

Is Your Dentist Experienced with Laser Technology?

The use of lasers in oral applications is growing in popularity, and it’s likely they’ll become even more common in dentistry. Ask your dentist about their experience with laser dentistry and if they offer procedures with this technology at their practice. Laser dentistry can help patients experience less discomfort, a faster healing time, and more effective procedures when it comes to dental services!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3700144/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4281997/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4281974/

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It’s More Comfortable

Laser dentistry is often more comfortable for patients who are used to receiving conventional dental treatment that involves stitches, needles, and cuts. There’s usually no need for anesthesia, so you won’t need any needles or have any numbing feelings after your procedure. There’s also no drilling or heat. The drill is often what causes pain in patients, as the pressure can damage the nearby areas and cause future problems for your smile.

With laser dentistry, there’s no cutting, less pain, and less need for future dental work. Since high-powered drills can actually cause fractures in your teeth, laser dentistry is ideal for patients who want a safer, more comfortable alternative without the need for more dental work.

Faster Healing Time

Laser dentistry eliminates the need for stitches since there’s no cutting. This means you’ll experience less discomfort and a faster healing time. When you get a dental procedure done with a laser, you’ll also typically experience less bleeding and less pain. There’s also minimal swelling, which increases the chances that your body will heal the affected area faster.

People are accustomed to taking great care of their mouths after a dental procedure. With laser dentistry, your healing time is minimal because there’s no need for cutting or stitches. Swelling and bleeding are kept to a minimum. Laser dentistry also allows for everything to be done in one dental visit, which saves you time and hassle from having to return to the dentist for a multi-step procedure!

It’s Versatile

Did you know that laser dentistry can be used for everything from cavity removal to teeth whitening? In fact, laser dentistry can even be used to treat gum disease and perform root canal therapy. One of the best benefits about using a laser is its preciseness. It does not affect surrounding tissues in the same way a drill would. Since the laser is extremely accurate, your dentist can avoid harming any additional tissue than is necessary.

From removing decay to treating infection and even gum shaping, laser dentistry is tremendously versatile and brings its wide range of benefits to a variety of dental procedures. If you’ve been putting off dental work because of dental anxiety, consider laser dentistry for your next procedure. It’s imperative to find a dentist who’s trained in experienced in using laser dentistry for his or her patients. Ask your dentist about laser dentistry next time you visit—using a laser could change the way you think about going to the dentist!

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What is laser dentistry used for and what are its benefits?

Applications for Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry can be used for many different procedures by your dentist. The laser can effectively remove tooth decay, therefore easily prepping a tooth for a filling. It can also help dentists conduct a deep cleaning, as we often see necessary with patients who have gum disease. The laser helps to remove the inflamed gum tissue and provides your dentist the opportunity to better restore your smile by aiding with the cleaning process.

Laser dentistry has also been used for gum disease to help control the bacteria in patients’ mouths. Lasers are very effective at reducing bad bacteria and helping your mouth to heal. Dentists have been using laser dentistry for root canal treatments as well. Lasers help to properly clean the infection out of your tooth’s root and therefore allow for more success when treating your infection and helping you to heal afterwards.

Laser dentistry is also used to speed up tooth whitening in your dentist office, therefore reducing the amount of time the peroxide bleaching solution sits on your teeth and further protecting your enamel. Laser dentistry will likely be used for even more applications in the future!

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

There are numerous benefits of laser dentistry which attract both dentists wanting to become more experienced in conducting the procedure and patients. There’s often no drill needed and patients find the experience to be more comfortable and pleasant. Lasers also allow your dentist to be more precise and to minimize damage done to other tissues during your procedure.

Lasers allow patients to have a faster healing time as a result of this and minimal issues post-surgery. Lasers can even be used to help control bleeding during your procedure, therefore enhancing the level of precision your dentist is able to exercise and helping you to enjoy a faster healing time.

Where Can You Get It Done?

Not every dentist is practiced in laser dentistry; however, more and more oral health care specialists are becoming certified in laser dentistry procedures and gaining experience to better serve you. If you have concerns about laser dentistry as used in your procedure, talk with your dentist about his or her experience and credibility.

Laser dentistry is becoming a popular practice for dentists who want greater control, less bleeding, and minimal damage to oral tissues when it comes to dental procedures. Ask your dentist if laser dentistry is an option for your next procedure!

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Laser Dentistry Defined

Laser dentistry involves a laser—a very focused, intense beam of light—that can be focused in certain areas of your mouth. Laser dentistry is safe when practiced by a dentist who has sufficient experience in laser dentistry, so ask your dentist about his or her experience and credentials when you’re considering laser dentistry treatment. This beam of light is controlled by a machine, and you’ll be asked to wear eye protection while the treatment is underway. The laser causes a reaction in the tissues, whether they be hard or soft, that it is directed at. What are some of the common procedures that are accomplished with laser dentistry?

Procedures Laser Dentistry Is Used For

Laser dentistry can help with a variety of procedures. It can help with the treatment of gum disease by removing infected gum tissue and minimizing healing time for the patient. The laser is also able to remove gum tissue that is affecting wisdom teeth removal, or erupted wisdom teeth. In addition, people who have teeth that are covered by gums, sometimes called a “gummy” smile, can benefit from laser dentistry, as the laser can be used to remove the gum tissue that’s covering the teeth. Laser dentistry may also help with muscle attachment in the mouth or jaw that may be hindering speech for children. It can remove tumors, assist with treatment of TMJ by helping with jaw inflammation, and even help with teeth whitening procedures! The applications that laser dentistry can be used for are very versatile.

Patients Who May Benefit from Laser Dentistry

Patients who may be anxious about their dental treatment can be good candidates for laser dentistry. Your treatment may not require stitches or anesthesia, due to the fact that laser dentistry is relatively painless and minimizes the affected area in your mouth. There’s also decreased bleeding and risk for infection, because the laser will only be pointed at the area needing treatment. This means faster healing time for you! Laser dentistry can help ease anxieties and fears about receiving treatment when the treatment will be minimal and there’s less pain and risk for consequences after the procedure.

Laser dentistry has been approved by the FDA, but has not yet been accepted by the ADA, the American Dental Association. While laser dentistry has been around for a few years now and has been found to be versatile in the treatment of many dental ailments, find a dentist with experience that can perform laser dentistry for your next procedure!

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Lasers have been used since the mid-90s. However, with so any people wanting to improve the look of their teeth and keep their mouth healthy, and have a more gentle and comfotable experience, more dentists are using the treatment. There are several areas where lasers are commonly used. Heat, vibration and pressure can often be the primary causes of discomfort associated with the use of the traditional dental drill. Since cutting both hard (teeth) and soft tissues (gums) with dental lasers does not generate heat, many dental treatments can be performed nearly pain-free with fewer shots, less need for anesthesia and less cause of dental anxiety.

Tooth decay can be removed from within the tooth instead of simply on the outside. The lasers can also be used to prepare the enamel for a filling. You have probably seen a light being used after a filling has been placed. This is a laser that cures, or sets, the filling. Lasers are used when reshaping the gums. They also remove bacteria when a root canal is performed. If there is an area in the mouth where the dentist feels a biopsy needs to be done, then a laser is used to remove the area instead of using any kind of sharp instrument to cut the area.

Laser dentistry is performed when energy is emitted from a light source. The laser acts as an instrument for cutting or as a vaporizer. During the curing process, the laser hardens the filling so that there is a bond between the tooth and the filling. There are several positive aspects when it comes to using a laser in the dentist office over using a traditional drill. There is often less pain involved. This means that the patient can take minimal pain medications after the procedure. Anxiety could be reduced since a drill isn’t used in the mouth. The laser will also minimize bleeding and any swelling when used on the gum tissue. When cavities are removed, more of the tooth can be preserved compared to when using a drill the dentist might have to remove more of the tooth in order to complete the procedure. Laser dental treatment is an advanced technology that is offered by many dentists today, and can be viewed as a safe and preferred to traditional drills.

Discuss what laser dental treatments your dentist can offer, and benefit from the advances in dentistry which can make recieving your regular dental care a comfortable experience and in turn promote good overall dental health for years to come.

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