An uneven gum line could be the result of genetics, brushing your teeth too hard, and even misaligned teeth. Fortunately, in most cases, an irregular gum line can be corrected. Here’s what you need to know about treatment for your gum line based on the cause of its uneven appearance.

For Gum Disease: Gum Grafting

For some people, an inconsistent gum line is the result of gum disease, which can spread below the gum tissue can cause gums to pull away from the teeth in random places [1].

In some cases of mild to moderate gum disease, conventional therapy such as a deep cleaning, changing home care habits, and potentially antibiotics can help return your gum line back to normal. However, for cases of severe gum disease, you may also need a gum graft to restore the evenness of your gum line.

For Gummy Smile: Gum Contouring

People who have gummy smile can have a gum line that’s either too high or too low. In most cases, the gum line extends too far down on the teeth, which can not only give the teeth a shorter appearance, but can cause the gum line to appear asymmetrical in places.

If you have gummy smile, gum contouring may be able to help. Gum contouring is considered a cosmetic procedure in which the shape of your gum line is changed [2]. Your dentist can remove excess gum tissue or even restore missing gum tissue to improve your appearance.

For Other Issues: Laser Therapy

Even if your teeth are aligned correctly, an uneven gum line can make some teeth appear longer and others shorter. You may have the option of laser therapy, which is another way to contour gum tissue for a more symmetrical look [3].

Laser therapy is considered non-invasive and can help restore the appearance of your gums. Laser therapy could also be used to treat gum disease in certain cases, or can repair gum tissue that has been affected by gum disease.

Do You Have an Uneven Gum Line?

Typically, treatment for an uneven gum line is an outpatient procedure that can help restore your appearance and correct the underlying issue that’s causing your crooked gum line. There is treatment for this condition, so follow up with your dentist today to learn more about what can be done for your uneven gum line!

Sources:
1. https://www.perio.org/consumer/types-gum-disease.html
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4239760/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5968693/

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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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However, it’s understandable that some patients would want to avoid dental anesthesia. Many patients would prefer to avoid having an anesthetic injected into their mouth while some patients are worried about the possibility of a reaction to the anesthesia or being “put under” for a procedure.

Are there alternatives to dental anesthesia? Thanks to modern medicine, there are ways you can receive the treatment you need, pain-free!

Dental Lasers

Dental lasers have traditionally only been used for soft tissue in the oral cavity but can now be used for harder tissue as well. Dental lasers are quiet, do not require anesthesia, and do not cause pain, which helps to alleviate the anxiety many patients feel at having to have their mouth exposed to needles, drills, and other tools.

Lasers also help make dental procedures more effective. Your dentist can work quickly and efficiently to complete your procedure without worrying about your anesthesia wearing off or controlling bleeding. Lasers can help to prepare a tooth for a filling, can be used to reshape gum tissue, and much more.

Dental lasers are rapidly becoming a staple at dental offices in place of traditional anesthesia and are transforming dentistry as well as patient experience at the dentist office.

Electronic Anesthesia

Electronic anesthesia, commonly referred to as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), a specific form of electronic anesthesia, helps patients to control their pain at the dentist office.

TENS consists of pads that are placed on the outside of your mouth as close as possible to the area that is receiving the dental treatment. These stimulation pads deliver an electrical current that’s controlled by you—you control the amount of stimulation you receive using a device you hold in your hand.

The voltage is very low and provides the benefit of avoiding the risk of reaction to anesthesia, avoiding injections, and also avoiding any side effects—after the pads are removed and the procedure is complete, you can return home with no lasting effects.

Electronic anesthesia helps stop nerves from signaling to the brain that the body is in pain. This procedure is helping patients to take control of their pain management in the dentist’s chair and alleviating the need for traditional anesthesia.

When it comes to receiving anesthesia at the dentist’s office, you aren’t limited to managing your pain in a specific way. Many dental practices are now offering innovative and advanced techniques to help you receive the treatment you need with as little discomfort as possible. Ask your dentist about their experience with lasers or electronic anesthesia to receive the treatment you need for your smile!

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Does laser teeth whitening damage teeth at all? Here’s what you should know about the procedure.

Uses Low Heat Methods

When you take advantage of laser teeth whitening from brands such as Zoom, low heat methods are used to avoid damaging your teeth. The heat is needed to accelerate the whitening process but is low enough that it doesn’t damage your teeth. Heat also means the solution doesn’t stay on your teeth for longer than it needs to, therefore minimizing any side effects. Higher levels of heat can cause some patients discomfort after the procedure. Fortunately, Zoom is widely used by dentists and has been shown to be a safe, effective procedure for whitening teeth. A professional cleaning is recommended beforehand to remove surface stains and reveal your true smile. This way, your dentist will be better able to whiten your teeth completely and accurately remove stains.

Protective Measures for Your Smile

Laser teeth whitening is safe because your dentist will take protective measures for your smile before and during the procedure. Before the bleaching solution is applied, your lips, gums, and inner oral tissues are fully protected. Your dentist will do this by using rubber dams over your gum tissue and retractors for your cheeks.

Finding a dentist who’s experienced and skilled at teeth whitening can help. Proper protective measures and accurate application of the whitening solution can help perfect your smile. Keeping your teeth safe during the procedure is important to prevent any side effects from the procedure.

Side Effects

The good news is that the only side effect of Zoom laser teeth whitening is mild tooth
sensitivity, which normally resolves itself after a few days. Your dentist can talk with you about what to expect and how to treat it. Usually, de-sensitizing toothpaste can help in the first few days after the procedure.

Sensitivity does not occur in all patients. It’s important to have your smile evaluated for the laser whitening procedure before it happens. Your dentist will ensure your smile is healthy and able to tolerate the whitening beforehand. If you already have sensitive teeth, talk to your dentist about how you can get a white smile without increasing tooth sensitivity.

Zoom laser teeth whitening is the professional, safe way to whiten teeth. There’s no tooth damage done and any sensitivity that results typically goes away shortly. Your dentist will take every measure possible to protect your smile during the procedure to make your teeth a beautiful shade of white afterwards. Happy smiling!

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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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