There aren’t many things that people agree on, but the fear and anxiety of going to the dentist are one of the few. One of the aspects of going to the dentist that seems to bother patients the most is the sound and feeling of the dentist’s drill – luckily for those patients, laser dental surgery offers a quieter alternative.
Developed in the 1990’s, laser dental surgery is a less invasive way for dentists to treat gum issues, remove overgrown tissue in the mouth, and whiten teeth. You can learn more about these procedures in depth on dentrixdentalcare.com, but the following guide will cover the basic facts about what laser dental surgery is, why it’s used, and if it’s something you should consider.
So, What Exactly Is It?
As the name suggests, laser dental surgery involves the use of lasers (intensely focused light beams) for a variety of oral procedures. At a very specific wavelength, the laser is able to destroy bacteria in the mouth. For this reason, its main use is to treat gum disease without having to slice the gum open, but it is also used for whitening teeth and removing excess tissue.
There are two types of lasers used for these types of procedures:
- A hard tissue laser which cuts through water and bone is used for detecting cavities and dealing with issues affecting the teeth.
- A soft tissue laser which uses a light wavelength that cuts through water and hemoglobin is used for procedures that involve the gums.
What Can Laser Dentistry Treat?
This method of dentistry is primarily used for treating gum diseases but has other uses as well, including but not limited to:
- Cold sore and canker sore pain
- Treating gum disease
- Treating infections caused by root canals
- Gum reshaping
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Biopsies
- Benign tumor removal
- Removing excess tissue that causes sleep apnea
- Teeth whitening
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is one of the most popular and innovative trends in dental care. It offers many advantages over traditional dentistry, and is quickly becoming the preferred choice for many patients and dentists alike. Here are just a few of the benefits of laser dentistry:
1. More precise treatment:
Laser dentistry is much more precise than traditional dentistry, because the laser beam can be targeted directly at the area to be treated. This means that less damage is done to the surrounding healthy tissue, and there is less risk of infection.
2. Less pain and discomfort:
Laser dentistry is much less invasive than traditional dentistry, and as a result, patients experience less pain and discomfort. In many cases, laser dentistry can be performed without the need for local anaesthesia.
3. Faster healing time:
Because laser dentistry is less invasive, patients often experience a shorter healing time. In some cases, laser dentistry can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means that you can return home the same day as your treatment.
4. Reduced risk of infection:
One of the major advantages of laser dentistry is the reduced risk of infection. This is because the laser beam kills bacteria as well as removes damaged tissue.
5. Improved oral health:
Laser dentistry can improve your oral health by helping to get rid of bacteria and plaque that can cause gum disease. In addition, the laser beam can help to stimulate the growth of new tissue, which can lead to healthier gums.
6. Enhanced appearance:
Laser dentistry can also improve the appearance of your teeth by getting rid of stains and discoloration. In addition, the laser beam can be used to reshape teeth that are chipped or misshapen.
7. Increased comfort:
Many patients find laser dentistry to be more comfortable than traditional dentistry because there is no need for drills or needles. In addition, the laser beam is gentle and does not cause any vibration or noise.
8. Long-lasting results:
The results of laser dentistry are often long-lasting, because the laser beam actually helps to strengthen the tooth enamel.
9. Environmentally friendly:
Laser dentistry is environmentally friendly because there is no need for harmful chemicals or x-rays. In addition, laser dentistry does not produce any waste products.
10. Affordable:
Although laser dentistry is often considered to be a premium dental treatment, it is actually very affordable. Many dental insurance plans cover laser dentistry, and there are many financing options available to make it even more affordable.
Also read: 12 reasons why your gums bleed
What Happens During This Type of Surgery?
Patients generally are surprised to discover that procedures involving a laser are almost the same as when done with traditional dental tools. The dentist will sometimes give the patient an anesthetic, although not as strong as most patients are used to getting.
Once the dentist begins the procedure, patients won’t feel any vibrations or discomfort that are normally caused by a drill. The length of time it takes depends on the procedure being done.
Post-Operative Treatment
Because using a laser causes less bleeding and irritation than the traditional methods involving scalpels, the procedure usually goes more smoothly, greatly reducing recovery time. As long as the cleaning and care procedures the dentist recommends are followed, there isn’t really a risk of post-operative infection.
Going to the dentist is definitely something that causes many people to become anxious, possibly even leading to them avoiding the dentist completely. However, by opting for laser dental surgery, you can worry a bit less about sharp drills and scalpels at the dentist – great news for even the biggest scaredy-cats!
FAQs about Laser Dentistry
If you’re considering laser dentistry, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about laser dentistry.
What is laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry is the use of lasers in dental procedures. Lasers can be used for a variety of dental procedures, including teeth whitening, cavity detection, and gum surgery.
How does laser dentistry work?
Lasers emit short pulses of intense light that can be precisely targeted at teeth or gums. The light energy from the laser is absorbed by the tissue and converted into heat. This process can remove tissue, reshape it, or kill bacteria.
Is laser dentistry safe?
Laser dentistry is generally safe when performed by a trained and experienced dentist. Lasers are an FDA-regulated medical device, and there are guidelines in place to ensure their safety.
What are the benefits of laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry can offer a number of benefits, including fewer side effects, less pain, and faster healing times. In some cases, lasers can also be used to avoid the need for traditional dental procedures, such as drilling or tooth extractions.
What are the risks of laser dentistry?
There are very few risks associated with laser dentistry. However, as with any medical procedure, there is always a small risk of complications. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have with your dentist prior to your procedure.
How much does laser dentistry cost?
The cost of laser dentistry will vary depending on the specific procedure being performed. In general, laser dental procedures tend to be more expensive than traditional dental procedures.
Is laser dentistry covered by insurance?
Laser dentistry is often considered to be cosmetic and is not typically covered by insurance. However, some procedures, such as those used for cavity detection or gum surgery, may be covered. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if your procedure is covered.
What should I expect during a laser dentistry procedure?
Laser procedures are typically quick and painless. Your dentist will numbing gel to your gums to ensure your comfort. You may also be given protective eyewear to wear during the procedure.
What is the recovery time for laser dentistry?
There is usually no recovery time required after laser dentistry procedures. However, you may experience some sensitivity or discomfort for a few days after your procedure. Be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for caring for your teeth after your procedure.
Do I need to take special care of my teeth after laser dentistry?
In most cases, no special care is needed after laser dentistry procedures. However, your dentist may recommend that you use a special toothpaste or mouthrinse to help reduce sensitivity.
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