Categories: Laser Dentistry

Laser Dentistry: An Alternative to Traditional Dental Treatment

The use of laser dentistry to treat a variety of dental issues has been commercially available since 1989. Lasers are a less painful and more efficient option than the drills and tools used in traditional dental treatment procedures. Many patients also feel more comfortable with the sounds and feel of laser treatment. Laser treatment options even help make proper dental care more doable for those people with severe anxiety or fear of going to the dentist.

So what exactly is laser dentistry and how does it work? The word laser is an acronym that stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. This amplified light stream is usually very bright and very precise. Laser dental treatment is the use of specially formed lasers to perform specific dental procedures.

Treatment with a dental laser incorporates two basic types of procedures: hard tissue and soft tissue. Dentists use different sizes and types of lasers to accomplish various hard and soft tissue dental tasks. Each different laser also utilizes a unique light wavelength that is tailored for each specific dental exercise and type of tissue.

Hard tissue procedures

Hard tissue lasers are used primarily for and on teeth. These lasers cut through the calcium phosphate in the teeth, removing small amounts of hard tissue for the following procedures.

Treating cavities

Lasers can be used to find cavities early by detecting evidence of decay. For preparing the tooth and filling cavities, traditional drills can be replaced with a laser treatment that kills the bacteria and assists with the long-term health of the root. Lasers also help lessen the occurrence of damage to any surrounding tissues during these procedures.

Treating sensitivity

Laser dentistry can treat teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold sensations. The laser's focused beam of light is applied to the affected tooth, sealing tubules on the root of the tooth to lessen the painful effects of hypersensitivity. The effects are generally immediate and require little to no recovery period.

Tooth whitening

Whitening procedures conducted in the dental office can be enhanced through the use of lasers. A solution of peroxide bleach is applied to the surface of the tooth and activated by the laser, which significantly accelerates the whitening process.

Soft tissue procedures

Soft tissue lasers utilize a light wavelength that is easily absorbed by water and hemoglobin, the molecule found in blood. The process of cutting into soft tissue and simultaneously sealing exposed blood vessels is ideally suited for this type of laser. Bleeding is kept to a minimum with soft tissue lasers and post-procedure healing is usually quicker than with traditional methods.

Reshaping gum tissue

Soft tissue lasers are used in the process of reshaping gum tissue for the treatment of a "gummy smile," characterized by a long gum that covers much of the tooth. For dental restorations, reshaping the gums is beneficial to create a healthier structure for the tooth.

Soft tissue folds

Ill-fitting dentures can be remedied by lasers that can remove soft tissue folds. When performed with a laser, these procedures often happen painlessly without the need for sutures or pain medications. They also require less healing time, if any, for patients to regain full use of their dentures and greater comfort in their mouths.

Tongue frenulum attachment

The frenulum is the skin fold under the front portion of the tongue. For patients with a tight or thick frenulum, a laser frenectomy is a beneficial option. This treatment assists children whose frenulum problems cause issues with breastfeeding, speech, or being "tongue-tied."

Other soft-tissue laser benefits

Laser dentistry varies in price depending on the procedure. There are a variety of additional uses for laser treatments, including:

  • Removing benign tumors
  • Treating sleep apnea
  • Viewing tissue inside the gums
  • Treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
  • Regenerating nerves, blood vessels, and scars
  • Treating canker and cold sores

Conclusion

Laser dentistry carries relatively minor risks and can have substantial rewards. Both hard tissue lasers and soft tissue lasers offer many advantages over traditional forms of dental treatment. Bleeding is minimized, wounds heal more quickly, and the chance for infection is much lower due to the laser's sterilization process. Lasers also help patients feel more at ease during and less fearful of many dental procedures. By using the right protective equipment and following proper usage guidelines, dentists can use lasers to more efficiently treat many dental conditions and help patients everywhere receive suitable dental treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://yoursensationalsmile.com or call Colella Cosmetic Dentistry at (954) 428-6923 for an appointment in our Coconut Creek office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Laser Dentistry in Coconut Creek, FL.

Related Posts

Is Laser Dentistry Painless?

Many people dread going to the dentist because of the pain they associate with the drill, scalpel, and numbing shots. If this describes you, laser dentistry may be an option worth considering as a relatively pain-free alternative to traditional methods. For many patients, dental laser treatments help them manage dental anxieties while ensuring they get…

Can All-on-4 Replace Multiple Teeth?

An All-on-4® treatment can replace multiple teeth. This extensive procedure is for people who are going to have several teeth extracted. It is also for those who have lost many teeth already. Knowing all that you can about the teeth-replacement options available to you is important. If you want to know if an All-on-4 can…

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve Your Smile?

Many patients want to improve their smiles — this is where a cosmetic dentist can help. Read on to learn how cosmetic dentistry can improve the look of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the quality of the smile, while also addressing oral health and functional concerns as necessary.The primary focus of cosmetic dentistry is…

Teeth Whitening And Your Smile Makeover

Thinking that you should get a smile makeover so you can feel great about the way you look when you smile? New dental technologies allow for many makeover options nowadays, which means you get to pick and choose how you want your smile to look. You can even have your smile made over in one…

Colella Cosmetic Dentistry

Share
Published by
Colella Cosmetic Dentistry

Recent Posts

Can All-on-4 Replace Multiple Teeth?

Any person who has an All-on-4® treatment can have a dental transformation in one day.

3 weeks ago

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve Your Smile?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the quality of the smile, while also addressing oral health and…

2 months ago

Teeth Whitening and Your Smile Makeover

If you are interested in getting your teeth professionally whitened, know it can be accomplished…

3 months ago

Can Multiple Teeth Need a Root Canal?

If an individual has various infected or damaged teeth, a dentist may recommend multiple root…

4 months ago

Recovering from Getting Dental Implants

Patients can expect to experience some swelling, bleeding and various levels of pain after undergoing…

5 months ago

General Dentistry: The Risks of Untreated Tooth Decay

A lot of general dentistry care is focused on the prevention of tooth decay. It…

6 months ago