What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser or the “Light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation involves the use of laser equipment to focus a precise beam of light that reacts to a particular tissue. Different wavelengths are produced by each laser device to target various tissues. For instance, while hard tissue lasers target hard tissue like teeth and bone, soft tissue lasers target soft tissue like the gums.

Your consultation will start similarly to a regular dental procedure when you come in for a dental procedure based on laser technology. Although in much smaller doses than would be necessary for conventional treatment, you might get some sedation or anesthesia.

Lasers can improve the effectiveness, affordability, and comfort of oral surgery. This dentistry has received FDA approval as a therapy option for several dental problems.

How are Laser Procedures Carried Out?

Hard and soft tissue procedures are the two primary categories of laser procedures. The gums are considered a soft tissue, whereas the teeth are considered hard tissue.

Standard procedures for hard tissue include:

Locating Cavities

Lasers can locate signs of tooth deterioration to find cavities early on.

Dental Fillings and Tooth Preparations

Dental laser treatments usually do not require local anesthetic or conventional drilling. Lasers can eliminate microorganisms in cavities, improving a tooth’s long-term health.

Treating Tooth Sensitivity

Dental lasers that encapsulate tubules on the tooth’s root can cure teeth that are sensitive to heat and cold.

Standard soft tissue procedures include:

Treating a Gummy Smile

The “gummy smile,” in which the gums extend over the teeth, can be treated using lasers to restructure the gum tissue.

Crown lengthening

This treatment helps in setting dental restorations by reshaping the bone and gum tissue for a better dental structure.

Tongue Frenulum Attachment Treatment

A laser frenectomy may be helpful for those who have a thick or tight frenulum (the folding of skin under the front section of the tongue that adheres to the mouth floor). This procedure aids children who suffer tongue-tie, nursing issues, or speech impediments due to a constricted frenulum.

Removing Soft Tissue Folds

Lasers can eliminate soft tissue folds from loose dentures without discomfort or stitches.

Other procedures include:

• Optical coherence tomography for viewing tissues.
• Removal of benign tumor.
• Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Treating TMJ (temporomandibular joint).
• Regenerating nerves.
• The whitening procedure of teeth.
• Treating cold sores.

Types of Lasers For Dental Procedures

Two different types of lasers—soft tissue and hard tissue lasers—are typically employed during dental laser treatments. Both of these have different wavelengths that are suitable for particular tissues or the right cutting.

Hard Tissue Lasers

Teeth are typically made of hard tissues. These lasers’ wavelengths can pierce both water and bone. To restructure the tooth or prepare it for other treatments, the laser removes a minute section of teeth. They generally deal with tooth discomfort, cavity identification, and tooth prep for cavity fillings.

Soft Tissue Lasers

Water and hemoglobin can easily absorb soft tissue lasers’ wavelength. As implied by their name, they are employed to sever blood vessels and cut into soft tissues. They are primarily employed to address restricted tongue movement, extend crowns for cosmetic reasons, and reshape gums.

The Cost

The cost of various types of dental laser treatments can differ based on the treatment being performed and the laser equipment being utilized. They might be less expensive than non-laser treatments because laser treatments are typically finished in fewer sessions. Furthermore, dental insurance typically focuses payment costs on the therapy rather than the technique employed.

Pros and Cons of Laser Dentistry

Pros:

The following are some crucial benefits of dental laser treatments:

• With soft tissue lasers, sutures may not be as necessary.
• Since the laser encourages blood coagulation, bleeding in soft tissues is reduced.
• Anesthesia is not required for most treatments.
• Since the laser sterilizes the area, the likelihood of bacterial infections is reduced.
• Tissue may regenerate, and wounds can heal more quickly.
• The surrounding tissues may sustain less injury due to laser treatments. The dentist can focus on diseased tissue with lasers as their focused light leaves healthy tissue alone.
• Many people are deterred from seeing the dentist by the sound of the dental drill because it makes them feel more uncomfortable and anxious. Since laser treatments are often painless and quiet, patients feel more at ease and calm throughout them.
• Decreased need for medication and antibiotics after treatment.

Cons:

Here are some drawbacks related to dental laser treatments:

• Lasers cannot be utilized on teeth with specific cavity fillings, such as metal amalgam.
• Hard lasers can occasionally damage tooth pulp.
• Anesthesia may be required for some laser operations.
• Fillings occasionally require drills for shaping, correcting the bite, and cleaning.
• Based on the pre-existing healthy tissue or other components affecting the tooth or gums, specific treatments cannot be performed with laser treatment.
• Risk of gum damage

Laser Dentistry at Robert H. Thornton

We use Electro Surge laser technology at our dental office to deliver high-quality dental cleanings and treat periodontal disease. The use of laser technology also makes it possible to execute a variety of soft tissue treatments with less discomfort, better outcomes, and a quicker recovery time, making this treatment option a favorite among patients.

Each of our patients obtains the highest dental care standard thanks to our personnel’s expertise and assistance. You can call us or come to our office to schedule an appointment.