Laser dentistry is one of the newest technologies in the dental field. It is used for a wide variety of procedures from cavity fillings to gum surgery. Dentists who are up to date with best practices for dental procedures are using lasers whenever possible to reduce the time patients spend in the dentist’s chair and accelerate recovery.
What exactly is laser dentistry? How is it used? Here’s an overview of this innovative technology.
What is a Dental Laser?
You probably know that a laser, in general, is a beam of light. LASER is actually an acronym that stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. A dental laser is a highly focused beam of light that is capable of extreme precision. The laser emits light energy in a concentrated beam that can be easily controlled by the dentist. When the laser beam makes contact with tissue, the reaction that results can reshape or remove tissue.
There are two types of dental lasers:
- Soft tissue. A soft tissue laser is used for procedures involving the gums, tongue, lips, or cheeks.
- Hard tissue. A hard tissue laser can hard tissues like teeth and bone.
Procedures Dental Lasers Can Be Used For
Dental lasers can be used for, but not limited to, the following treatments:
- Removing damaged gum tissue.
- Tongue or lip frenectomy (treating babies who are tongue-tied).
- Gum contouring and crown lengthening (reshaping the gum tissue).
- Treating canker sores and cold sores.
- Wisdom tooth surgery.
- Removing tooth enamel.
- Repairing fillings.
- Preparing teeth for composite bonding.
- Accelerating teeth whitening treatment.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
There are many reasons why dentists are using laser dentistry over other techniques whenever possible:
- Less invasive. Procedures done with lasers are much less invasive than those done with other methods and tools.
- Shorter procedures. Lasers have reduced the amount of time routine and complex dental procedures take to complete. Patients spend less time in the dental chair.
- Less noise. If the sound of the dental drill makes you cringe, you’ll enjoy the fact that laser dentistry is virtually silent.
- Reduced heat and vibration. Lasers don’t vibrate the way other instruments do. And despite the fact that they use a concentrated beam of light, they produce less heat.
- Faster recovery. After laser procedures patients experience accelerated recovery. They are back to regular activities and eating normally days and even hours sooner.
- Reduced pain during and after procedures. Procedures performed with a laser are less painful during the procedure and result in less pain afterwards, reducing the need for pain relievers.
- Less anesthesia is needed. Patients who undergo laser dental procedures may need less anesthesia than with other types of procedures.
- Minimized bleeding. Lasers are capable of manipulating tissue without causing as much damage to the blood vessels, which reduces bleeding during and after the procedure.
- Fewer post-procedure infections. The less-invasive nature of laser dentistry reduces the frequency of infections occurring after procedures.
How to Find a Dentist Who Provides Laser Dentistry
If you’re looking for a dentist who offers laser dentistry as an option for procedures, there may be plenty that do. But how do you find them? Some dental practices may list laser dentistry as a service option on their website. But others may have this option without specifically advertising it. You may need to call dental offices to find out if they perform laser dentistry procedures. If your current dentist doesn’t offer it, but you want to experience the benefits, it may be time to find a new dentist who uses up to date technology.
Dr. Laurie Rosato Provides Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry offers numerous benefits to patients, which is why Dr. Laurie Rosato, DMD provides this technology. Our practice believes in keeping up to date with current technology in order to provide the best possible care to our patients. Laser dentistry reduces dental anxiety for many patients who have always been fearful and uncomfortable going to the dentist.
Call 603-228-9276 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to providing you with the best possible dental care.