Lasers have revolutionized many aspects of modern medicine, and dentistry is no exception. In recent years, lasers have become an increasingly popular tool for improving dental care. These are not just fascinating tools; they can significantly benefit your dental experience. If you’re interested in learning more about how laser dentistry can benefit you, talk to your dentist today.
Gum Disease Treatment
One of the primary uses of lasers in dentistry is for the treatment of gum disease. Traditional gum disease treatments involve cutting away infected tissue with a scalpel, which can be uncomfortable and can lead to longer recovery times. With laser treatment, a highly focused beam of light is used to remove infected tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact selectively. This makes the procedure less invasive, less painful, and results in a quicker recovery time.
Less Discomfort and Need for Anesthesia
Your dentist may also use a laser in some cases to prepare teeth for fillings or other restorative procedures. In the past, dentists used drills to remove decayed or damaged parts of a tooth before filling it in. However, this process can cause discomfort and often requires the use of local anesthesia. With lasers, your dentist can precisely remove the decayed or damaged tissue without needing a drill, reducing discomfort and often eliminating the need for anesthesia.
Reduced Infection
Another benefit of laser dentistry is that it can help reduce the risk of infection during dental procedures. The high-intensity light of the laser can kill bacteria and sterilize the treatment area, reducing the likelihood of infection and promoting faster healing.
Cosmetic Procedures
Dentists will also use lasers for cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening or gum contouring. Teeth whitening with lasers is a safe and effective way to achieve a brighter, more attractive smile. Laser gum contouring can help improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile by removing excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface.
Precise Treatment
One of the greatest advantages of laser dentistry is that it allows for more precise and targeted treatment. This means that they leave healthy tissue intact while your dentist only treats the affected area, resulting in a more efficient and effective treatment process.
It’s important to note that your dentist can’t use lasers with all dental procedures. In some cases, traditional methods may still be the best option. However, for many patients, laser dentistry offers a safer and more effective alternative to traditional dental treatments.
Safety
In terms of safety, laser dentistry is generally considered to be very safe when performed by a trained and experienced dentist. The FDA regulates the use of lasers in dentistry. As a result, dentists must undergo specialized training to be certified to use lasers in their practice.