For many years, dentists have continued to perform simple teeth cleanings, cavity cleaning and fillings, gum surgery, and other important dental treatments all using traditional methods. Technology continues to become more advanced everyday, even for dentistry, and many dentist offices have incorporated lasers to replace traditional practices for a more precise and pain-free experience for patients.
Laser dentistry can replace a ton of traditional methods that are performed at a dentist office and are handled with more precision. While it could potentially be a more expensive option, it has a ton of benefits for patients and it can make for a less stressful option for those who don’t like the drills, scalers, and curettes used in traditional dentistry.
Let’s learn more about laser dentistry and just how it can be a better experience for you at a dental office that provides these methods!
A Deep Dive Into Laser Dentistry
Learn more about laser dentistry and the treatments that can be performed using this technologically-advanced method!
The thought of using a laser to perform normal everyday treatments can seem terrifying–especially on your teeth! Laser dentistry has shown to be a much more precise method for doing simple dental treatments, while also providing a better experience for patients too.
How Are Lasers Used?
Laser dentistry is simple–it comes down to a single concentrated beam to perform a wide variety of dental treatments instead of using manual tools like in traditional practices. A laser will focus in on a designated spot where the light energy coming off of it will help to remove or reshape the hard or soft tissue that is being worked on. It is commonly used for cavities, any type of gum surgery, teeth whitening, and a variety of other procedures.
What Kinds of Lasers Are Used?
There are two different kinds of lasers that are used for specific treatments. Hard and soft tissue lasers are most commonly used in laser dentistry and are used for specific treatments and on different parts of the mouth. Erbium lasers–used for hard tissues in the mouth– are commonly used for cavity preparation, bone reshaping, and also for those who have hypersensitive teeth. On the other hand, diode lasers are used for soft tissues in the mouth by helping to reshape gums, treat cold sores, and perform other surgical procedures.
While these two types of lasers are the most common, there are other hard and soft-tissue laser types that are used for other treatments and procedures:
- Hard tissue lasers:
- Er:YAG – Used on both enamel and dentin and can be good for those with built-up acid in the mouth that can cause damage teeth overtime
- Er,Cr:YSGG – Used for cavity preparation and reshaping both bone and enamel
- Soft tissue lasers:
- CO2 lasers – Used for recontouring and incisions that leave minimal bleeding and pain
- Nd:YAG lasers – Lasers that absorb melanin pigments and red blood cells for both surgical and non-surgical periodontal procedures
What Types of Procedures Can Be Done Using Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry can replace traditional methods for a much better experience with an easier healing process!
There are a number of different procedures that can be performed using laser dentistry that can replace the everyday traditional practices. Laser dentistry provides a unique experience for both dentists, dental hygienists, and even patients that provides a better sterilization process, is less invasive for both parties, and it is less painful for patients.
Hard Tissue Laser Procedures
There are a number of hard tissue procedures that can be performed everyday in a dental office with the use of lasers instead of traditional practices. Some of these procedures consist of the following:
- Cavity detection and treatment – Decay in the teeth can be removed and destroy the harmful bacteria. This is a much more precise method compared to using a drill to preserve more of the healthy part of the tooth to prevent excess damage.
- Sensitivity treatment – For those who struggle with sensitive teeth, the lasers can seal the dentinal tubules in the roots of your teeth to permanently get rid of pain from either hot or cold food or drinks.
Soft Tissue Laser Procedures
While there may be a limited amount of hard tissue treatments that can be performed with laser dentistry, soft tissue laser procedures offer a wide variety of both cosmetic and medically necessary treatments for overall oral health. Some of the most popular procedures that are performed using this method include:
- Gum contouring – Reshaping the gums for a more pleasingly aesthetic gum line
- Frenectomy – Releasing the frenulum located under the tongue to help speak and eat better
- Lengthen crowns – Reshape both gum and bones to expose the tooth structure for either crown or root canal procedures
- Remove tumors – Tumors can grow on gums, cheeks, the palette, and lips and a laser can easily remove them for testing
- Biopsies – Soft tissue can be removed using laser to be tested for lesions, lumps, or other abnormalities
- Treat mouth lesions – Pesky cold sores, scars, and other lesions can be sealed and treated using lasers
- Remove soft tissue folds – Perfect for patients whose dentures don’t fit due to extra soft tissue on the gums
What Are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?
There are many benefits that laser dentistry can have for patients–especially those with dentophobia!
There’s no doubt that with technology getting better everyday, we’ll continue to see its advancements in many ways–even in dentistry. Laser dentistry is a popular way to get normal everyday treatments done that make it less painful and invasive for the patient, plus there are many other benefits to the practice as well.
More Precision and Less Invasive
A reason why so many patients are seeking out dental practices that use lasers is because of its precision and that it is less invasive overall. For example, when getting a cavity cleaned out, a drill can potentially remove too much of the healthy tooth structure on top of the decay. With laser dentistry, it is more precise and only gets rid of the decaying spots to preserve more of the tooth, plus it is less invasive and doesn’t require local anesthesia.
Faster Healing Process With Minimal Pain After Procedures
Another reason why people are seeking out laser dental procedures is because of the faster healing process that is involved. Normally, it is common to feel sore after getting dental work done, requiring you to eat soft foods for the next couple days or weeks to ensure that there is no infection and everything heals correctly. With laser dental procedures, there is a reduction of both bleeding and swelling, leading to faster healing due to there being less trauma to your teeth and gums. It can also help to reduce the risk of infection because the laser is a more sterile option.
Helps Lower Anxiety For Those That Struggle With Dentophobia
Dentophobia is a real thing that many patients struggle with when going to a dentist. From the common smells, the sound of the drills, and the horrible feeling that people feel when plaque build-up is being scraped off of their teeth can be a lot for some. Since lasers are not only a quieter option, it’s not as intimidating as drilling and scraping and it has a more precise nature that can help ease the minds of many that struggle going to the dentist.
Consider Laser Dentistry For its Precision and Benefits For Common Dental Procedures
When looking to get your teeth cleaned, cavity filled, a necessary dental surgery, or even a cosmetic one, sometimes laser practices are the way to go. Laser dentistry is becoming more popular due to it being less invasive, more precise, and it lowers anxiety from the common dental office sounds and feeling of being in the chair. There are many people searching out laser dentistry, so if you’re interested, talk to your dentist or give a call to one that does laser dentistry to see if it’s the right option for you!
If you’re in the Washington, PA area and are interested in an in-person appointment that can provide a ton of insight into the status of your oral health––consider contacting Elizabeth L. Wakim—exceptional smiles start here!
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim, DDS, is the founder of Enhanced Wellness. She’s a compassionate and highly-regarded dentist with her own practice in Washington, Pennsylvania, known for providing modern, comprehensive dental care, botox and facial aesthetics with a focus on patient comfort and anxiety reduction, serving general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry needs.
