Laser Dentistry
Lasers have been used in dentistry for many years for treating various types of dental conditions. It is the most convenient and innovative form of dental care in which dentists use an extremely focused light beam that creates a reaction when it strikes a diseased tissue. It is used to alter or remove tissues and even whitening teeth. There are two types of dental lasers- hard tissue laser and soft tissue laser. In comparison to other dental procedures, laser surgery is the most comfortable treatment option for several dental problems.
When are Lasers Used in Dentistry?
Lasers are used in treating several problems related to soft tissues (gums and lips) and hard tissues(teeth). These issues can be:
- Discolored teeth
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Lesion removal
- Gum reshaping
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food
How are Laser Treatments Performed?
Common hard tissue procedures include:
- Cavity detection:Lasers are used to detect cavities at an early stage, hence preventing them.
- Tooth preparation for dental fillings: Lasers can kill bacteria in a cavity which can aid in the long-term health of your teeth without the need for anesthesia.
- Treating sensitive teeth: Dental lasers seal tubules on the tooth's root for treating sensitivity to hot or cold food.
- Teeth whitening: Lasers can speed up the bleaching process in teeth whitening sessions.
Common soft tissue procedures Include:
- Removing soft tissue folds: Lasers are used to remove soft tissue folds caused due to ill-fitting prosthesis without the need for incisions or causing pain.
- Treating a 'gummy smile': Your gums cover a larger area of your tooth roots. Lasers are used to reshape your gums for an improved appearance.
- Crown lengthening: Lasers are often used to reshape the bone or gums for a healthier tooth structure that helps in the perfect placing of restorations on your teeth.
- Removing benign tumors: Lasers are used to remove tumors from gums, sides of lips, and cheeks in a suture-free and painless procedure.
- Cold sore treatment: This painful oral condition can be treated using a laser that can minimize its healing time and pain.
How are Laser Treatments Better than Conventional Procedures?
- Since there is no need to cut-open tissues or any bleeding involved, sutures are not required.
- Any kind of anesthesia or sedation is not necessary for some procedures. However, if you are still anxious, local anesthesia will be given.
- Since the laser sterilizes the area, chances of bacterial infection are minimum.
- There is little or no damage caused to the surrounding tissues.
The healing period after laser treatment is short, and the patient's postoperative experience is also smoother than other procedures. Laser treatment might be the best option for you if you fear the sound of drills and other invasive equipment at the dentist's office.
Please reach out to our dental practice in Mission Viejo, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Lee. Please call us at (949) 380-0315 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.
