In This Article
All You Need to Know about Laser Dentistry
Laser dental procedures involve the use of lasers for treating various dental conditions in dental offices in my area. Laser dentistry became commercially popular in 1989 when it was used for dental procedures that involved tooth tissues. It offers more satisfactory treatment options for many dental procedures that involve soft and hard tissues in comparison to drills as well as other non-laser instruments.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
LASER is an acronym for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation”. The device produces light energy in a remarkably focused and narrow beam. The laser light causes a reaction as soon as it hits a tissue. And this will lead to the reshaping or removal of the tissue.
Laser dentistry is majorly used in dental offices in my area for treating many dental issues. Which includes tooth decay, hypersensitivity, gum disease, discolored teeth, just to mention a few. It makes dental procedures more comfortable, cost-effective, and efficient. The food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it for treating many dental conditions.
How are laser treatments performed?
There are two major types of laser treatments – soft tissue and hard tissue procedures. Soft tissue concerns your gums. While hard tissue concerns your teeth. One of the popular soft tissue procedures in the treatment of a gummy smile. Whereby lasers will be used in dental offices in my area to reshape gum tissue that covers too much of your tooth. Another soft tissue procedure is crown lengthening. Which involves the reshaping of your bone and gum tissue. So that you’ll be able to have a sound tooth structure.
On the other hand, one of the well-known hard tissue procedures is cavity detection. In which lasers are used in dental offices in my area for early cavity detection through the discovery of symptoms of tooth decay. Lasers have the capacity of killing bacteria present in a cavity. And this will go a long way in helping the overall well-being of your tooth. In addition, tooth sensitivity can be treated with dental lasers through the sealing of the tubules on the root of your tooth.
Other Laser Procedures
Some of the other popular laser procedures in dental offices in my area are here below.
Tissue Viewing
With the help of lasers, doctors can properly view the inner part of your tooth and gum tissue. This is achieved through optical coherence tomography.
Benign Tumor Removal
Lasers have the capacity of eliminating tumors from the gums, cheeks, palate, and side of the lips with the aid of a suture- and pain-free method.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment
In Sleep Apnea Treatment Lasers can be used for reshaping the throat. So that breathing problems caused by an overgrowth tissue in your throat will be fixed. Especially when you are sleeping.
Nerve Regeneration
Damaged nerves, scars, and blood vessels can be regenerated with the aid of lasers.
Cold Sore Treatment
The recovery period of cold sores is minimized. So that you will not be able to feel much pain.
Teeth Whitening
During teeth whitening, lasers help by speeding up the bleaching process. So that the desired result will be achieved in good time.
How Much Does Laser Treatment Cost?
The cost of laser treatment is greatly dependent on the type of procedure. And the equipment used for you. However, it is usually cheaper if you compare it to other non-laser options. Because laser treatment requires fewer treatment sessions. In addition, insurance coverage is determined by the treatment itself. And not the method used. As a result of this, it is possible to be compensated just as we have with drilling as well as other procedures. However, it is essential for you to get enough information about your particular policy. So that you will be able to get prepared adequately.
What types of lasers are used?
As mentioned earlier, the major types of lasers are soft and hard tissue. And it is possible for your dentist to use the two types if your condition makes it necessary. Hard tissue lasers have the capacity of cutting through your tooth structure. And dentist near me usually use them for preparing or shaping your teeth for bonding as well as other dental procedures.
Benefits of using laser dentistry over other methods
There are so many benefits to the use of laser dentistry. And one of them is that it reduces bleeding while enhances clotting. In some instances, there is no need for anesthesia. And it greatly reduces the risk of bacterial infection. Since lasers have sterilization power.
In addition, your wounds will heal faster why tissue regeneration is very possible. Lasers protect surrounding tissues from damage and greatly reduce discomfort. Because blood vessels and nerve endings seal during laser penetration of the tissue.
Disadvantages of laser dentistry
Whatever has advantages will also have disadvantages. And laser dentistry is no different.
- Hard lasers have the capability of injuring your tooth pulp.
- Dentists cannot perform some procedures with lasers. Otherwise, your gums may expose to injury.
- If you already have teeth fillings in place, then you cannot opt for laser treatment.
- Laser dental procedures can cover a lot of ground, but they can’t be used for some common procedures. Lasers can’t fill cavities either between teeth, around them, or to fill large cavities. Furthermore, you also can’t use lasers to get rid of silver fillings or remove defective crowns.
- Even if you do use laser treatment, you still need traditional drills and instruments to shape the filling and polish the teeth.
- You still need a local anesthetic if you use laser treatment.
- Laser dental procedures are considerably more expensive than their traditional counterparts. While traditional drills may cost a few hundred dollars, laser treatment may cost thousands of dollars.
What risks are with laser dentistry?
Complications with laser dentistry are minimal. However, it is very essential for you to get a competent dental professional. Because if your emergency dentist uses an inappropriate power level or wavelength, your tissue may be damaged. A pair of special glasses will be provided for you by your dentist. So that your eyes will be protected from the laser.
Finding a dentist
In order to get a competent dentist for your laser treatment. It is essential for you to find a professional with the appropriate training. You can speak with your general practitioner. And your insurance policy will make some recommendations. Your family and friends can also advise you based on their past experiences.
On A Final Note
Laser procedures are available in dental offices in my area for fixing various dental issues. So that you will be able to get treated without any complications. However, you must not compromise quality when choosing a dentist office near me for your dental problems if you really want to achieve the result you set your heart on.