In this day and age, it is possible to leverage new technology to solve dental problems. Laser is one such technology with the potential to offer better treatment options for a variety of dental procedures. With the use of lasers, dental treatment procedures can be more efficient, comfortable and cost effective.
Laser Dentistry
WHAT IS LASER DENTISTRY?
LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The device produces light in the form of a narrow and focused beam. This beam of light, on hitting the tissue, causes a reaction allowing tissue removal or changes in shape.
Laser dentistry involves the use of lasers in order to treat various dental problems. It has been used commercially in dental clinics for procedures since 1989.
TYPES OF LASER PROCEDURES
Laser dentistry offers two main types of procedures: soft tissue and hard tissue procedures. Hard tissue is your tooth and the soft tissue is your gum.
Some of the hard tissue procedures include:
- Cavity detection: Lasers can find evidence of tooth decay.
- Dental fillings and preparation of teeth: Traditional drilling tools and anesthesia are not needed with lasers. Lasers have the ability to kill the bacteria in cavities aiding in better tooth health.
- Teeth sensitivity treatment: Lasers can seal the tubules present at the root of a tooth treating teeth sensitivity to cold and hot.
SOME OF THE SOFT TISSUE PROCEDURES INCLUDE:
- Reshaping gums: In cases like gummy smiles where the length of the gum tissue covers a lot of the teeth, lasers can be used to reshape the tissue.
- Crown lengthening: The procedure helps reshape gum tissue and bone for a better tooth structure onto which teeth restorations can be placed.
- Removal of soft tissue folds: Soft tissue folds formed due to dentures that fit badly can be removed using lasers without causing pain.
Apart from this, lasers are also used to whiten the teeth, view tissues, remove benign tumors in the mouth, treat obstructive sleep apnea, regenerate damaged nerves and treat cold sores.
BENEFITS OF LASER DENTISTRY
- Reduced need for sutures in soft tissue procedures
- Decreased bleeding in soft tissue procedures as the laser aids blood clot
- Anesthesia is rendered unnecessary in some procedures
- Reduced cases of bacterial infection as the laser kills bacteria
- It promotes wounds to heal faster and allows regeneration of tissue
- May cause less damage to the tissue in the surrounding areas
WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED?
The risks involved in laser dentistry are minimal. However, if the wavelength or power of the laser is not adjusted as required, it can cause tissue damage. As such, it is a must to seek only professionals to do the procedures. At San Anselmo Family Dentistry, our experts have years of experience in laser dentistry and will be able to perform the procedure without causing you any discomfort.
It is important to note that certain procedures cannot be done using lasers. They cannot be used on teeth that have fillings in them like a metal amalgam.
At San Anselmo Family Dentistry, we are experts in laser dentistry. Give us a call today to learn more about the services we offer. Schedule your appointment today.
