Dental methods keep evolving, and laser dentistry is one of the relatively new methods widely used for preventive and restorative procedures. In this article, we talk about what laser dentistry is, its advantages, and the most common dental procedures that use lasers.
What is Laser Dentistry?
Lasers (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) are highly focused, intense beams of light that are widely used in medicine, including dentistry today. The term laser dentistry can be applied to any procedure that uses a laser in some capacity. Laser dentistry has become a go-to method for many procedures due to the various advantages it offers:
- Lasers allow greater precision when cutting both soft and hard tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact and preserving tooth or gum structure.
- Lasers naturally sterilize the procedure site, killing bacteria and reducing the risk of infections.
- Procedures performed with lasers are usually less painful and cause no bleeding.
- Due to laser procedures being less traumatic, the healing time is typically reduced compared to procedures performed with scalpels.
Laser Dental Procedures
Below, we describe how lasers are used in various dental procedures:
Cavity Treatment
In cavity treatment, lasers are used to remove the infected part of the tooth—a dental laser vaporizes decayed enamel and dentin. This method allows greater precision, preserving healthy tooth structure. Also, reduced pain and the absence of drill noise and vibrations can make the procedure more comfortable for a patient.
However, traditional drills might be preferred to lasers in cases of deep decay or cavities between the teeth, where it is hard to reach with a laser.
Gum Disease Treatments
In gum disease treatment, lasers can be used to remove infected tissue and tartar from periodontal pockets, smooth tooth roots, and perform pocket reduction surgeries. This method allows effective bacterial killing and prompts gum tissue to reattach to the tooth with minimal bleeding and reduced downtime.
Teeth Cleanings
Lasers can be used for deep cleanings, effectively removing bacteria, plaque, and tartar. This type of cleaning can be less invasive and more comfortable, with reduced pain, bleeding, and healing time, compared to traditional scaling and root planning. Another advantage of laser teeth cleanings is that they not only remove plaque and tartar but also sterilize the area and promote healthy tissue growth.
Teeth Whitening
Lasers can be used in addition to a bleaching solution to activate and accelerate its effect. As a result, dark pigment breaks down rapidly, leading to dramatic results in just one dental visit.
Frenectomy
Frenectomy is used to release or remove some soft tissue in the mouth that prevents tongue or lip movement. Lasers allow for a more precise frenectomy procedure with less bleeding, reduced risks of infections, and swifter recovery, compared to procedures performed with a scalpel.
Gummy Smile Correction
In “gummy smile” correction, lasers are used to contour the gum tissue: remove excess gum tissue, reveal more of the teeth, and create a balanced gum line. During the procedure, the laser not only removes the excess gum tissue but also seals the blood vessels, minimising bleeding. As with other laser dental procedures, the infection risks and recovery time are also reduced.
Make an Appointment at Dental Care of Chino Hills
Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Dental Care of Chino Hills. In our office, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment methods to deliver reliable results to every patient. We are looking forward to your visit.