Dental lasers are special tools that emit a concentrated, narrow beam of light energy that interacts with the tissues in the mouth to perform various dental procedures. There are hard tissue lasers that can be used on hard tissue like teeth and bone and soft tissue lasers that can be used on soft tissue like gums. Lasers used at the dentist have now become somewhat commonplace.
The Benefits of Lasers Used at The Dentist
Dental laser use makes dental procedures minimally invasive and generally more comfortable for most patients. There is less bleeding and swelling, reduced pain, faster healing, less damage to tissue surrounding the site of dental work, and a reduced chance of infection. Dental laser procedures are safe.
How Are Lasers Used at The Dentist?
Lasers used at the dentist include the following common hard tissue procedures:
- Cavity detection. Lasers assist in early cavity detection by finding evidence of tooth decay.
- Tooth preparations and dental fillings. Dental laser use can kill bacteria in a tooth cavity without local anesthesia, which aids in the long-term health of a tooth. Small amounts of tooth enamel can be removed to prepare for a filling. Also, tooth enamel can be treated with the laser to prepare the tooth for composite bonding.
- Treating tooth sensitivity. Dental lasers can seal tubules on the tooth’s root, eliminating tooth sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Tooth whitening. Lasers can speed up in-office teeth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching solution is first applied to the tooth’s surface and that solution is activated by laser energy.
- Lasers used at the dentist include the following common soft tissue procedures:
- Gum disease. Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria during root canal procedures.
- Biopsy. Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue so it can be examined for the possible presence of cancer.
- Lesion removal. Lasers are used to remove lesions in the mouth, thus relieving the discomfort and pain of canker sores.
- Tissue removal. Lasers can be used to remove muscle attachments that restrict tongue or lip movement.
- Nerve regeneration. Lasers can help regenerate damaged blood vessels, nerves, and scars.
- Treating obstructive sleep apnea. Lasers can be used to reshape the throat and relieve related breathing problems due to tissue overgrowth in the throat.
How to Choose the Right Dentist
First, ask your friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations. Second, call or visit the dentist to see if they participate in your dental plan, if they have convenient office hours, and if they are located close to your home or workplace. Ask how they approach preventive dentistry and if they employ modern methods, including laser use. Third, understand your dental insurance coverage and procedure costs.
Seek Professional Dental Care
Contact Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry, located right off Ben Sawyer Blvd. In Mt. Pleasant. S.C. for dental care you can trust. We use treatment plans that are practical using the most advanced technology. We offer caring routine dental care and procedures including extractions and root canals. To us, the patient is the most important person in the office.