Most people do not realize that lasers are used by dentists to treat gum disease, cavity treatment and other oral health care issues. Lasers are an innovative type of dental care and are extremely focused light beams used to alter or remove tissue in small increments. Dentists use lasers for a variety of procedures including removal of overgrown tissue, to reshape the gums, or whiten teeth. Most dentists use lasers to successfully treat:
- canker sores or cold sores
- root canal infections
- gum disease
- removing gum inflammation
- gum reshaping
- biopsies
- exposing wisdom teeth
- removing throat tissue that causes sleep apnea
- regenerating damaged nerves
- removing benign oral tumors
Laser dentistry is beneficial in reducing discomfort and healing time for the patient. Some other benefits include:
- less need for patients to have sutures
- less use of anesthesia
- reducing infections since the laser sterilizes gums
- less blood loss than during traditional surgery
- less damage to gums, and quicker recovery
When you come for your dental visit, you will experience a similar process to a regular dental appointment. The patient will receive anesthesia, though not as much as you are used to getting. There will be no sensations or discomfort like you may feel from a drill when a laser is used. There will be less bleeding during the procedure, but what is there will be wiped away. Your mouth will be propped open as it is for other dental procedures. If you have gum surgery you should experience far less bleeding with a laser than you would if a scalpel is used during the procedure. When you are at home you should experience less bleeding from the site of your surgery and there will be no open wound. You will be less likely to get an infection, and should not have much pain or discomfort. Any post-operative irritation should be much less than when you undergo a scalpel procedure.
Dentists generally use two main types of lasers: hard tissue and soft tissue lasers. Each of these lasers has a different wavelength that makes the appropriate cut for that type of tissue. Scientists have figured out how to alter the light’s wavelength and pulse to make it compatible with the tissues in your mouth. Soft and hard tissue absorbs wavelengths of light in different ways.
Source: “Laser Dentistry: What is Laser Dentistry?” August 11, 2017, 123 dentist.com
Dr. Melchers and his staff are here to help address any of your dental health issues and to decide the best course of treatment for you and your family. Contact us today at info@mtpleasantdentistry.com to see how we can best meet your dental care needs.
