So, you’re considering laser dentistry? Or, maybe you’ve already had a procedure or two done with a laser, and you’re just curious about how it all works. In either case, this article is for you!
WHAT IS LASER DENTISTRY?
Laser dentistry is the use of lasers to perform various dental procedures. Lasers are increasingly being used in dentistry because they can be very precise and often result in less pain and discomfort for patients.
Some of the procedures conducted using lasers include:
- Teeth whitening
- Treating tooth sensitivity
- Removing decay
- Cavity detection
- Gingivectomy (removal of excess gum tissue)
- Frenectomy (removal of a frenum, the tissue that connects the lip to the gums)
There are a number of reasons why laser dentistry might be a good choice for you. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Precision and Accuracy
- Speed
- Minimal Damage to Tissue
So if you need or want a dental procedure and you’re looking for a method that is precise, fast and has minimal damage to surrounding tissue, then laser dentistry might be the right choice for you!
HOW DOES LASER DENTISTRY WORK?
Lasers emit intense beams of light that can be precisely targeted at very small areas. When this light comes into contact with tissue, it causes the tissue to heat up and break down.
This process is called photothermal action, and it is what allows lasers to be so precise. Depending on the type of laser, different wavelengths (colors) of light can be used to target different types of tissue. For example, some lasers are better at breaking down hard tissue like tooth enamel, while others are better at breaking down soft tissue like gum tissue.
Lasers can also be used to remove tissue by vaporizing it or by causing it to bleed. This process is called photomechanical action, and it is what allows lasers to be so effective at removing decay and other abnormalities from the teeth.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LASER DENTISTRY?
Laser dentistry offers a number of benefits for patients, including:
- Less Pain and Discomfort: Because lasers are so precise, they can often achieve results with less pain and discomfort than traditional dental procedures.
- Shorter Healing Times: Laser dentistry often results in shorter healing times because there is minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
- Fewer Complications: Because laser dentistry is so precise, there is often less risk of complications than with traditional dental procedures.
- Increased Safety: Lasers can be used to target specific areas of the mouth, which helps to ensure that procedures are performed accurately and with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. This also means that there is generally a reduced chance of infection as well.
- Enhanced Accuracy: Lasers can be used to target specific areas of the mouth, which helps to ensure that procedures are performed accurately and with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
- Increased Efficiency: Lasers can often achieve results faster than traditional dental procedures.
These are just a few of the many benefits that laser dentistry can offer. If you’re considering a dental procedure, be sure to ask contact our Orlando dental office to ask if laser dentistry is right for you!
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LASER DENTISTRY?
There are a number of different types of laser dentistry, each of which is best suited for specific types of procedures. Some of the most common types of laser dentistry include:
- Soft Tissue Lasers: These lasers are typically used for procedures involving the gums, such as gum contouring or periodontal therapy.
- Hard Tissue Lasers: These lasers are typically used for procedures involving the teeth, such as tooth whitening or cavity removal.
- All-Purpose Dental Lasers: These lasers can be used for a variety of different procedures, both hard and soft tissue. They are specifically designed for use in dentistry and are often the most versatile type of laser available.
Each type of laser dentistry has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
For example, soft tissue lasers are often less painful than hard tissue lasers, but they may not be as effective at removing decay or other abnormalities from the teeth. Hard tissue lasers, on the other hand, are often more effective at removing decay or other abnormalities from the teeth, but they may cause more discomfort for patients.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF LASER DENTISTRY?
As with any type of medical procedure, there are some risks associated with laser dentistry. However, these risks are typically very small and can be easily controlled or avoided altogether. Some of the most common risks associated with laser dentistry include:
- Burns: The most common risk associated with laser dentistry is burns. However, this risk can be easily controlled by using lower levels of power and by ensuring that the laser is properly calibrated before use.
- Swelling: Another common risk associated with laser dentistry is swelling. However, this risk can be easily controlled by using lower levels of power and by ensuring that the laser is properly calibrated before use.
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection associated with any type of medical procedure, including laser dentistry. However, this risk can be easily controlled by using sterile techniques and by ensuring that the area is properly cleaned before and after the procedure.
- Scarring: There is a small risk of scarring associated with any type of medical procedure, including laser dentistry. However, this risk can be easily controlled by using lower levels of power and by ensuring that the laser is properly calibrated before use.
- Allergic Reactions: There is a small risk of allergic reactions associated with any type of medical procedure, including laser dentistry. However, this risk can be easily controlled by using lower levels of power and by ensuring that the laser is properly calibrated before use.
Overall, the risks associated with laser dentistry are very small. However, as with any type of medical procedure, it is always important to speak with your cosmetic dentist or doctor before undergoing treatment to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure and to understand all of the risks involved.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
If you are considering laser dentistry, we invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation. During your consultation, we will evaluate your individual needs and goals to determine if laser dentistry is right for you. We will also answer any questions you may have about the procedure and its risks.
- Burns: The most common risk associated with laser dentistry is burns. However, this risk can be easily controlled by using lower levels of power and by ensuring that the laser is properly calibrated before use.
- Swelling: Another common risk associated with laser dentistry is swelling. However, this risk can be easily controlled by using lower levels of power and by ensuring that the laser is properly calibrated before use.
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection associated with any type of medical procedure, including laser dentistry. However, this risk can be easily controlled by using sterile techniques and by ensuring that the area is properly cleaned before and after the procedure.
- Scarring: There is a small risk of scarring associated with any type of medical procedure, including laser dentistry. However, this risk can be easily controlled by using lower levels of power and by ensuring that the laser is properly calibrated before use.
- Allergic Reactions: There is a small risk of allergic reactions associated with any type of medical procedure, including laser dentistry. However, this risk can be easily controlled by using lower levels of power and by ensuring that the laser is properly calibrated before use.
Overall, the risks associated with laser dentistry are very small. However, as with any type of medical procedure, it is always important to speak with your cosmetic dentist or doctor before undergoing treatment to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure and to understand all of the risks involved.