The Benefits of Laser Dentistry Explained

Laser dentistry utilizes lasers to treat many different dental conditions. It was commercially introduced in clinical dental practice for procedures involving tooth tissue in 1989. Laser dentistry offers a comfortable option for several hard and soft tissue procedures when compared to non-laser that are still being used.

Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation is what a laser is. It is an instrument that creates energy from light in narrow and focused beams. The laser can produce a reaction when it touches the tissue allowing it to be used for removing or reshaping it.

Laser dentistry can be used for treating different types of procedures including hypersensitivity, tooth decay, gum disease, and teeth whitening.

The Benefits of Using Laser Dentistry over Other Methods

Patients undergoing laser dentistry as compared to the conventional methods can benefit in several ways:

• Soft tissue lasers require fewer sutures than conventional procedures.
• When soft tissues are being treated bleeding is minimized because lasers can promote blood clotting.
• Anesthesia becomes unnecessary in certain procedures.
• Lasers sterilize the area being treated and therefore the chances of bacterial infections are minimized.
• The possibilities of tissue regeneration exist because the healing of the wounds is faster.
• Less damage is created to the surrounding tissues with dental laser therapy.

Lasers are making dental therapy more efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective. The FDA has already approved laser dentistry as an option for dental laser therapy for several conditions but the American Dental Association is yet to do so.

Performing Laser Treatments

Two main types of procedures that are benefiting from laser dentistry are hard tissue and soft tissue procedures. Soft tissue procedures are treatments for the gums while hard tissue procedures are for the tooth.

The common soft tissue procedures include the following:

• A laser can treat a gummy smile by reshaping the gum tissue associated with the smile where the length of the gum covers much of the tooth.
• Lasers can also be used for crown lengthening by reshaping the gum tissue and bone to provide a healthier tooth structure for helping with restorations on the teeth.
• They can also be used to remove soft tissue folds from badly fitting dentures without causing any pain or needing sutures.
• Providing treatment to tongue frenulum attachment is also possible with a laser frenectomy. This treatment assists children that have a restricted frenulum which causes them to be tongue-tied and have difficulty with breastfeeding and a speech impediment.

The common hard tissue procedures include:

• Cavity direction in the early stages by finding evidence of tooth decay and assisting with laser fillings.
• Tooth preparations and dental fillings by eliminating the need for conventional drills and anesthesia. The lasers can kill the bacteria within the cavity helping in the long-term health of the tooth.
• Dental lasers can also seal the tubules of a tooth’s root to treat sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Other procedures that can benefit from laser dentistry include teeth whitening, nerve regeneration, treating obstructive sleep apnea, and removing benign tumors.

If you are in need of any procedures for dental issues and are considering laser dentistry you can try to research for laser dentistry near me to inquire about the costs and whether your insurer will support you in the reimbursement. Laser dental therapy can vary in prices according to the procedure being conducted and the equipment being used. They may, however, be less expensive than conventional procedures because the treatment can be completed in fewer sessions. The reimbursement from the insurance company would be the same as other procedures but it would be beneficial to get information about your specific policy in advance to have the most accurate information in your possession.

Are there Risks Associated with Dental Laser Therapy?

If you can find a dental professional who is qualified in using the right wavelength and power the risks of laser dentistry are negligible. However, using the wrong wavelength or power can damage the tissue.

Finding A Qualified Dentist for the Therapy

If you want to obtain laser therapy for any dental procedure you should look for a professional that has received educational courses and the training needed from dental schools and dental associations as well as the Academy of laser dentistry. You can confidently approach the dentist in Ajax who is fully qualified to offer most of the treatments mentioned above and will be able to satisfy your needs to your satisfaction.