How Your Dentist Office Uses Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry can be a great alternative to traditional dental treatments, but the general concept might sound a bit worrisome to patients who are unfamiliar with how it works. Many patients feel some level of anxiety when they visit the dentist, but this nervousness can often be relieved when they know exactly what to expect during their appointment.

This article will explain how your dentist can use lasers to treat common dental issues, so you can go into your next appointment feeling knowledgeable and reassured about your treatment options.

Uses of laser dentistry

Plaque removal and killing bacteria

The removal of plaque and tartar around the gumline tends to be one of the most uncomfortable procedures when using traditional dental tools. Patients are susceptible to minor bleeding around the gums during the cleaning process, and their slight wounds may end up attracting more bacteria to the affected area.

Instead of scraping your teeth with dental tools and potentially injuring your gums, lasers can directly kill the majority of bacteria without the risk of bleeding or gum irritation. The highly intense and precise light of the laser can sterilize the mouth and provide a much more comfortable cleaning procedure for patients who have dental anxiety.

Removing tissue/lesions

Dentists can use a laser to perform a biopsy or remove several types of non-cancerous lesions in the mouth, such as canker sores. The accuracy of a laser allows dentists to efficiently cut out the lesion, and the patient may only need a bit of local anesthetic during the surgery. Bleeding during and after the procedure is minimal, so patients usually do not require sutures and tend to have faster recovery times than those who undergo traditional surgery.

Reshaping gums

People who wanted to change the appearance of their gum line before the advent of laser dentistry had to resort to a more painful dental process involving a scalpel. Today, lasers provide a much safer and more painless option to even out gum lines to optimize a patient’s smile. The dentist will use a laser to carefully remove any excess gum tissue, minimizing the risk of infection and bleeding. Since the laser will also speed up the healing process, patients may be able to see the cosmetic results immediately following their appointment.

Treating cavities

The sound of a dental drill can be enough to make any patient’s anxiety skyrocket. The uncomfortable sensation, the loud noise and the subsequent swollen jaw that usually follows the appointment can make most people reluctant to visit their dentist. But all these anxiety-inducing aspects of fixing cavies can be avoided using laser treatment.

A laser can make it easier for dentists to prepare a cavity for a filling due to its incredibly precise design. The laser kills the bacteria within the cavity as the dentist removes the infected areas, allowing a patient to retain more of their natural tooth than a dental drill would allow. Minimal anesthetic is typically needed during this procedure, and it is often more efficient than traditional cavity treatment.

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