Laser Dentistry A laser is an extremely focused beam of light that is used in the medical profession. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) more than 20 uses for lasers have been cleared for dentistry by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lasers have been available for decades but have not been widely used in mainstream dentistry. There are soft tissue lasers and hard tissue lasers, each with their own unique uses. We are experts in both soft tissue and hard tissue laser procedures. Visit our office at Oak Dental Care so we can discuss the possibility of using laser dentistry as an alternative. Unlike traditional dental procedures, laser dentistry is less invasive and is more comfortable for many patients. Read on to learn how laser dentistry might help you.Soft and Hard Tissue LasersSoft tissue lasers involve the soft tissues in the mouth, such as the gums. Lasers are used for such things as cutting and removing tissue to reshape the gums, to remove excess gum tissue, and to treat oral ulcers. Lasers can treat periodontal disease by removing the infected tissue from around the teeth to support the regeneration of healthy tissue. There may be less bleeding during and after the procedure, there is less discomfort, it may reduce the need for anesthesia, and swelling is reduced. The laser will also sterilize the gums, making infection less likely. Hard tissue lasers are used, primarily, to cut teeth. They remove tooth decay, prepare a cavity for filling, prep the tooth for a root canal, and etch enamel to bond a filling to the tooth. Again, the need for anesthesia may be reduced and there is less chance of overheating certain parts of the tooth. Lasers can be used in other dental procedures, including teeth whitening, setting crowns and fillings, biopsies, removing benign oral tumors, exposing wisdom teeth, and discovering tooth decay. Less InvasiveThe laser dentistry process is similar to traditional dentistry. Anesthesia is used, but in a lesser amount. Your mouth will be propped open. During the procedure, there will be no vibration or discomfort from the laser. Just like in other dentistry, any blood gets wiped away. There is no denying that laser dentistry is less invasive. In addition, there is less pain involved in the procedure, and recovery times are lower. These are two reasons laser dentistry is gaining in popularity. Healing times are less, as well, because there are fewer sutures (if any). You can be back to normal activities much more quickly than with other traditional dentistry procedures. Sometimes, in traditional dentistry, patients with other health conditions may experience long healing times. This is uncomfortable and risky for a patient because the risk of infection increases the longer healing takes, possibly putting them in a precarious health situation. In these cases, laser dentistry procedures make sense in order to decrease those risks. Laser dentistry is a modern approach to treating dental issues. We believe it is something that can help change your opinion of dentistry for the better. It is always important to learn more about new procedures first-hand. Give us a call at (941) 629 - 4400 or visit our office at Oak Dental Care to learn about the modern-day solutions we offer our patients. |
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