What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry involves using lasers to treat dental conditions. It’s a commercial dental practice used since the 1980s and offers viable treatment options for dental procedures for soft and hard tissues. Laser implies a “light amplification using stimulated radiation emission.” During laser operation, light energy passes through a narrow-focused beam to produce a reaction that hits tissue in a restorative repair that shapes or removes the tissue.

Which procedures use Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry applies in various procedures, including:

• Treatment of tooth decay
• Treatment of hypersensitivity
• Whitening teeth
• Treatment of gum disease

Laser treatment makes dental procedures comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved laser dentistry.

How are Laser Dentistry Treatments Performed?

Laser dentistry uses two main procedures for soft and hard tissues. Soft tissues involve the gums, while hard tissues refer to the teeth.

Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry for soft issues includes:

• Treatment of tongue frenulum attachment: A laser frenectomy is performed for patients with a thick frenulum under the tongue. The treatment is common for children with a restricted frenulum that causes difficult breastfeeding, tongue-tying, and speech problems.
• Gummy smile treatment: Laser treats and shapes gum tissue.
• Removing soft tissue folds: Soft issues from defective dentures are treated by laser without sutures or pain.
• Crown lengthening: Laser reshapes gum and bone tissue for corrective tooth structure and assists teeth restoration.

Hard Tissue Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry solves the following:

• Tooth dental fillings: The laser kills cavity bacteria, the treatment eliminates the need for anesthesia, and aids in long-term tooth healing.
• Cavity detection: Laser detects cavities through tooth decay symptoms.
• Treatment of tooth sensitivity: teeth with high sensitivity to cold and hot beverages are treatable with a laser to seal tubules of the teeth roots.

There are other laser dentistry procedures, such as:

• Teeth whitening: Laser can speed up teeth whitening bleaching.
• Removal of benign tumors: lasers can treat tumors from gums, palates, cheeks, and lips through a suture-free procedure.
• Treating cold sores: cold sores solution is a laser treatment that minimizes healing.
• Nerve regeneration: laser treats damaged nerves, blood vessels, and scars.

Laser dentistry treatments vary in pricing, depending on equipment and type of procedure. Laser dentistry is less expensive because of fewer treatment sessions. Dental insurance determines reimbursement based on treatment and the laser method used. Some dentists use hard and soft tissue procedures depending on the treatment.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry poses the following benefits:

• Reduces the need for anesthesia.
• Involves less damage to tissues.
• Bacterial infection is minimized.
• Decreased need for sutures.
• Less bleeding in soft tissues.

Are there Any Risks Associated with Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry poses few risks. A certified dentist will guide you on laser processes and how it is conducted. A dentist uses special glasses to shield the eyes from the laser. 

Find A Certified Dentist

If you seek laser dentistry services, ensure that you seek the services of a professional dentist. A certified dentist has undergone all the necessary courses to operate as a specialist. Is Laser dentistry right for you? Contact us and schedule an appointment with a certified dentist to review your options.