Laser Dentistry Applications

Laser dentistry allows dentists to treat areas of the mouth that they might not have been able to treat before without damaging other tissue. Laser dentistry is a precise technique that provides dentists with several applications to aid in their patient’s dental care.

Hard tissue (tooth) laser dentistry is one of the procedures dentists can now perform using a laser. Low intensity soft tissue dental lasers can be used for the early detection of cavities. The laser can provide the dentist with a reading of by-products produced by tooth decay to determine if a cavity is forming. Hard tissue dental lasers can also help eliminate the need for a local anesthetic injection or the use of a turbine dental drill when performing dental fillings or preparing a tooth for another procedure. Lasers used in dental filling procedures kill off bacteria in a cavity which can improve long term tooth restoration. Hard tissue dental lasers also can be used to seal tubules located at the root of the tooth that affect hot and cold tooth sensitivity.

Soft tissue (gum) laser dentistry is another form of laser dentistry that has several applications that are beneficial to the patient. Dental lasers can reshape gum tissue and bone to expose healthier tooth structure. This is referred to as a crown lengthening and the reshaping provides a stronger foundation for the placement of restorations. Soft tissue lasers can also reshape gum tissue to expose healthy tooth structure and approve a gummy smile. Dental lasers can be used for the painless and suture-free removal of soft tissue folds caused by dentures that are not fitting properly.

Here are some other laser dentistry applications that lasers have made less painful and provide the patient with a quicker recovery period.

• Benign tumors: Dental lasers can be a painless, suture free removal of benign tumors on the gums, palate, cheeks, and lips
• Cold Sores: Low intensity dental lasers reduce pain and minimize healing time
• Sleep Apnea: In some cases sleep apnea is a result of tissue overgrowth in parts of the throat. A dental laser can help reshape the throat and relieve breathing problems
• Teeth whitening: Low intensity soft tissue dental lasers can be used to speed up the bleaching process of teeth whitening

While laser dentistry has been around for years, it is still only offered in a few dental practices. If you are interested in how laser dentistry may help you, give us a call at 480.730.5000. Learn more about the basics of laser dentistry today!