Laser Dentistry: When Do You Need It?

by | Jun 24, 2017 | Blog

Though lasers may sound too high-tech to have any part in dentistry, they have been used in various dental procedures since the early 90s.

 

Lasers serve as an alternative for traditional dental drills. Dental lasers involve the use of Waterlase™ iPlus laser to cut soft or hard tissue.

 

The water uses the energy from lasers to create laser-energized particles that work thorough the teeth and surrounding tissue. This laser is used in a number of dental treatments, and renders the application of these procedures safer and efficient.

 

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has provided approval for the use of lasers in dental procedures for both adults and children.

 

Dental Lasers –Types

 

There are two specific types of lasers, each with particular characteristics according to dental tissues:

 

Hard Tissue Lasers

 

These are created using pressure that adheres to hard tissue of enamel. The purpose is to cut through teeth and orthodontic bones with high precision, for effective application of procedures involving enamel alteration.

 

Soft Tissue Lasers

 

Soft Tissue Lasers

The pressure from laser-energized water is absorbed by red blood cells, water-based tissues surrounding the teeth. Not only do these lasers eliminate bacteria in the mouth, but also include inducing restoration of tissues after application. The use of these lasers in dental procedures is virtually pain-less.

 

Dental Lasers –Uses

 

Dentists have adopted the use of laser in various treatments. These include:

  • Dental Decay: Lasers are used to discard rotten enamel and construct new filling in the existing enamel.

 

  • Gum Disease:Lasers are used for painless gum enhancement by reshaping, as well as remove bacteria that spread in gums due to root canal procedures.

 

  • Biopsies:A biopsy involves removal of small tissue so that it can be tested for any cancerous growths in the oral cavity. Lasers are used for tissue extraction.

 

  • Canker/ Cold Sores:Lasers are used to treat injury and affliction by removing lesions and minimizing the pain of cankers.

 

  • Teeth Whitening:Cosmetic dentistry also makes use of lasers. Lasers assist in teeth whitening by speeding up the procedure.

 

Dental lasers are also used in other procedures for mucoceles removal and minimizing sensitivity in teeth.

 

Dental Lasers –Why Opt For It?

 

Dental lasers have a number of benefits when compared to traditional dental drills. You can choose laser dentistry for a number of reasons:

 

  • Lasers cause less pain in quite a few dental procedures, eliminating the need for extreme sedation.

 

  • Patients who feel intense discomfort having dental drills in their mouth may feel more at ease with lasers. Unlike high-pitched noise of a drill, these lasers create gentle ‘tapping’ sounds that are relatively less disturbing.

 

  • A lot of healthy tissue, which would otherwise be removed, is preserved when treating decay.

 

  • High-energy light beams of lasers assist in blood clotting of exposed tissue, thus minimizing bleeding.

 

  • Lasers sterilize the affected area and reduce chances bacterial infection.

 

Dana Keith dental practice offers safe and technologically exceptional laser dentistry services at dental clinic in Colesville using Waterlase laser. Learn more about lasers in dental procedures, or get in touch with us for guidance from our qualified in-house professionals.

Our Blog

Our number one priority at Dana Keith DDS is you, the patient. Serving people across Silver Spring and Clovery, MD, as well as the surrounding areas, we are committed to providing the proper resources and services to help you maximize your oral health and overall wellness. From teeth whitening, to TMJ treatment, gum disease treatment, we are proud to offer first-rate services while educating our patients to make informed decisions about their health. 
Our blog serves as one resource where patients can learn more about different dental topics. We hope you find the articles and information helpful.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 301-236-9000.

“My kids, my husband, and I all have gotten excellent care and are very happy with the practice.” – Priti K.