Laser Dentistry: Everything You Need To Know Before Getting One

 There is no denying that dental appointments can be scary. The combination of sharp metal tools and weird noises dental equipment makes is a lot to process. Dental anxiety is not just a myth. It's a real problem that many people struggle with.

According to researchers, almost 50% to 80% of adults in the United States go through some degree of dental anxiety, ranging from mild to severe. Due to this, more than 20% of dentally anxious people don't go for regular dental appointments, while 9% to 15% of them avoid getting dental services completely.

 

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Regular dental visits are very important. They help in the early detection and treatment of dental issues. Thanks to all the advancements in technology, painless laser dentistry is now a thing. Laser dentistry is being used for many procedures involving soft and hard tissues. It's a great alternative for people who avoid going to the dentist's office because of fear.

What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. The use of lasers in dentistry was first introduced in 1994. Laser dentistry uses a narrow concentrated beam of light for cosmetic and general dentistry services. The light hits the oral tissues and produces a reaction.

The use of lasers in dentistry has been approved by the FDA. It hasn't received the approval of the American Dental Association (ADA) yet, but the ADA is hopeful about the future of lasers in dentistry.

How Dental Lasers Work

Like all lasers, dental lasers work by emitting light energy. The laser used for dental and surgical procedures works by cutting or vaporizing oral tissues. It's also used for professional teeth whitening, where it enhances the effect of bleaching agents by providing heat.

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Use of Lasers in Dentistry

Dentists employ lasers for performing two types of procedures.

1. Soft tissue procedures that involve gums

2. Hard tissue procedures that involve teeth

1. Use of Lasers For Soft Tissue Procedures

I. Reshaping Crowns: Lasers can be used for crown lengthening procedures. The laser reshapes gum tissues, so restoration procedures can be performed easily.

II. Denture Fittings: Dentures are a great option for people who have lost their teeth. Sometimes dentures don't fit properly because of soft tissue folds in the oral cavity. The laser can easily remove these tissues without sutures and pain.

III. Gummy Smiles: A lot of people don't like their smiles because they believe too much of their gums is visible. This happens because gum tissues cover more length of teeth than normal. The laser can solve this problem by gum reshaping treatment.

IV. Tongue Frenulum Attachment. A tight or thick frenulum in children can lead to problems like a speech impediment and difficulty breastfeeding. The laser can be used to perform a frenectomy. Laser has made this procedure almost painless and comfortable for children.

2. Use of Laser For Hard Tissue Procedures

I. Tooth Cavity: Laser is used in preventive dentistry for the detection of cavities early.

II.  Tooth Sensitivity: People experience teeth sensitivity due to exposed nerves in the teeth. Lasers can provide relief by sealing exposed tubules on the teeth's roots.

3. Some Other Common Procedures

I. Lasers are used in teeth whitening procedures. They speed up the process by providing heat to the bleaching agent.

II. They are also helpful in the regeneration of nerves, blood vessels, and scars.

III. Lasers are a game-changer when it comes to removing benign tumors. They can remove tumors from gums, palate, cheek, and lips by a pain-free method, which doesn't even need sutures.

IV. They can help in pain relief of the jaw joints caused by temporomandibular joint disorders.

V. Dentists can even use them to see inside the gum tissues and teeth.

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Is Laser Dentistry Expensive?

Laser treatments can vary in cost depending upon the use of equipment and dental procedure. But, if we compare them to traditional dental procedures, they are more affordable. Laser treatments require fewer sessions. So, they are less expensive.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

· Dental procedures require very few sutures.

· Some procedures don't even require anesthesia.

· The healing time of dental procedures is faster.

· The laser helps in blood clotting, so there will be minimum bleeding.

Disadvantages of Laser Dentistry

· If hard lasers are used, they can damage the tooth pulp.

· Some procedures require anesthesia.

· Some dental procedures can't be done using lasers.

· Some procedures may still require the use of the dental drill.

There are fewer risks involved with laser dentistry. It's a good alternative for many dental procedures, as it's comfortable and almost painless.

 

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Copperhill Smiles is one of the leading dental clinics in California. They provide affordable and high-quality general, cosmetic, and emergency dental services in Santa Clarita.

They offer services like dental fillings, dental veneers, dental implants, and Invisalign aligners. For information, visit their website.