Are you thinking about laser dental treatment?
Modern dentists love laser dentistry because this approach is innovative, effective, and comfortable for the patient.
Table of Contents
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Dental lasers have the power to…
- Reshape gums
- Strengthen enamel
- Kill harmful bacteria
- Restore damaged tissue
- Reduce bleeding during procedures
And so much more.
Sounds pretty effective, right?
At our Corpus Christi dental office, we love the effects of laser dentistry. But we always encourage out patients to do their own research before committing to treatment.
In this article, you will learn everything everything there is to know about this state-of-the-art dental technology.
Keep reading to find out…
- What laser dental treatment is and how it works
- The effectiveness of laser dentistry vs. traditional treatments
- Answers to frequently asked questions about laser dentistry
And much, much more.
Are you ready to learn all there is to know about laser dentistry right now?
Let’s get started.
What is Laser Dental Treatment?
Laser dentistry is the use of a special light to treat or assist in the treatment of various dental conditions. The procedure is minimally invasive and eliminates the need to drill inside your mouth.
This advanced approach to dentistry is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has been practiced for 25 years.
Dental lasers can help treat…
- Tooth Decay
- Gum Disease
- Stained Teeth
- Oral Lesions
And more.
Some dentists are even using lasers to perform biopsies. The laser helps remove tissue so that doctors can inspect the sample for cancer.
Are you curious how dental lasers work to treat such a wide variety of dental conditions? Read on to find out now.
What Does a Dental Laser Do?
A dental laser is a modern tool used in dentistry to repair and restore both hard and soft tissue in the oral cavity. Overall, dental lasers are typically used in place of a traditional dental drill.
Dental lasers can be used on your gums, teeth, and even your bone.
For the past couple decades, dental lasers have been used to prevent disease, assist in the professional teeth whitening process, and much more.
Dentists use lasers for…
- Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures. Dentists use lasers to reduce the appearance of stains and tooth discoloration. The heat from the dental laser assists in the bleaching process, making it easier to whiten teeth.
- Dental Disease Prevention. Some dentists use a laser to remove tooth decay and prepare the tooth for a filling. This process reduces the likelihood of the decay progressing into a serious problem.
- Reconstructive Surgery. Dental lasers can be used to fix misshapen gums that result from gum disease. Dentists also use lasers to eliminate bacteria present during root canal therapy.
- Oral Lesions. Lasers can help remove oral lesions by vaporizing the damaged tissue. Dentists use lasers to treat lesions, ulcers and canker sores.
- Biopsies. As you read above, more and more dentists are turning to dental lasers to perform biopsies. They use the laser to cut a small piece of tissue and examine it for cancerous cells.
How Dental Lasers Work
Dental lasers operate on various wavelengths to apply a specific level of heat and power to the affected area.
Depending on your treatment, your dentist will select a dental laser with a wavelength that is right for your procedure.
Now that you know what a dental laser is and how it works, it’s time for you to discover whether laser dental procedures are actually more effective than traditional dental treatments.
Read on to find out the pros and cons of each style of treatment now.
Laser Dental Procedures vs. Traditional Treatments
Is laser dentistry better than traditional dental treatment? Which is better? Which is more effective?
Both treatment methods come with pros and cons. Refer to the section below so you can get a better idea of which dental treatment option is right for you.
Deciding Between Laser Dentistry or Traditional Dentistry
Here are a few things to consider when deciding between a dental laser procedure and traditional dental treatment.
- The Efficacy. How efficient is laser dental treatment? Multiple research studies have been conducted around this topic, but researchers still have a long way to go. A study by the Journal of Periodontal Research found that laser therapy for periodontal disease provides anti-inflammatory properties that can be more effective in the short-term. Another study by Dental Journal Research discovered that dental lasers can help protect enamel from damage during teeth whitening procedures.
- The Safety. Is laser dentistry as safe as traditional dentistry? The debate is ongoing. While the American Dental Association (ADA) has not yet stamped dental laser treatment with their Seal of Acceptance, many dentists and health organizations all over the world claim that laser dentistry is just as safe, if not safer, than traditional dental treatments. Laser dentistry is less invasive and doesn’t require you to receive anesthesia.
- The Price. According to the National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery, laser dentistry is not only efficient, but it also can increase comfort and reduce cost for the patient. That said, there are certainly times when laser dental treatment will cost more than a traditional dental procedure. Since dental lasers cost significantly more than dental drills, you can expect your laser treatment to cost more, too.
- The Recovery. Laser dentistry treatments might cost more money, but what you spend in money you save in recovery time. Since laser dental procedures are minimally invasive, you will not experience as much (if any) pain during or after treatment. Plus, you’ll never need an anesthetic. As a result, dentists have noticed faster recovery times in patients who undergo laser dentistry vs. traditional dental treatments.
Do you feel like you have enough information to make an informed decision about laser dentistry?
If you still have some questions, continue reading to find answers to common questions we receive at Dr. Chang’s Family Dentistry, the most innovative dental office in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Laser Dentistry Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
Get all of your questions answered before you undergo laser therapy for your teeth and gums.
Q: Is Laser Dentistry Safe?
A: While the American Dental Association (ADA) has not yet stamped their Seal of Approval on laser dentistry, many dentists and health organizations consider this procedure to be safe. In fact, many industry experts believe laser technology is the future of dental treatments.
Q: Is Laser Dentistry Painless?
A: Laser dentistry is typically marketed as pain-free, and our patients report the same. Of course, more comprehensive research is required to make the claim that laser dentistry is completely painless. That said, we definitely find drilling to be more painful for our patients.
Q: What Types of Lasers are Used?
A: Depending on the type of treatment, your dentist will select a laser for soft tissue (your gums) or hard tissue (your teeth). There are three types of dental lasers available right now: Diode, Carbon Dioxide, and Ebrium. While Diode and Carbon Dioxide lasers focus on soft tissue, Ebrium lasers can work on soft and hard tissues, making them the most popular dental laser out there.
Congrats! Now you’re completely familiar with how laser dentistry works and how you might benefit.
Experience Laser Dentistry at Dr. Chang’s Family Dentistry
The Most Trusted Modern Dental Office in Corpus Christi, Texas
Do you think laser dental treatment is right for you?
Find out for sure. Talk to the dental experts at Dr. Chang’s Family Dentistry, the most trusted name in modern dentistry.
Click here or call us now at 361-992-7631.
References
https://www.123dentist.com/laser-dentistry-what-is-laser-dentistry/
https://www.national.biz/8-exciting-dental-industry-trends-in-2019
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/laser-use-dentistry
