Laser Dentistry FAQ
What is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry uses a cutting laser to practice mostly soft-tissue procedures including Gum Recontouring and Endodontics. A laser gives such a high level of precision and control that it is often used as a final touch-up to any cosmetic procedure give your smile the perfect look.
What is a dental laser?
Laser is an acronym for Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A dental laser generates a focused, intense beam of light capable of cutting the soft tissues in your mouth. The light is emitted by a small wand, like a stylus or pen, allowing the precise removal of gum infection or tooth decay and the sculpting of your gums with great artistic precision.
What are the advantages of laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry's main benefits are:
- Significantly minimized discomfort
- Faster recovery time
- Improved efficiency
Because of these advantages, lasers represent the latest technique for providing the very best dental care. Laser dentistry uses cutting edge technology to perform many common and not-so-common dental procedures faster and with a more positive overall experience for you. More specifically:
- The laser beam sterilizes tissue and seals off blood vessels as it cuts to minimize your bleeding and your chance of developing an infection.
- You are more comfortable during and after treatment.
- Anesthetic injections are less necessary and can sometimes be avoided completely.
- You spend less time in the dentist's chair, leaving more time to enjoy your smile.
- No frightening scalpels or other cutting instruments.
- Laser dentistry requires less sutures.
What types of procedures can laser dentistry perform?
Laser dentistry has numerous applications:
- Offers options for artistic smile design
- Sterilizes root canals
- Treating apthous ulcers (canker sores)
- Performs apicoectomy (root end resection for abscessed tooth)
- Treats periodontal (gum) disease
- Assists in oral surgery for extraction or Dental Implant placement
What About Laser Whitening?
Laser whitening does not use the same laser as other laser dentistry procedures. It uses not a cutting laser, but a monochromatic light that activates the tooth whitening gel. Laser whitening is safe, quick, convenient, and it offers excellent results without the inconvenience of tray whitening procedures.
How new is Laser Dentistry?
Albert Einstein first introduced the concept of lasers, and they were used on teeth and gums experimentally in the 1960s. However, lasers have only been in widespread use in dentistry for about the past 10 years, and have become increasingly popular in local dental offices.
Are Lasers Safe?
Dental lasers are Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved. Laser dentistry is very safe if you go to a trained, skilled, and practiced dentist. Compared to traditional dental instruments, lasers actually reduce the chance of accidental injury to your tongue, cheek, and gums because they are so precise. The precision of dental lasers also allows dentists to pinpoint treatment, resulting in less pain.
How Can I Find Out if Laser Dentistry is For Me?
If you live in the Fresno, Visalia, Reedley or Central California Valley, please contact us today to learn more about porcelain crowns.
