Dentists use lasers in a variety of procedures involving the inside of the mouth, be it to remove overgrown tissue, to reshape the gums, or to whiten teeth. Sometimes, laser dentistry is ideal for children who become anxious or afraid when having dental work done.
Treatments done by laser dentistry
- Canker sore and cold sore pain treatments
- Treating root canal infections
- Treating gum disease
- Removing gum inflammation
- Gum reshaping
- Biopsies
- Exposing wisdom teeth
- Removing throat tissue that causes sleep apnea
- Regenerating damaged nerves
- Removing benign oral tumours
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
- Dentists choose laser dentistry because of distinct benefits that make the procedures go more smoothly, and also reduce discomfort and healing time for patients.
- Patients are less likely to require sutures
- Anesthesia may not be necessary
- The laser will sterilize the gums, making infection less likely
- Less damage to gums shortens the healing time
- Patients lose less blood than traditional surgery
The Types of Lasers Used in Dentistry
The two main types of lasers dentists use during laser procedures are hard tissue and soft tissue lasers. Each laser uses a different wavelength that makes it appropriate for cutting into that specific type of tissue.
Hard Tissue Lasers
These lasers can very accurately cut into your teeth, removing small amounts for shaping purposes or in preparation for procedures. Hard tissue lasers are used for:
- Detecting cavities.
- Dealing with tooth sensitivity.
- Preparing teeth for dental fillings.
Soft Tissue Lasers
These lasers are ideal for cutting into soft tissue and sealing the exposed blood vessels at the same time. This is the reason you don’t bleed very much during laser dentistry and why healing is quicker after laser dentistry. Soft tissue lasers are used for:
- Lengthening crowns.
- Dealing with restricted tongue movement.
- Reshaping the gums to create a more pleasing smile.
- Removing folds in oral soft tissues caused by dentures.
Whether you’re having laser gum surgery or hard tissue work, expect an easier procedure and a shorter recovery time.
