Using the latest technology, laser dentistry involves specialized instruments that produce intense concentrated beams of light. This focused heat energy can aid in various types of dental procedures, often reducing bleeding, pain, and swelling.
How Laser Dentistry Works
A dental laser consists of an electricity source and mirrors that guide the beam of light, gas or solid matter through which the light passes, and a tube for directing the light. Different types of lasers exist, including soft tissue and hard tissue lasers. Their design and the wavelengths of light depend upon the dental application. Also, the intensity and duration of heat, wavelength of the laser beam, and pulse time depend upon the procedure the dentist is performing.
Hard Tissue vs. Soft Tissue Lasers
If a doctor wants to precisely cut into bone or teeth, a hard tissue laser is the best choice. Hard tissue lasers work well to prep teeth, for removal of tooth structure, and to repair certain fillings. With soft tissue lasers, these devices can cut into soft tissue while also sealing off blood vessels and nerves.
Lasers can be used for:
- Root Canal Therapy
- Certain dental fillings
- Crown lengthening
- Reduction in tooth sensitivity
- Reduction of inflammation associated with TMD
- Removal of soft tissue
- Reshaping of the gums
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry offers several significant advantages over traditional dentistry techniques, including
- Better accuracy and reduced recovery time
- Bonds fillings more securely then traditional techniques
- Can target any area in the mouth
- Cosmetic gum treatment can be performed without surgery
- Decreased need for anesthesia and numbing injections
- Less swelling and bleeding
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Reduced risk of infection
- Wont stress or crack teeth like conventional drills can
Watch a short video on how a laser is used for a dental fillings
Laser Gum Shaping
Laser gum shaping and contouring makes use of a specially designed dental laser to correct certain periodontal conditions such as gummy smiles and asymmetrical gum tissues. The procedure has esthetic and functional value. Laser contouring is used as an alternative to the traditional scalpel for treating a gummy smile-line. The patient does not have to endure uncomfortable cutting and suturing. With the use of the laser, there is minimal bleeding and discomfort. The laser vaporizes the excessive gum tissue and seals it. At the same time it kills harmful bacteria thereby reducing the chances of an infection.
Laser gum shaping and contouring can be carried out as a stand-alone procedure or along with another procedure such as dental veneers. The objective is to provide you with a smile that is natural and proportional. In certain cases the tooth root may have to be trimmed to prevent the gum tissue from growing back. Gum re-contouring is also done as a part of the crown-lengthening procedure in which the gum and bone tissue are reshaped so that more of the tooth is exposed. This procedure is carried out for patients with short and worn-out teeth.