The increasing use of soft-tissue lasers in dentistry has provided advantages for both dental professionals and patients. Some benefits include increased comfort during treatment and improved results for patients, and the ability to make precise changes to tissue much less invasively for dentists. Dental lasers can be used to clean and disinfect beneath the gum-line, as well as for surgical procedures.
What are the Benefits of Lasers in Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is adding a new level of treatment for patients who seek a better experience when having a wide range of procedures. Some of the benefits include:
- Many laser treatments don’t require anesthesia.
- Less risk of infection due to the sterilizing qualities of the laser beam.
- The laser allows for a more focused treatment area, preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
- Soft tissues like your gums can be regenerated and heal faster when laser dentistry is utilized.
- Because the high-energy light beam of the laser aids in clotting, minimal bleeding results during surgery, meaning stitches are not typically needed to close the surgical area.
Dental Treatments that Utilize Lasers
Since most advancements in laser dentistry involve soft tissue lasers, below are some more common procedures that use laser technology:
Scaling and Root Planing – Instead of chipping away at plaque and tartar under the gum line, a dental laser can easily pinpoint the areas that need cleaning without causing injury to healthy gum tissue.
Crown Lengthening - Dental lasers can safely remove prominent gum tissue to expose healthier parts of a tooth. This exposure provides a more secure foundation for the placement of restorations.
Gum Contouring – Similar to crown lengthening, this technique is used for aesthetic purposes to reduce and smooth gum tissue around teeth. The dental laser reshapes what is often referred to as a “gummy smile.”
Frenectomy - A treatment for children who have a tight frenulum (also referred to as tongue tie). A frenectomy can also help reduce or eliminate speech impediments.
Soft Tissue Fold Removal - Dental lasers may be used for the painless and suture-free removal of soft tissue folds often caused by ill-fitting dentures.
Hard Tissue (Tooth) Procedures - While less common, hard tissue lasers can assist in cavity detection and preparation for fillings. They can also help reduce dental sensitivity and TMJ disorder pain.
Recent advances in dental laser technology have produced technology that can generate both hard and soft tissue laser energy.
Is Laser Dentistry Right for You?
If you have any issues with your gums, laser-assisted dentistry may be right for you. Most periodontal treatments can be enhanced with the use of dental lasers. If you would like to reshape your gums or your child needs a frenectomy, lasers are far less invasive, with little to no pain associated with the procedure.
Call our Torrance, CA Laser Dentist to Learn More
For more information about how laser dentistry can help you and your family, call the Torrance dental office of Dr. Matthew Thunberg and Dr. Steven Kend.