Laser dentistry has been around for years to treat different dental problems. Lasers are more efficient and less painful than traditional dental tools and drills. Also, a lot of patients are comfortable with how their laser treatment feels and sounds. A laser dentist Scottsdale can help people with dental anxiety stay on top of dental care.
How Does Laser Dentistry Work?
Laser dental treatment uses specially built lasers to carry out certain dental procedures. It incorporates hard tissue and soft tissue procedures. A dentist uses various laser types and sizes to accomplish different dental tasks. Every laser uses a specific light wavelength tailored for every dental exercise and kind of tissue.
Hard Tissue Lasers
These lasers are utilized mainly for and on teeth. They cut through the teeth’s calcium phosphate, eliminating hard tissue for different procedures such as:
- Cavity treatment. Lasers detect evidence of tooth decay. A laser treatment can replace traditional drills to prepare the tooth and fill cavities. A laser kills the bacteria and helps with the root’s long-term health. Also, they help lessen damage to surrounding tissues during the procedure.
- Sensitivity treatment. Lasers can treat tooth sensitivity. The focused beam of light of a laser is applied to the sensitive tooth, sealing tubules on the tooth’s root to reduce the painful impacts of hypersensitivity. In general, the effects are immediate and do not require long-term recovery.
- Teeth whitening. Teeth whitening procedures performed in the office can be improved by using lasers. A peroxide bleach solution is applied to the tooth’s surface and activated by a laser. The laser speeds up the whitening process.
Soft Tissue Lasers
Soft tissue procedures are performed using a light wavelength that water and hemoglobin absorb. Soft tissue lasers are ideal for procedures that involve cutting into soft tissue and sealing all exposed blood vessels. They keep bleeding to a minimum and post-procedure healing is often quicker than conventional methods. They are suitable for the following procedures:
- Gum tissue reshaping. A soft tissue laser can be used to treat a gummy smile by reshaping gum tissue. For dental restorations, this procedure can create a healthier tooth structure.
- Soft tissue fold removal. Lasers can remedy ill-fitting dentures by removing soft tissue folds. If carried out with a laser, such procedures usually occur without pain, eliminating the need for pain relievers or sutures. Also, the healing time required is less than other the requirements of traditional procedures.
- Tongue frenulum attachment. A laser frenectomy can benefit those who have a thick or tight frenulum. This treatment helps kids whose frenulum issues cause problems with speech or breastfeeding.
- Gum disease. Soft tissue lasers can be used to treat gum disease. Laser therapy works alongside conventional deep cleaning, root planing treatments, and scaling. A dentist can more easily and accurately reach and get rid of diseased gum tissue using a laser. Thus, there is less chance of a recurring infection.
Dental Anxiety and Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry improves a patient’s overall comfort level. A lot of people do not visit a dentist due to dental anxiety. This stems from the fear of pain related to scalers, needles, and scalers. In a lot of situations, dental lasers can eradicate the need for such tools, giving patients a more relaxing experience.
Dental anxiety prevents people from getting routine dental checkups and cleanings, increasing the risk of tooth decay, infection, gum disease, and tooth loss. Thankfully, laser dentistry can make the whole experience more tolerable. Also, lasers encourage patients to visit their dentists and maintain good oral hygiene. Speak with your dentist about these treatments and decide if they work for you. If you have any kind of dental anxiety, laser dentistry may be a great alternative for you.
