21st-Century Dentistry: The Use of Lasers
For years, the primary tool for filling cavities was the dental drill. Using mechanical force to cut away the tooth was painful and intimidating. Advances in technology have introduced the laser as a multi-purpose dentistry tool with significant advantages over mechanical tools.
Why are lasers better?
Lasers use light energy to remove cavities, break down tissue or eliminate bacteria. Lasers have a number of advantages over traditional tools:
- Procedures performed using soft tissue dental lasers may not require stitches
- Certain laser dentistry procedures do not require anesthesia
- Laser dentistry minimizes bleeding because the high-energy light beam aids in the clotting of exposed blood vessels, thus inhibiting blood loss
- Bacterial infections are minimized because the high-energy beam sterilizes the area being worked on.
- Damage to surrounding tissue is minimized
- Wounds heal faster and tissues can be regenerated
Lasers in dentistry can be used for several things:
Cavities
Our hard tissue laser uses energy to remove the cavity, which means we can perform small fillings without anesthesia. It works by using small bursts of laser energy combined with water to remove tooth structure in small increments. Tiny micro-explosions nibble away at the tooth and remove the decay. The laser is not as fast at the dental drill, but most patients like it better because the only noise it makes is a small popping sound.
Gums
Our soft tissue lasers are used to disinfect the periodontal (gum) pockets after a deep cleaning or in our maintenance visits. Our hygienists place a small amount of topical anesthetic (no injection needed) and then use the laser around the tooth to disinfect the pocket and promote the growth of collagen. We have seen wonderful results with this additional treatment, including: reduction of bleeding, quality of the tissue and healing of deep periodontal pockets. Our doctors use these lasers at a higher setting to perform necessary surgical procedures. The use of a soft tissue laser can aid in cosmetic procedures such as re-shaping a gummy smile. The use of the lasers during surgery reduces post-operative discomfort and promotes faster healing.
Tooth whitening
We also use a laser light to help with more efficient and longer lasting tooth whitening. The laser activates the bleach, making it more effective and creating a whiter smile.
At Los Gatos Dental Group, we are always looking for ways to improve your dental health and at the same time, make your experience at the dentist more pleasant. The laser is one of our favorite tools because it does both!
Remember, the mouth is connected to the rest of the body! Oral health = whole body health.
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Complimentary panoramic x-ray with first evaluation (Value of $145).