Lasers are used to treat gum disease and are a conservative, non-surgical treatment. With proper homecare and your participation, this procedure can often alleviate the infection. The licensed Dentists and Dental Hygienists here at Gentle Dental have received advanced certification in laser therapy and are well qualified to provide this therapy.
The doctor or hygienist will first go around each involved tooth to remove any debris and calcified deposits that are adhering to your teeth in a process called scaling and root planing. A good analogy to this part of the treatment is like removing barnacles off a ship or pier. Scaling and root planing will remove the mechanical irritants to your gums and supporting bone and also removes a major reservoir of periodontal bacteria.
After removing the deposits a laser is used to selectively remove diseased or infected tissues lining the pockets around your teeth. At the same time the laser will kill the bacteria responsible for triggering the periodontal infection and promote healing of your gums. The laser can help increase circulation and collagen formation at the bottom of your periodontal pockets and help revive or rejuvenate your attachment. This specialized treatment is usually performed multiple times over a period of a few weeks.
For years people have associated going to the dentist with having their teeth drilled. However, drills are now becoming a thing of the past. We are proud to offer laser dentistry, which uses cutting edge technology to provide more comfortable, precise, and efficient dental care. Laser dentistry is used for a variety of procedures, including:
- Cavity detection
- Fillings
- Crown lengthening
- Gingival (gum) resculpting
- Root canals
How does it work?
Laser dentistry is completely different from traditional drills. There is no pressure, no heat, and no vibration – just the laser and a delicate spray of atomized water. Laser dentistry uses hydrokinetic technology to accurately and comfortably remove hard and soft tissue, without affecting the surrounding teeth. Amazingly, it also sterilizes as it goes, which reduces the risk of infection.
Laser dentistry is one of the least invasive tools your dentist can use to provide quality dental care. Since laser dentistry is so precise, your dentist may use a magnifying glass or even a microscope while working. Unlike standard drills that can leave tiny fractures in healthy teeth, laser dentistry is able to specifically target problem areas while maintaining the integrity of the tooth structure.
What are the benefits?
Laser dentistry has a number of benefits, but one of the most important is patient comfort. No one likes to get shots, or have sore gums and teeth. Since most patients do not need anesthesia, there are no painful shots or numb lips afterward. Patients are able to come in and have their work done immediately, and don't have to wait hours just to eat! The absence of pressure and heat creates a much more comfortable experience for the patient, and the laser's precision minimizes damage to surrounding tissue. Laser dentistry actually aids in the clotting of exposed blood vessels, which means less bleeding and less post-operative swelling. This also reduces overall healing time, as well as the need for pain medication.
Another advantage of laser dentistry is its versatility. It is utilized for a wide range of hard and soft tissue procedures, from fillings to gum sculpting. When used to treat cavities, laser dentistry helps create durable fillings by enhancing the bond strength of tooth-colored restorations. In addition, its sterilization capability kills bacteria located within a cavity.
Laser dentistry is also used to promote gingival health by reducing periodontal pockets. Before, this usually required gum surgery; with laser dentistry, there is no need for painful stitches or sutures. Other patients feel they have a “gummy” smile or that their teeth look too short. Laser dentistry allows your dentist to reshape the gums with little trauma to this sensitive area of the mouth. The end result is teeth that appear longer, making your smile more attractive.
It is clear that laser dentistry has become the ideal choice for patients – 97% of people who have had laser dentistry treatment would recommend it to their friends and family! Call us today to schedule an appointment and find out more about laser dentistry.