Many Americans first learned about lasers by watching episodes of Star Trek. Fast forward 50 years, people rely on these tools for multiple everyday applications. Dentistry is one such area. But what is laser dentistry? If you’ve never heard of this innovative type of dental care, now is the time to learn. A minimally invasive option for procedures such as gum surgery, cavity treatment, and other oral issues, laser is in wide dental use in 2022.
Overview of Laser Dentistry
Precisely focused light beams, dentists use lasers to alter or remove small amounts of oral tissue. Dentists use lasers for a variety of procedures inside of the mouth:
- Remove overgrown tissue
- Reshape gums
- Whiten teeth
What Laser Dentistry Treats
- Biopsies
- Exposing wisdom teeth
- Nerve regeneration
- Removing benign oral tumors
- Removing gum inflammation
- Removing throat tissue (to prevent sleep apnea)
- Reshaping gums
- Treating gum disease
- Treating root canal infections
- Treating canker sores and cold sore pain
Laser Dentistry Benefits
Lasers ease dental procedures while simultaneously relieving discomfort and reducing healing time.
Thanks to Laser Dentistry:
- Dental lasers sterilize gums, reducing the risk of infection
- Fewer patients require sutures
- Lasers result in less damage to gums than some traditional dental treatment methods
- Minimizes blood loss following surgery
- The dentist may not need to administer anesthesia
Types of Dental Lasers
Dentists use two main types of lasers: hard tissue and soft tissue lasers. Each operates on a different wavelength, which makes it appropriate for cutting into specific types of tissue. This is effective because each kind of tissue absorbs wavelengths of light in different ways. By altering the light’s wavelength (and pulse) scientists have crafted dental lasers with light wavelengths compatible with oral tissue.
Hard Tissue Dental Lasers
Used primarily for your teeth, these lasers cuts through both water and bone, targeting calcium phosphate that’s in bones and teeth. These lasers very accurately cut into teeth, removing small amounts for shaping purposes or in preparation for procedures. Hard tissue lasers are used to:
- Detect cavities
- Minimize tooth sensitivity
- Prepare teeth for dental procedures
Soft Tissue Lasers
These use a light wavelength easily absorbed by hemoglobin and water. Hemoglobin is a molecule found in blood, making soft tissue lasers ideal for gum work. Some soft tissue lasers are diode lasers, which is a type of continuous-wave laser
Ideal for cutting into soft tissue and sealing exposed blood vessels, these lasers:
- Restrict tongue movement
- Lengthen crowns
- Remove folds in oral soft tissues caused by dentures
- Reshape gums (for a more pleasing smile)
If you’re having laser gum surgery or hard tissue work, you will enjoy an easier procedure and a shorter recovery time.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, equipment, and materials – all of which make a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.