Dental lasers have advanced dental techniques in numerous ways over the years, and as a patient, there are a number of benefits that you can enjoy when your dentist performs procedures using lasers instead of more traditional equipment, such as drills. Laser dentistry impacts both cosmetic procedures, as well as restorative procedures, with different practitioners using the advanced technological tools for different techniques.
Laser Dentistry Cosmetic Procedures
Perhaps one of the most well-known uses for lasers in dentistry is in conjunction with the teeth whitening process. Laser teeth whitening is the quickest and most effective way to dramatically brighten and whiten teeth, and due to the impressive results it offers, many patients who are interested in whiter teeth choose this cosmetic procedure over other whitening options.
During the laser teeth whitening process, a whitening agent is applied to the enamel surface of teeth and the agent is then activated by a laser light. This allows teeth to brighten quickly and efficiently, with the entire procedure taking under an hour. This is the only whitening procedure currently available in which a patient can walk out of the dentist’s office after a single visit with his or her teeth noticeably whiter.
Other procedures that incorporate the use of dental lasers may not offer results quite as visibly noticeable as the whitening process, but patients will notice differences compared to more traditional methods that they are sure to like. For example, tooth decay and cavities can be treated using a dental laser instead of a traditional dental drill. This results in a more pain-free experience and provides other benefits as well. Even the sound of the drill, that many people dread, is a thing of the past when lasers are used to remove the decayed portion of the tooth.
The advanced technology is often also used during root canal procedures, providing the dentist with the opportunity to better pinpoint the area to be treated and to also offer additional benefits to the patient. There is less likelihood of infection when lasers are used, since the laser in essence sterilizes the surrounding area. Additionally, there is typically less pain and inflammation following the procedure, with quicker healing times.
Laser technology is not only used to treat the hard surfaces in the mouth, such as teeth, but can also be used to treat soft tissue issues. For example, removal of the frenula, the muscle-like attachment at the top of the inside of the mouth that may attach too low near the front middle teeth, can be painlessly removed using a dental laser instead of the tissue having to be cut and stitched. Lasers can also be used in crown lengthening procedures, as well as to treat benign tumors in the mouth and cold sores.
Almost all procedures performed using a dental laser offer benefits such as less pain and swelling, quicker healing times, minimized bleeding and less chance of infection. With so many benefits offered by this advanced dental equipment, it’s worth finding a dentist who performs procedures using laser technology.
For more information about the types of laser dentistry offered by Park Dental Care in Queens, call 718-274-1515.
