Is Laser Dentistry Better Than Traditional Treatments?

Traditional dentistry has been around for as long as one can remember, with innovations made in dental technology regularly introduced. Dentists are now treating many dental conditions with laser dentistry commercially since 1989.

Laser dentistry offers more comfortable treatment options for many dental procedures involving the hard and soft tissue. Treatments with laser dentistry eliminate the need for dental drills and non-laser tools.

The term laser means “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” Laser instruments create laser energy in narrow and focused beams. The tissue reacts when the narrow beam of light comes into contact with it and allows it to remove or shape it.

Laser dentistry near you is used for different procedures, including treating hypersensitivity, tooth decay, gum disease, and teeth whitening.

Lasers are making dental treatments cost-efficient, effective, and comfortable. The FDA has approved laser dentistry as a treatment option for many dental conditions, but the ADA is still to do so. However, they are hopeful about the potential of laser dentistry.

Types of Lasers used in dentistry

Two main types of lasers used in dentistry are hot tissue and soft tissue lasers. The teeth are referred to as hard tissue, and the gums and surrounding structures are referred to as soft tissue.

Cutting through the tooth structure is the task of hard tissue lasers. Their wavelengths are absorbed through a combination of water and a unique material found in the teeth. Hard tissue lasers are often used to repair or shape the teeth for composite bonding, to restore dental fillings and to remove tooth structure.

Soft tissue lasers are absorbed through water and hemoglobin, which is a protein located in the red blood cells. Soft tissue lasers are used for treating periodontitis, killing bacteria, and for activating tissue growth. Soft tissue lasers seal blood vessels and nerves while penetrating the tissue. This is why many patients experience no pain after laser therapy. Faster healing is also promoted by laser dentistry.

The Benefits of Laser Dentistry

When laser dentistry in Heath performs any procedures, there is a decreased need for stitches with soft tissue lasers. The treatment tissue bleeds minimally as blood clotting is promoted by the laser. Anesthesia is often unnecessary with some procedures. As the lasers sterilize the area, the risks of bacterial infections are lowered. The wound’s healing is faster, making possible tissue to regenerate, and most importantly, the procedures may not cause severe damage to surrounding tissues.

The Downsides of Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry in Heath, TX, recommends lasers not be used on teeth that have metal amalgam fillings. Hard tissue lasers can, at times, injure the tooth pulp, and some laser treatments still require anesthesia. The dental drill may be necessary to complete fillings, including adjusting the bite, shaping, and polishing the filling.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry does not pose significant risks, but it is essential to find a qualified dental professional with experience using lasers. If the dental professional uses the wrong wavelength or power level, they could damage the tissue. Some providers are concerned that advertisers are promoting the use of laser treatment beyond what is actually required by people.

It is incredibly important to find a qualified dentist for laser treatment, and the professional must have taken educational courses and received appropriate training. The famous systems of education are through dental schools and dental associations, and the Academy of laser dentistry.

Patients can make inquiries with their insurance providers for recommendations or speak to their friends and family members who may have had positive experiences with laser dentistry. Websites with rating systems are also beneficial, although caution must be exercised to verify whether the raters provide unbiased views.

Patients opting for hard tissue or soft tissue procedures can expect a quicker process and shorter recovery time. Laser dentistry is convenient for many oral and dental problems, severe and cosmetic. Patients can inquire with their dentist about laser dentistry anytime they need any dental work completed. Dentists experienced in laser dentistry and offering treatments to their patients make dental procedures quicker, painless with shorter downtimes making it better for the patient to undergo some of the methods described in this discussion.

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