What is Laser-Assisted Restorative Dentistry?

Dental technology continues to improve and evolve every day, providing patients with easier, more convenient and more effective solutions to their dental problems. Laser-assisted dentistry offers an effective and precise way to perform many restorative dental procedures. With the use of specialized lasers, dentists have the ability to control power output and tissue exposure, allowing for highly-targeted treatment areas with no damage to surrounding tissues. Anxious patients who are looking for extreme comfort and safety might want to consider looking for dentists who have incorporated laser techniques into their treatments and procedures. With the application for dental lasers expanding, we can only expect more dentists using this technology to give patients precision treatment with minimized pain and recovery time. Laser-Assisted Restorative Dentistry Benefits • Certain laser procedures do not require the use of local anesthesia. • Procedures done with dental lasers usually do not require sutures or stitches. • The high energy light beam of lasers helps in the coagulation or clotting of exposed blood vessels. This means minimized bleeding and less risk for blood loss. • There is minimal bacterial infection because the high-energy beam of lasers sterilizes the treatment area. • There is minimal damage to surrounding tissue of the treatment area. • Tissues easily regenerate and wounds heal faster, allowing for reduced downtime and reduced recovery period. Laser-Assisted Restorative Dentistry Laser Types The FDA has approved various soft and hard tissue lasers for use in the dental treatment of both children and adults. Dental lasers have unique absorption characteristics to perform certain dental procedures. Some laser-assisted dental procedures have been developed so that it can generate both soft and hard tissue laser energy, depending on patient needs. Aside from the use of lasers as cutting and shaping tools for soft and hard tissues, other types of lasers are specially designed to view the inside of the teeth and cells. There are other lasers that give energy and certain proteins to move messages between cells and match the natural ability of the body to use light spectrum and heal damaged cells. Laser-Assisted Restorative Dentistry Procedures • Cavity detection. Low intensity soft tissue dental lasers can detect cavities in their early stage to allow for quick intervention. • Dental fillings. Hard tissue lasers can eliminate the need for anesthesia injections and conventional turbine dental drill. Lasers used in dental filling can kill bacteria in the cavity for better long-term tooth restorations. • Tooth sensitivity. Lasers can seal tubules and help manage hot and cold sensitivity. • Crown lengthening. Reshaping the gum tissue and bone is possible with dental lasers, exposing healthier tooth structure. Crown lengthening strengthens the tooth foundation for restoration placements. • Gummy smile. Laser-assisted restorative dentistry can reshape the gum tissue and improve the look of a gummy smile. • Soft tissue folds.Dental lasers can be used for the painless removal of soft tissue folds usually caused by ill-filling dentures. • Muscle attachment. With laser frenectomy, babies who cannot properly breastfeed and children who are tongue-tied can be remedied by improving tongue movement and eliminating speech impediments. • Teeth whitening. Low intensity soft tissue dental lasers can speed up the whitening or bleaching process usually associated with teeth whitening. • Temporomandibular joint problems treatment. Dental lasers can be used to immediately reduce inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular jaw joint. Lasers offer an innovative and more precise technology that are specific for soft and hard tissue applications. By choosing a reputable and experienced laser dentist, you will find yourself feeling more comfortable and less anxious during your dental procedure. Talk to your dentist now to talk about how to improve your smile, along with the benefits, risks and alternatives of laser-assisted restorative dentistry.