Dentistry technology has made leaps and bounds in recent history, and at Smiles by Dr. Santos, we are happy to stay ahead of the curve to provide our patients with the best dental services possible. One technology we’ve been quite excited about is laser dentistry. Laser dentistry enables your dentist to make your dental procedure safer and more effective. Since the 1990s, forward-thinking dentists have been adopting this technology more and more. With the right training and skill, laser dentistry is just as safe as traditional methods, if not more so.
How Does Laser Dentistry Work?
Lasers deliver energy through light. For dental procedures, the laser is essentially a scalpel—it is used to cut or vaporize tissue. For teeth whitening, the laser heats the area to activate greater effects of the whitening agents.
What Are Lasers Used For?
Laser dentistry can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Tooth decay treatments
- Cold sore/canker sore treatments
- Root canal infection treatment
- Gum disease treatment
- Gum inflammation treatment
- Gum reshaping treatment
- Biospies
- Exposing partially-erupted wisdom teeth
- Sleep apnea treatment (to remove tissue that causes the condition)
- Nerve regeneration
- Removing oral tumors
- Teeth whitening
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry
There are several ways that patients can benefit from this innovative technology when they visit their dentist in Manahawkin.
Limits Surrounding Tissue Damage
With traditional methods, cutting into the tissue usually causes some damage to the surrounding tissue. A laser allows your dentist to be far more precise, reducing this damage. This means that you can expect less swelling after a laser dentistry procedure than other methods.
Less Bleeding
Blood loss can be a major concern for dental procedures, but performing them with a laser significantly reduces the amount of bleeding the patient experiences. This is because the high-energy beam of the laser coagulates the blood vessels. If bleeding is a concern for you, laser dentistry is the best method for treatment.
Reduces Risk of Infection
The mouth is full of bacteria, so any time you make an incision during a treatment, infection is a concern. With laser dentistry, however, the laser serves to sterilize the area, so the risk of infection is reduced.
Reduces Pain and the Need for Anesthesia
Much of the pain of traditional dentistry treatments comes from the tools need for pressure, heat, or vibration, so most procedures require anesthesia when using those methods. In contrast, lasers are designed to limit these factors, so most laser dentistry procedures don’t require anesthesia!
Less Trauma for Teeth
Drills can sometimes crack the surface of the teeth during dental procedures. This isn’t a concern for laser dentistry. This means that there is less of a chance you will require dental work in the future to prevent these hairline fractures.
At Smiles by Dr. Santos, we are happy to provide our patients with the technologically advanced treatments they need for their oral health. If you have questions about any of our services, including laser dentistry, we would be more than happy to help. Contact our dental clinic in Manahawkin for treatment today!