Laser DentistrySanta Clara, CA
Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive approach to treatment, generally used to correct or remove hard or soft tissues during dental procedures. The technology is innovative and causes less stress on the oral cavity. Over the last decade, the use of lasers has become more prevalent in dentistry as it allows dentists to perform dental procedures painlessly, comfortably, and with higher accuracy.
With laser dentistry, we can help treat a variety of oral health issues without the use of traditional dental tools. Laser dentistry can help patients receive the dental care they need through a more comfortable experience. This way, we can help patients continue to seek dental care after an overall positive experience.
To learn if you are a candidate for laser dentistry, call us at 408-244-0590 to schedule an appointment today.
An Overview of Laser Dentistry
Dental professionals use lasers, which are highly focused light beams, to change or remove small amounts of tissues. The use of lasers is not restricted to dentistry, but many people are not familiar with them until they undergo the procedure. Lasers are applicable for several procedures related to the oral cavity – to shape the gums, remove overgrown tissues, or clean the teeth.
Some of the applications of laser dentistry include:
Periodontal Therapy
To treat periodontal disease, the dentist can use a dental laser to reach and remove the inflamed gum tissues from the tooth roots. After removing the infected tissues and exposing the roots, the dentist can start the root scaling. Root scaling is a deep cleaning process to remove the calculus and plaque accumulation around the root and gum line.
The dentist will then smoothen the root to eliminate rough spots that might encourage bacteria buildup and cause reinfection. The area around the gum and root can start to regenerate as the gum heals.
PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) Therapy
Platelets play a crucial role in healing processes by producing growth factors that stimulate cell growth and collagen production. PRF is plasma, which has had the red and white blood cells separated to concentrate the platelets. This is injected into the skin to promote collagen production and rejuvenate the cells.
When combined with laser therapy, the results of PRF improves with the infusion of growth factors deep into the skin. The infusion procedure enhances the tightness, quality, and texture of the skin.
Gum Lift
To restore gum health, the dentist will need to determine the underlying issue. Together with treating the problem, there may be a need to recontour the gum line with a dental laser. If the patient’s gums have receded or are higher than they should be, they might be eligible for a laser gum lifting.
Gum lifting with lasers is significantly less expensive than surgery, but it is also a lot more comfortable with faster recovery. Patients can opt for this procedure to improve the appearance of their smiles.
Skin Rejuvenation (wrinkle removal/reduction)
Laser skin rejuvenation is a skin resurfacing treatment that entails using lasers to improve the appearance of the skin, treat sun-damaged skin, scars from acne, chickenpox/injuries, and address minor facial flaws. The treatment reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, cheeks, and mouth. Laser resurfacing can correct the loss of skin tone and enhance skin complexion if there are scars or sun damage.
The procedure can be completed with two types of lasers. The first is a non-ablative laser, which stimulates collagen growth, and tightens the skin underneath. The second option is an ablative laser, which removes thin layers of the skin. It is crucial to note that the treatment does not remove excess or sagging skin (jowls).
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Dentists may choose laser dentistry because of the unique benefits it offers regarding smooth treatment process and reduction of pain and healing time for patients. Other benefits of laser dentistry include:
- Reduces the need for sutures during dental procedures
- Minimizes the need for anesthesia
- The laser sterilizes the tissues to reduce risks of infection
- Minimal damage to the gum to shorten the healing period
- Less blood is lost compared to traditional dental surgeries
- There is less damage to surrounding tissues
What to expect during Laser Application
When patients visit the dental office for a laser dentistry appointment, they are often surprised to know that the process is no more complicated than regular dental treatments like dental fillings. The dentist may administer minimal anesthetic just to keep the patient comfortable. Patients who have dental anxiety can discuss sedation options with the dentist.
Throughout the process, the patient will not feel any discomfort or vibration that is common with the use of dental drills. The mouth will stay open as the dentist treat the problem with the laser. The mouth will be cleaned properly afterward, and patients will receive instructions regarding aftercare.
Recovery and aftercare
Post-operative experience with laser dentistry is significantly smoother because lasers cause significantly less bleeding than a scalpel. The site of the surgery should not bleed a lot, and there are no open, bleeding wounds like traditional procedures. Therefore, healing and recovery are faster and mostly painless.
Although patients need to adhere to proper oral hygiene and aftercare instructions, the chances of infection are lower. Pain and discomfort are unlikely because irritation after the procedure is usually minor.
Call Us Today
Regardless of the type of laser treatment the patient undergoes, they can expect a short recovery time. Laser dentistry is a convenient treatment option for many oral problems, whether cosmetic or functional. Patients can talk to the family and cosmetic dentist to learn more about the use of laser dentistry.
Call us at 408-244-0590 to schedule an appointment and learn if laser dentistry is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What risks are associated with laser dentistry?
There are minimal risks to laser dentistry. It is important that patients only visit a qualified dental professional as the wrong use of lasers can damage tissues. The truth is that lasers can eliminate some of the side effects common with regular dental surgical procedures.
What are the types of lasers used in dentistry?
The two major types of lasers used in dentistry are hard tissue and soft tissue lasers. The lasers operate at different wavelengths to penetrate different types of tissues. This is effective because different tissues absorb light wavelength in different ways, making it possible to create lasers that are compatible with oral tissues.
How long does the laser dentistry procedure take?
The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the problem. The laser aspect of treatment hardly takes time, but other treatment processes may extend the duration. The dentist will provide an accurate estimate of how long the procedure will take after careful evaluation while discussing the treatment plan.
Do lasers hurt?
The procedure is almost painless, although the dentist may provide local anesthetic for comfort. There may be mild discomfort after the procedure, but it is minimal and usually stops soon afterward.
Can lasers prevent tooth extractions?
By using lasers for periodontal treatment, the dentist can save a tooth that would have been removed. The chances of saving the tooth depend on how severe the problem is.
Contact Us
Well Being Dentistry is located at
3993 Stevens Creek Blvd
Santa Clara, CA
95051
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