Laser Dentistry: An Overview
Columbia Family Dentist provides laser dentistry as part of our comprehensive general dentistry services. Lasers have been used in dental procedures since around 1994. They are safe and efficient ways to treat dental concerns, including gum restoration. Patient safety is our priority at Columbia Family Dentist. We only use FDA-approved dental technologies and procedures.
Our trained dentists are the only ones who handle dental lasers. Our experienced staff is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding laser dentistry and our other general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services, which we provide under one roof.
Laser Dentistry in Columbia, MD
Laser dentistry uses a concentrated energy beam to precisely treat soft tissues in your mouth. We use it instead of a scalpel or surgical procedure to cut through soft tissues. It’s ideal for patients who have dental fear because it eliminates a scalpel, an instrument that often triggers dental anxiety. It doesn’t make a loud noise like a drill, either, another common trigger issue.
One of the most common procedures in laser dentistry is a gingivectomy. This removes and shapes your gum tissue. It’s often used for patients with a gummy smile, where the gum tissue and teeth balance is uneven. A gummy smile makes your teeth look smaller. Some patients may have uneven gum tissue, where the balance is off in some areas but not others. Laser dentistry can shape the tissue and ensure that you have an even, symmetrical smile.
Sometimes, we may need to remove some gum tissue to expose more of your tooth to support a restoration. Dental crowns and porcelain veneers require a certain amount of tooth structure to ensure a good foundation. Shaping gum tissue allows us to expose enough structure for a successful restoration.
Lasers are ideal for performing frenectomies and avoiding a surgical procedure. A frenectomy is needed when patients have conditions called tongue and lip ties. These occur when the frenulum is too tight, restricting function. The frenulum is the piece of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth and the lip to the gums. They can compromise how well you can eat and speak.
Lastly, lasers are an ideal way to treat periodontal disease. When you develop gum disease, bacteria inflame and irritate the gum tissue. As the condition worsens, pockets develop between the gum tissue and jawbone, filling with bacteria and food debris. Lasers clean out these pockets and remove any diseased tissue that’s developed. They sterilize the area as they treat it, lessening the chance that the infection will spread.
The Benefits of Dental Lasers
There are many benefits to using lasers over traditional methods like scalpels. First, lasers are extremely precise and specifically target damaged tissue without interfering with healthy tissue. Scalpels aren’t able to be this precise. Laser treatment is also much less invasive. Scalpels require cutting into the tissue; you usually need sutures to close the wound so it heals properly. The laser’s energy seals off blood vessels, restricting the amount of blood.
The energy seals off nerve endings, too, making treatment virtually painless. Some patients don’t even need to use local anesthesia. The downtime is shorter, with less blood, swelling, and discomfort. Due to the precise treatment with the laser, there isn’t as much trauma, and you’ll have far less scarring.
When the laser treats you, it sterilizes the area as it goes along. You have a lower risk of infection after your procedure and a lower risk of gum disease spreading if we’re treating you for that. Not only that, but it also triggers the body’s natural healing response, adding to the benefits of a shorter healing time.
Laser Dentistry FAQs
Laser dentistry uses advanced technology for comfortable dental treatments. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How long does it take gums to heal after laser treatment?
It may take a few weeks for your gums to completely heal after laser dental work. After a few days, you can return to your normal diet and oral health routine. Patients may find that the treatment irritates the surface of their gums for longer than the rest of their mouth. Gum irritation should not last any longer than two weeks to a month.
Is laser dental surgery painful?
Laser dentistry is a common choice because patients rarely report pain during procedures. It uses a very precise beam of light and heat to perform a wide array of dental work. Some patients may use an anesthetic with laser treatment, but many don’t require it.
Is laser dental cleaning effective?
Lasers have become an increasingly popular choice for a variety of dental procedures. Some patients have chosen to have their teeth cleaned using laser dentistry. The laser allows the dentist precise control over which areas of the mouth it hits. It allows the dentist to break up and remove plaque buildup around the teeth and gums.
Schedule A Dental Exam & Consultation
If you are looking for a general dentist in Columbia, Maryland, our team is here to help you. We are happy to answer any questions about our laser dentistry technology and procedures. Schedule an appointment online today for a consultation with our Columbia dentists, or call our office at 410-670-8211.