Do you have dental fear or anxiety? Are dental drills and tools the worst part of your dental visits? If you find loud noises at the dentist nerve-wracking, we can help. Dental lasers offer an alternative to loud and often frightening dental tools. With laser dentistry in our Ardmore, PA dental office, patients feel more comfortable and calm during treatment.
Our soft tissue dental lasers provide quick general dental care to prevent damage caused by gum disease. Using lasers, we can comfortably contour the smile, remove gum infection, and address tongue and lip-tie.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry has revolutionized dental care, offering a modern, efficient, and often more comfortable way to address many oral health needs. This innovative technology uses focused light energy to treat soft and hard tissues in the mouth with precision. Patients and dentists alike benefit from the advantages laser dentistry provides.
One of the most significant benefits of laser dentistry is reducing pain and discomfort during procedures. Traditional methods often require drills, scalpels, or stitches, which can be intimidating for patients. Lasers, however, often work without the need for sharp tools. They cause less irritation to surrounding tissues, leading to a gentler experience. For patients with dental anxiety, this can be a game-changer. The reduced need for anesthesia also means shorter appointments and a quicker return to daily activities.
Healing time is another major advantage of laser dentistry. Procedures performed with lasers often result in less bleeding and swelling. Lasers seal blood vessels and nerve endings as they work, which promotes faster recovery. This particularly benefits patients who need soft tissue treatments, like gum surgery or periodontal therapy. Faster healing means less downtime and a lower chance of infection.
Laser dentistry also provides exceptional precision. Dentists can target problem areas without affecting healthy tissue nearby. For example, lasers can remove decayed portions of a tooth while preserving as much of the healthy structure as possible. This precision is valuable in cosmetic procedures, such as reshaping gums for a more balanced smile, and in treatments like cavity preparation or root canals.
Additionally, laser dentistry reduces the need for invasive techniques. In procedures like gum disease treatment, lasers can remove bacteria and diseased tissue more efficiently than traditional methods. Patients benefit from less pain, fewer stitches, and reduced scarring. Laser gum disease treatments can even encourage healthy tissue regeneration, promoting long-term oral health.
Another advantage of laser dentistry is its versatility. Dentists use lasers to address various issues, from treating cavities and gum disease to whitening teeth and performing biopsies. For example, laser teeth whitening is faster and more effective than at-home kits, producing noticeable results in a single visit. Lasers also play a key role in detecting and treating early signs of oral cancer, allowing for less invasive interventions and improved outcomes.
Laser dentistry is also more comfortable for children and adults with dental anxiety. The quiet hum of a laser contrasts with the loud sound of a drill, which many patients find unsettling. By creating a more pleasant experience, lasers help reduce the fear of visiting the dentist.
If you require treatment for a gummy smile, tongue tie, lip tie, or gum disease, please call our office. We can use a dental laser to provide safe and comfortable treatment.
Soft-Tissue Laser Treatments
With a soft tissue laser, we can provide treatment for these oral health issues:
- Gummy Smiles: A gummy smile occurs when there is excessive gum tissue below the upper lip. We can safely treat a gummy smile, also known as excessive gingival display, with dental lasers. Lasers precisely contour the gums and remove excess gum tissue, creating a more balanced smile.
- Tongue-tie and Lip-tie: Tongue ties are marked by a band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. A lip-tie is similar, but the band of tissue attaches the upper lip to the gums. Both tongue and lip ties restrict the patient’s range of motion. Using a dental laser, we can free the tongue or lips by painlessly cutting the band of tissue.
- Gum Disease: We can remove infected gum tissue from the mouth with a laser, preventing the further spread of bacteria. For patients with gum recession, we recommend gum grafting. Gum grafting takes healthy gum tissue, typically from another part of the mouth, and places it in areas affected by gum recession. The healthy gum tissue keeps the tooth in place and supports the patient’s overall gum health.
Who is Laser Dentistry For?
While laser dentistry is ideal for almost any patient, some patients especially benefit from laser care.
Patients with gum disease are ideal candidates for laser treatments. Lasers can precisely target and remove infected tissue and bacteria without harming healthy gums. This method reduces bleeding, minimizes pain, and promotes faster healing than traditional gum surgery. Laser therapy can even encourage tissue regeneration for patients with severe gum disease, helping restore gum health over time.
Laser dentistry is also a great option for patients interested in cosmetic dental improvements. People seeking gum contouring or reshaping can achieve a more symmetrical smile without the discomfort or downtime of traditional procedures. Lasers allow dentists to sculpt gum lines with incredible accuracy, resulting in beautiful, natural-looking results. Similarly, patients looking for brighter smiles can enjoy faster and more effective teeth whitening with laser technology.
Children can also benefit from laser dentistry. Young patients with lip or tongue ties may need a frenectomy, a procedure that lasers perform quickly and with minimal discomfort. Because lasers reduce the need for sutures and anesthesia, children recover more easily and feel less fear about visiting the dentist.
Laser treatments can relieve patients with oral lesions or ulcers. They can remove or reduce the discomfort of these painful conditions, speeding up healing and improving comfort. Similarly, patients needing a biopsy for suspicious oral growths benefit from laser procedures’ precision and minimal invasiveness.
Finally, anyone with dental anxiety can benefit from laser dentistry. Lasers’ quieter, gentler nature creates a more comfortable experience, reducing fear and stress during appointments.
Laser Dentistry FAQs
Laser dentistry is an amazing innovation that can make treatment quicker and more comfortable. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Is laser dentistry safe?
Laser dentistry is very safe when performed by a trained and experienced dentist. The technology has been tested and approved for various dental treatments. Lasers also reduce the risk of infection by sterilizing the area as they work.
Does laser dentistry hurt?
Laser dentistry is typically less painful than traditional methods. Many patients feel little to no discomfort during procedures, often eliminating the need for anesthesia. Additionally, the gentler approach results in less swelling and a faster recovery time.
Is recovery faster with laser dentistry?
Yes, recovery is typically faster with laser dentistry. Lasers minimize damage to surrounding tissues and seal blood vessels during procedures, reducing swelling and bleeding. This leads to quicker healing and less downtime for patients.
Is laser dentistry suitable for children?
Laser dentistry is an excellent option for children, especially for treating conditions like lip or tongue ties. The procedure is quick, requires minimal anesthesia, and promotes faster healing. It’s also quieter and less intimidating for young patients.
How long does a laser dental procedure take?
The time varies depending on the procedure. Simple treatments, like laser teeth whitening, can take about an hour, while more complex procedures, like gum disease therapy, may take longer. In most cases, laser dentistry reduces treatment time compared to traditional methods.
Does dental insurance cover laser dentistry?
Insurance coverage for laser dentistry depends on the procedure and your plan. Many treatments, like gum disease therapy or cavity removal, may be covered. Cosmetic procedures, however, are usually not included. It’s best to check with your insurance provider.
Request a Dental Appointment Today
Do you want to know more about laser dentistry? Call our office today at (610) 839-8967 or schedule a consultation with our dental team online.