Types of Laser Dentistry

Like many other medical practices, dentistry has seen benefits from technological advancements. Chief among them may be the implementation of the laser into dental procedures. With proper training, dentists find that the use of the laser offers a high degree of precision and control within many dental procedures.

Many benefits arise from the use of the laser in dentistry, including minimal patient bleeding and infections, the avoidance of sutures in some surgical procedures, the lack of a necessity for anesthesia, reduced damage to tissue around the area of the dental procedure and a greater recovery in a shorter amount of time with associated wounds.

There are many types of lasers used in dental procedures, depending often on the principle function of the tool itself. For procedures involving the cutting of hard tissue like bone and teeth, there are specific lasers used. There are other procedures involving soft tissue, like gums, for which there are different types of lasers that are more appropriate. An added benefit of these types of lasers is their ability to seal nerve endings and blood vessels while cutting, thereby minimizing bleeding and tissue damage, and often eliminating pain altogether. Some of these soft tissue lasers also kill bacteria as they work, and actively work to re-grow dental tissues. There are also lasers that are designed to make it possible to see inside teeth, and others that use specific types of light to promote the healing of damaged cells.

With the many advancements in laser technology continuing, it is perhaps inevitable that the laser will replace many of the traditional techniques used by dentists, making a patient’s trip to the dentist an entirely new and comfortable experience.

Dental technology, including laser dentistry, which can be used to treat cavities and in teeth whitening procedures, and computer imaging, can make your dental experience more comfortable and informative. You may want to find a cosmetic dentist who offers laser dentistry technology.