Is Laser Dentistry a Painless Alternative to Conventional Dentistry?

Find out the real truth behind ‘ is laser dentistry a painless alternative’ to conventional dentistry?

Many people suffer from dental anxiety which causes them to put off an important visit to the dentist. The idea of drills and sharp objects sticking in one’s mouth can give anyone the jitters. On top of it, most dental procedures are quite painful which is another reason why people avoid visiting the dentist till the last moment.

Advancements in modern technology have brought forward laser dentistry. It is used to treat common and advanced dental problems such as treatment and detection of cavities, gum disease and inflammation, cold sores, damaged nerves, root canal infections, plaque, and tartar removal. It is different from drill dentistry as it makes use of high-powered laser beams to treat dental problems which is painless unlike the mechanical action of dental drills.

Let us take a detailed look at how the laser works and what to expect during a dental laser procedure.

Working of Dental Laser

• Laser dentistry involves the use of a small and precise beam of laser light that is focused on the problematic area. Depending upon the type of treatment and problem at hand, the dentist chooses between hard and soft tissue laser.

In conventional dentistry, cavities are removed with the help of a dental drill. Since it is a painful process, local anesthesia is administered at the site. The drill then removes the tartar which infects the teeth. A filling is then placed at the site of the cavity. This is a painful procedure and patients have to take painkillers for a few days to keep the pain under control.

• With a laser, dental cavities can be removed painlessly, without the need for administering local anesthesia. The beam of powerful laser light is focused at the site of the decayed tooth. It removes the infected material swiftly and painlessly. Laser dentistry offers the combined effect of drilling, anesthesia, and filling material. It uses air, water, and vaporizing effects to remove dental decay. It then carves the enamel of the tooth to accommodate the bonded filling. Once the filling is inserted, you are good to go.

With laser dentistry, you don’t have to experience the uncomfortable vibrations caused by dental drills. The need for etching gel and local anesthesia is also removed. Hence, laser really is the better and painless alternative to drill dentistry.

Benefits of Laser Over Drill Dentistry

Laser dentistry offers the following benefits over drill dentistry:

• It is a lot less invasive and does not penetrate deep into the soft tissues of the gums. Soft tissues are prone to bleeding. Hence, with laser dentistry, excessive bleeding can be avoided.
• Laser beam sterilizes the infected and adjoining areas in the mouth. This reduces the chances of a bacterial infection, post the surgery.
• Lasers are vibrationless. They don’t cause discomfort to the patient like dental drills which make a lot of noise and vibrate rigorously. Patients who undergo dental laser procedures do not suffer from dental phobia.
• Anesthesia can be discomforting for some people. With laser dentistry, anesthesia is not needed.

Which Dental Procedures Can Be Performed Using Laser?

Laser is most commonly used to perform the following dental procedures:

• They can detect tooth decay which is in its initial stages.
• Plaque and dental decay from a cavity can be removed.
• Tooth sensitivity can be treated by using a laser to seal the hyperactive tubes present on the tooth’s root.
• Gum tissues that overlap the tooth can be reshaped through a laser.
• Laser is also used in crown lengthening.

This information has been brought to you by Celebrity Smiles and General Dentist. They offer services for laser dentistry in Westmont, IL.