When a laser is used, it allows us to focus more precisely than we can using a traditional metal tool. The laser beam is smaller and finer so that the area it targets can be incredibly small. Simultaneously, when using a laser the risk of the surrounding tissue being irritated is greatly reduced. With a metal dental tool, one small slip can lead to scraping, scratches and overall irritation. That doesn’t happen with a laser because it is easier to control and won’t damage your tissue. In fact, a laser can actually help to restore your tissue and in some procedures the laser helps to stop the bleeding while the work is being performed, making it a true help, rather than a concerning new technology.
In our office, we use laser dentistry as a way to perform a procedure that could otherwise be rather uncomfortable. We focus on the health of gum tissue and do a lot of work treating gum disease. Gum disease will affect the majority of U.S. adults at some point in their lifetime. In the lucky ones, the disease goes away after a bi-annual teeth cleaning, never to be thought of again. For everyone else, the condition can spread and lead to gum recession. This is a bad scenario because the gums are in place to protect the tooth, roots, and jawbone. When the gums recede, these areas are exposed and susceptible to attack. Our job is to eliminate the gum disease so that the healing process can start.
Since we use lasers, it is easier to do so. Where a traditional cleaning procedure would involve using a dental tool to get under the gum tissue and physically scrape away and plaque or tartar, we can use lasers to break up the tartar before wiping it out along with any lingering bacteria. This allows the gums to start the natural healing process. After all, with the irritant being removed, they can start to rejuvenate. If, however, they have receded too far, we can perform a procedure using lasers to help the gum tissue to grow back. Typically, a gum graft would be necessary which involves taking tissue from the roof of the mouth and suturing it to the remaining gum tissue. This can be uncomfortable and has a longer recovery process than what we can do using lasers. Laser dentistry allows us to rejuvenate the gum tissue to the point that they will start to grow back without the need for surgery. To learn more about this option, call for a consultation.
