Laser Dentistry for a More Comfortable Office Visit

If you’re like most people, the sound of the dentist’s drill makes you cringe. Likewise, it’s not uncommon for children to experience high levels of anxiety at the mere thought of going to the dentist. Laser dentistry offers a minimally-invasive option that can eliminate the need for drilling depending on the type of procedure you undergo. Here, a Miami Beach, FL dentist explains the laser dentistry process and all the ways it can be used. 

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Lasers have been used to perform a range of medical procedures, such as eye surgery, skin treatments, and tumor removal, since the early 1960s. Laser stands for “Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation,” which involves the use of focused light beams. With laser dentistry, light beams can be used to perform different types of procedures ranging from simple to intricate to complex. 

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Traditional dentistry methods typically use drills, scissors, brushes, probes, and the like to treat dental problems. Lasers can target very precise areas in the mouth so, in many instances, a laser can be used in the place of a drill. In effect, a laser-based procedure produces no pain, nor does it cause the uncomfortable vibrations you get with a drill. 

Here are a few more benefits of laser dentistry to consider:

Anesthesia is not needed for minor procedures

your less likely to need sutures

Shorter healing times

Lasers sterilize the gums so there’s little to no risk of infection

Less bleeding

And for children who dread procedures that require drilling, the use of lasers makes for a less traumatic experience. 

What Can Laser Dentistry Treat

As of 1994, laser-based procedures were approved by the Food & Drug Administration as a regular dental treatment. Here are some of the most common treatments done with laser dentistry:

Teeth whitening

Removing tooth decay

Canker sore treatment

Reshaping your gums

Exposing wisdom teeth

Relieving pain associated with cold sores

Treating root canal infections

What’s Involved With a Laser Procedure?

A laser dentistry procedure proceeds in much the same way as any other dentist appointment. For more complex procedures, you may receive anesthesia, though the amount may not be as much as is usually administered when drilling is involved. The main difference is there’s no drilling in the teeth since the laser does all the work. Bleeding may occur during the procedure, but it’s usually considerably less than when a drill is involved. And you experience no pain or discomfort. 

If you have more questions about laser dentistry or wish to make an appointment to discuss laser options with your Miami Beach, FL dentist, please feel free to give us a call.