Are you looking for painless and comfortable oral health treatment? You can receive laser dentistry treatment at Katy Smile Design in Katy, TX. Dr. Lauren Shepard and Dr. Catherine Wilder provide laser dentistry as a general dental solution that can be used to treat multiple dental problems. Dental lasers are modern, safe, and effective options that do not require loud dental drills or even sutures. Dr. Wilder and Dr. Shepard can treat gum disease and TMJ disorders with dental lasers.
Laser Dentistry Benefits
There are many benefits laser dentistry has compared to traditional treatment methods. Lasers replace the need for a scalpel in cases like severe gum disease. No cutting means no sutures when the procedure is complete. The heat and light from the laser cauterize the tissue as the laser comes into contact with it. It also sterilizes the tissue, lessening your chances of infection after the procedure is complete.
Laser dentistry is virtually painless, too. Many patients don’t even require local anesthetic when they get laser dentistry. The laser also helps patients that suffer from dental anxiety. The sound of a dental drill is one of the most common things to tip off someone’s dental fear. A laser doesn’t make that noise, making it easier for patients who fear the dentist to get the proper treatment they need.
Without a scalpel and full surgery, you don’t have as much bleeding or swelling in the treatment area. Overall, the downtime you’ll experience after laser dentistry is much shorter than if full surgery was performed. The energy of the laser actually spurs on your healing process. Healing is quicker when you choose laser therapy. You don’t experience as much pain, either.
The laser is extremely precise, meaning less healthy tissue is impacted during treatment. Since it’s about the size of a pinpoint, we can target the exact areas of damaged and infected tissue. Scalpels and other surgical instruments aren’t nearly as precise and can impact a lot of healthy tissue.
Laser Therapy For Periodontal Disease
One of the most prominent uses for laser dentistry is for periodontal treatment. Only laser dentistry or gum surgery can manage the condition in severe cases of gum disease. The laser energy removes plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth root and cleanses bacteria and debris from gum pockets. A laser easily and precisely removes any sections of inflamed and infected gum tissues. We smooth down the tooth roots once everything is clean so that the gum tissue can reattach to the bone.
TMJ Laser Therapy
Dental lasers can be used to treat temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). This bite disorder causes pain in the teeth, jaw, and facial muscles. To help alleviate pain and pressure in the face, we can use a dental laser to target the facial muscles. The laser beam is an infrared light applied to painful areas of the face, typically in areas where tense muscles are located. Applying the laser reduces pain and inflammation in the area.
Laser Dentistry FAQs
Can I drink coffee after laser gum treatment?
The day before the procedure, stay away from hot foods and beverages (coffee, tea, soup). For the first few days after treatment, we recommend that patients eat soft foods like fish and pasta. Avoid foods that are crunchy, salty, or spicy for at least a week.
Do lasers used in dentistry damage teeth?
After gum surgery, laser treatments promote blood clotting and naturally sanitize the area, so the risk of damage is reduced. The pulp of the tooth could also be harmed during a root canal, cavity filling, or other dental procedure, but the risk is largely reduced when a laser is used as opposed to a drill.
Does laser treatment help with periodontal disease?
Laser dentistry can be used to remodel gum tissue. It cures tooth decay, gum disease, and hypersensitivity without the need for invasive procedures.
Does laser dentistry hurt?
In general, patients report very low pain levels when lasers are used for dental procedures. Lasers give dentists the ability to work with extreme precision, allowing them to avoid nerves and areas that may cause discomfort. A local anesthetic may be used in conjunction with lasers to alleviate any and all pain during your procedure.
How long does it take for gums to heal from laser treatment?
The severity of your gum disease will determine how long it takes for your gums to heal from treatment. While deeper pockets can take months to fully heal, it can take anywhere between 2 and 4 weeks for shallow ones to recover. For the first few days after treatment, we recommend that you eat only soft foods because your mouth will be sore and swollen.
Can a root canal be done with a laser?
Dentists can use lasers to effectively clean the region and remove any damaged tissue. Root canals are more successful with the use of a laser. When lasers are used, patients also have a lower chance of infections. With a laser root canal, there is typically less bleeding during the treatment and a quicker recovery, because it is far less invasive.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Do you want to learn more about laser dentistry? Call Katy Smile Design at 281.843.9814. You can also request a dental consultation with Dr. Wilder and Dr. Shepard online. We welcome any questions or concerns that you may have and look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.