Why Is Laser Dentistry Currently Trending?

Lasers, which stands for Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, is a widely embraced technology in our world today. Its applications range from industrial functions where it is used to weld, cut and survey to medical use where it is used in surgery. Laser devices use radiation to stimulate a light that pierces through a foreign material. This offers a precise and effective way for carrying out dental procedures.

What Is Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is simply the use of laser technology in providing dental healthcare services. For dentists in Holmdel, NJ, lasers can function as cutting instruments or vaporizers of tissues. In some procedures such as teeth whitening, it also acts as a source of heat which helps activate the effectiveness of bleaching agents.

A laser dental treatment unfolds pretty much like the traditional treatments. After you have been cleared by your dentist for a certain procedure, you will walk in on the day of the appointment and go through a briefing of what to expect. You may them be given anesthesia or a sedative, although at a much lower dose that you would have needed for a traditional dental procedure. You will also experience less vibrations and discomfort during laser procedures as the light beam is very precise, intense and does diffuse or spread out. The dentist only directs the beam to the specific area being treated which also lessen treatment time.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Laser simplifies dentistry in so many ways for both the dentist and the patient. Although the technology has been in use from as early as 1990, there are good reasons why it is gaining momentum now and becoming a preferred method of treatment for many. Among the benefits include:

• Patient experience less pain. There are even cases where the need for anesthesia is totally eliminated. When a laser is used on your oral tissues, as it separates the tissues it at the same time closes the nerve endings. The result is that the wound created cauterizes immediately it is formed. The pain is quick and over just as it begins.
• It triggers less anxiety in patients as there are no drilling or scrapping involved. Lasers also do not make loud noises and this makes the treatment less intimidating.
• Minimal bleeding and swelling, especially when soft tissues are involved. The immediate sealing of the blood vessels promotes faster blood clotting which the healing process.
• Stitches are not required as the area is cauterized.
• There is less risk for an infection because heat and light are involved which help sterilize the area being treated.
• It can be used to perform a variety of dental procedures that include teeth whitening, biopsies, gum surgery, frenectomy, repairing tooth fillings, detecting cavities and crown lengthening.

Trends in Laser Dentistry

There are two main types of lasers used by Holmdel dentists. They target either the soft tissues or the hard tissues, and each uses varying wavelengths to enable it work through a specific type of tissue. It is important to understand that every material absorbs laser beams in different ways. Therefore, by being able to adjust the wavelength as well as pulse of the light, dentists can be able to successfully complete different types of treatments.

Hard tissue lasers mainly target the teeth and bone. They are able to effectively cut through the teeth in preparation for dental procedures like detecting cavities and prepping the tooth for dental fillings. Soft tissue lasers on the other hand use a wavelength easily absorbed by water and hemoglobin. Sometimes, a continuous-wave laser called a diose is also used for soft tissue treatments. This makes it possible to perform procedures such reshaping of the gums, frenectomy and crown lengthening.

A & A Dental constantly strives to provide patients with the best dental healthcare using the latest technological trends. To learn more about laser dentistry and how it can improve your dental experience, contact us today or book an appointment to meet our skilled and friendly team of professionals.