Increasingly, dentists have been using dental lasers more and more in their practices over the past couple of decades. This is due to their many benefits. Lasers are exciting pieces of technology that use focused beams of light to perform various dental procedures. While traditional dental tools such as drills and scalers can still be effective, dental lasers offer a range of advantages that can make your dental appointments more manageable and more comfortable.
What Are The Benefits?
One of the primary benefits of dental lasers is that they are generally less invasive than traditional tools. For example, your dentist can use a laser to remove decay from a tooth without drilling. This means that there is less pain and discomfort during the procedure. Additionally, there is less damage to the surrounding tissue. When dentists use lasers, it allows them to perform some procedures without anesthesia. This makes it an excellent option for those who are nervous about injections.
Another benefit of dental lasers is that dentists can use them to target problem areas precisely. Traditional dental tools can be challenging to control and may cause damage to healthy tissue. However, lasers focus only on the specific area that needs treatment, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding tissue. This precision also means that procedures can often be faster, cutting the time you need to spend in the dental chair.
Dental lasers are also more hygienic than traditional tools. Because they use a focused beam of light, they are able to kill bacteria on contact, minimizing the risk of infection. Additionally, lasers are able to cauterize blood vessels as they work, which means that there is less bleeding during procedures. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who are taking blood thinners or have bleeding disorders.
How Do Dentists Use Lasers?
One common use of dental lasers is for gum disease treatment. Your dentist can use lasers to remove diseased gum tissue and kill bacteria. Overall, this can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall gum health. This procedure is often less painful than traditional scaling and root planing. In fact, using lasers helps speed up the procedure time. Additionally, because the laser cauterizes blood vessels as it works, there is often less bleeding and swelling afterward.
Many dentists will use lasers for cosmetic procedures as well. For example, laser teeth whitening is a fast and effective way to remove stains and discoloration from teeth. The laser activates a bleaching solution, which can quickly and safely whiten teeth. This procedure is often completed in a single appointment, making it a convenient option for those who want to improve the appearance of their smile.
The use of dental lasers can improve your overall experience during your appointments. Because they are minimally invasive, you will spend less time recovering or in pain.