How Does Laser Dentistry Work?
Feb 05, 2024
Close your eyes for a second and imagine a trip to the dentist. More than likely, your mind has conjured up images of drills and needles — the typical tools that sometimes make you apprehensive about going to the dentist.
At OneSource Dental of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida, Nancy Horton, DMD, uses laser dentistry to make your trips to the dentist feel less intimidating. With laser dentistry, we replace the typical dental equipment you’re used to with groundbreaking laser technology for many dental procedures. The process is precise and minimizes dental discomfort.
Here, we explain how laser dentistry can improve your experience at dental visits.
Laser dentistry uses concentrated light energy to perform dental procedures precisely and with minimal discomfort. The cutting-edge technology can reshape your gums, prepare your teeth for fillings, and even whiten teeth more comfortably than traditional methods.
Laser dentistry is also more accurate, so it keeps more of your healthy tooth intact during procedures like removing cavities. And because it’s so precise, it often means less pain and quicker healing.
There are two main types of dental lasers – hard tissue and soft tissue lasers. The hard tissue laser cuts into teeth and bone. We use it for procedures like fillings or to shape your teeth.
Soft tissue lasers, on the other hand, are more suitable for handling gums. They’re excellent for cosmetic procedures, like gum reshaping and treating periodontal disease.
When you go in for a laser dentistry procedure, it differs from your usual dental appointment. Unlike traditional dental procedures, you might not always need anesthesia because laser treatments are generally less painful. If you need it, it’s usually less than regular dental tools.
Dr. Horton uses the laser device to precisely target the area of your tooth or gum that needs treatment. It’s very accurate, so it only works on the part that needs fixing without affecting the rest of your mouth.
You might feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful. The laser quickly reshapes gums, removes decay, or whitens teeth, depending on what you’re here for.
One of the great things about laser dentistry is the quick recovery. You can expect a smoother and faster healing process because there’s usually less bleeding and swelling than with traditional methods.
Laser dentistry has many advantages, making it popular among dentists and patients.
Lasers are generally less invasive than traditional dental tools, which means less pain during and after the procedure. If you experience dental anxiety, this also makes you feel less anxious about dental visits.
Because lasers are so precise, they cause less damage to your gums, resulting in minimal bleeding during procedures and less swelling afterward.
Lasers can target specific areas accurately, especially for treatments like cavity removal. This precision means more of your healthy tooth remains untouched and undamaged.
Many laser dentistry procedures are faster than traditional methods. Also, the healing process is often quicker since there’s less trauma to your teeth and gums.
If you’re looking to experience less pain and discomfort, quicker recovery, and more precise dental treatments, laser dentistry is the way to go. At OneSource Dental of South Tampa, Dr. Horton believes every dental visit should be as comfortable, quick, and effective as possible. Schedule an appointment online with her today or call 813-879-9299.