Laser Dentistry

Laser Dentistry

Lasers have really become important in our daily lives, from medicine to computers to household items; they are everywhere! Now, this innovative technology is used in important dental technology too.

In the United States, the FDA approved the use of lasers on gum tissue in 1990. Soon after, in 1996, the FDA approved it for hard tissue as well (teeth or bone). The use of lasers has really revolutionized the way dentistry is performed.

Lasers are used to accelerate whitening processes, remove diseased tissue, and sometimes remove cavities from teeth! Dr. Koeppel, director of Koeppel Dental Group – A Dental365 Company, can perform many services using laser dentistry that saves his patients time and money. The procedures are in many cases more comfortable than traditional surgery.

What is A Dental Laser?

A laser is an instrument that amplifies light energy, and uses it to remove diseased tissue or decayed tooth. There are several different kinds of lasers, the most common being diode, carbon dioxide, and yttrium aluminum garnet.

Each has a specific purpose and different wave length. For example, diode lasers are well absorbed by red color and work best on soft tissue applications such as gingivectomy, cosmetic tissue sculpting, and frenectomies. Dr. Koeppel uses his skills and knowledge to correct gum contours for beauty. The higher wave lengths work better on hard tissue such as bone and tooth.

What Can Laser Dentistry Treat?

There are a wide number of applications to laser dentistry for both hard and soft tissue procedures.

Some laser dentistry treatments include:

• Treating gummy smiles
• Crown lengthening
• Tongue frenulum attachment
• Tooth sensitivity treatment
• Cavity detection
• Killing bacteria
• TMJ treatment
• Sleep Apnea treatment

Different lasers are used depending on the type of treatment that you receive. These treatments can be more cost effective and sometimes provide better results than traditional dental procedures.

How Long Does Laser Dentistry Take?

The time for a laser dentistry procedure will vary based on the type of treatment that you are receiving. Even within the same procedure, for example crown lengthening, the severity of your condition can change the amount of time that laser dentistry treatment takes.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry comes with a number of benefits from faster recovery to more painless experience. It is best to talk to your dentist if laser dentistry is the right option for you.

Faster Healing

With the dental laser there is no need for suturing and much less trauma to the site of surgery. There is almost no recovery time, and patients feel no discomfort. Because of the instant cauterization of the tissue, there is little bleeding.

It is, however, important to keep the area of surgery clean after the procedure is completed. director of Koeppel Dental Group, always reviews this with his patients and gives them detailed home care instructions before they leave his office.

Pain Free Dental Visits

Because laser dentistry procedures use light it is less invasive than traditional procedures. This means that there is no need for stiches after they are performed. It also means that certain procedures may not require drilling into the tooth.

Less Fear of the Dentist

Even with anesthesia the idea of using drills can make certain dental patients uncomfortable. Laser dentistry allows for complex procedures to be performed without the need for drills. In these instances patients may find that their visit to the dental office is a lot less scary and much more comfortable than they would have thought.

What are the Cons of Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry has many benefits but it can not treat every situation. For example, a tooth that has too much tooth decay will still need to be treated using traditional methods. Dr. Koeppel will look at your teeth and examine whether or not you are a candidate for laser dental treatment. Additionally, lasers are not able to be used on cavities that have fillings or cavities that are in between the teeth.