What is Laser Dentistry?

Medical professionals have been using lasers for quite some time, which is now becoming more popular within the dentistry profession. Lasers are extremely focused light beams used to alter or remove tissue in small amounts.

Dentists use lasers in a variety of procedures involving the inside of the mouth, to remove overgrown tissue, reshape the gums, or whiten teeth. Sometimes, laser dentistry is ideal for children who become anxious or afraid when having dental work done.

The Types of Lasers Used in Dentistry

There are two main types of lasers dentists use during laser procedures:

• Hard Tissue Lasers
• Soft Tissue Lasers

Each laser uses a different strength of focused light according to the treatment. Altering the light’s strength (wavelength) makes it more compatible with the tissues in your mouth.

Hard Tissue Lasers

A hard tissue laser is used primarily for your teeth. These lasers can very accurately cut into your teeth, removing small amounts for shaping purposes or in preparation for procedures.

Hard  tissue lasers are used for

• Detecting cavities,
• Dealing with tooth sensitivity, and
• Preparing teeth for dental procedures.

Soft Tissue Lasers

Soft tissue lasers use a less intense form of focused light which is more easily absorbed by softer tissue.

These lasers are ideal for working with soft tissue and sealing the exposed blood vessels at the same time. As such, laser dentistry tends to involve very little bleeding, and you’ll heal quickly.

Soft tissue lasers are used for

• Crown work,
• Dealing with restricted tongue movement,
• Reshaping the gums to create a more pleasing smile, and
• Performing soft tissue treatment.

Whether you’re having laser gum surgery or hard tissue work, expect an easier procedure and a shorter recovery time. Laser dentistry is a convenient solution to many oral and dental problems, whether serious in nature or simply cosmetic.

Ask us at Federal Way General & Laser Dentistry about all things connected with laser dentistry the next time you need dental work completed.

What Laser Dentistry Can Treat

Most issues laser dentistry treats are related to the gums, and include:

• Cold sore pain treatments
• Root canal infections
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Removing gum inflammation
• Gum reshaping
• Biopsies
• Exposing wisdom teeth
• Sleep apnea-related issues
• Regenerating damaged nerves
• Removing benign oral tumors

Do You Need Anesthesia for Laser Dentistry?

Mostly, NO!

You can get cavities filled, root canals, periodontal treatments, and more without the need for anesthesia. The treatment and recovery times are shorter than with traditional dentistry, making laser dentistry an attractive modern option for patients.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Dentists choose laser dentistry because of its distinct benefits that make the procedures go more smoothly, and also reduce discomfort and healing time for patients.

• Patients are less likely to require anesthesia
• The laser will sterilize the gums, making infection less likely
• Less damage to gums shortens the healing time
• Patients lose less blood than in traditional surgery
• Treatment time is shorter
• Recovery time is shorter

Is Laser Dentistry Covered by Insurance?

The short answer is YES! However, other factors can affect whether or not a laser dentistry procedure is covered.

The reason is that your dental insurance is worked out by procedure, not technique. Your dental insurance company covers you for specific treatments, regardless of whether or not a laser is used.

To learn more, pop over to our dedicated page for Laser Dentistry.

Our office is located in Federal Way, WA. We also serve surrounding communities in SeaTac, Des Moines, Auburn, Kent, Edgewood, and Browns Point.