Laser Dentistry Information

Laser Dentistry:

Almost everyone knows that apprehensive feeling of sitting in the waiting room of the dentist's office. Hearing the whirl of the drills, it is almost as if you can feel it drilling your own teeth. For those that are weary of climbing into ‘the chair', laser dentistry may be a great alternative.

Laser Teeth Whitening:

Laser Teeth Whitening is a simple and painless procedure that is performed by cosmetic dentists. The dentist will start by isolating your gums and lips. He or she will then apply a scientifically formulated gel consisting of ph balanced hydrogen peroxide. Afterward, the dentist will take a laser or high intensity light source and direct it over the teeth. The light activates the gel; breaking it down into water and a radical (compound constituent). Once the gel is in this state, the radical appends itself to stain molecules. This causes the stains to weaken, allowing oxygen to reach and whiten the enamel.

This procedure takes about an hour and side effects are minimal. Some patients experience sore teeth and gums which is usually a result of the hydrogen peroxide. These side effects usually subside a few hours after the procedure. Typically, patients teeth become anywhere from six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. Some even experience a continuation in the whitening of their teeth for the first few days after the procedure. A singular visit is all it takes for teeth to show dramatic results. When patients take proper care as well as perform occasional touch-ups at home, whiter smiles can last for years.

Cavity Removal:

For years dental patients have been apprehensive about cavity removal. For some it can be a painful and terrifying procedure but laser dentistry has changed all that. Lasers have been designed to remove all decay within a tooth as well as prepare the surrounding enamel for bonded fillings. The laser energy targets and dissolves unwanted bacteria found within the cavity which is a great alternative when compared to the picking and drilling of traditional dentists. The lasers used in this procedure are so precise that they are even able to detect cavities in their earliest stages. By doing this, dentists can stop cavities before they start.

This procedure saves time and also reduces the pain involved in cavity removal. Anesthesia is most often not even needed during a laser procedure; however, it can be used if requested. Dental patients find that after enduring laser dentistry procedures, they are no longer afraid to climb into the chair. Laser dentistry procedures are a great alternative to more traditional dentist treatments.

Periodontal:

Periodontal, or gum related care has greatly benefited from laser technology. Tartar in the mouth, if not taken care of, can do real damage to the gums. It can cause swelling and bleeding which can lead to the gums weakening and eventually pulling away from the teeth. When this happens, the empty spaces fill with bacteria. This condition results in gum disease. Dentists can now treat gum disease with lasers by sending light energy into the space between the gum and the tooth. The light energy removes the disease-causing bacteria. Before lasers, this was a very painful procedure that required considerable recovery time. Laser technology has significantly reduced the amount of pain and down-time associated with this procedure.

Dentists can not only use laser technology to treat diseased gum tissue, it can also be used in cosmetic procedures. Dentists can use light energy to reshape and re-contour the gums. Patients with short teeth that are mostly hidden in gum tissue can have this procedure performed in order to increase visible tooth size. The laser light reshapes the gums, pushing them down in order to expose more tooth enamel. For many this can make for a fantastic smile. Whether medical or cosmetic, these procedures ultimately make for healthier gums and a healthier smile.

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