Laser technology is revolutionizing many different industries including dentistry, and the benefits associated with their use are so prolific that more dentists than ever before are now offering a wider range of procedures undertaken using cutting edge laser technology. 

The main reason that lasers are being used in dentistry is because they offer dentists a method of performing treatments that is minimally invasive. One of the trickiest aspects of dental care is carrying out fairly detailed procedures using sharp instruments in an area where there is restricted access. As you can probably imagine, handling and maneuvering sharp implements is not only difficult but can also be risky. Any slight slip could cause the patient to be cut and potentially hurt. 

Lasers are controlled using technology and can be beamed on to the exact spot they are needed, with no need to try and negotiate around teeth and soft tissue in the mouth. This enables your dentist to perform regular dental treatments with much greater precision and accuracy, which in turn enables patients to enjoy a range of benefits. 
 

What are the key benefits of choosing laser dentistry treatment?

What is driving people to choose dental treatments carried out by laser? 

There are primarily two types of laser used in dentistry. One replaces cutting and can be used to make incisions needed in dental treatments. The other is used to target areas of cell to destroy, such as cauterizing wounds. By using a laser to carry out dental procedures rather than conventional hand-held tools, there are a number of benefits, including: 

• Greater precision and accuracy

• Less risk of human error

• Minimal risk of infection due to the sterility of the laser

• Less damage to soft tissues surrounding your teeth

• Minimal bleeding as lasers help encourage blood to clot

• Less painful than conventional dental treatments

• Less need for anesthetic

• In cases where drilling is needed, less noise as a laser is quieter than a normal dental drill

• No need for sutures since lasers can be used to cauterize the wound 

• Expedited recovery time as the soft tissue is able to regenerate more quickly

• Less reliance on post-treatment pain relief
   

What dental procedures can be carried out using laser technology?

Laser dentistry can now be used in place of conventional tools in a wide variety of different dental treatments, including:

• Teeth whitening

• Eradicating tooth decay

• Preparing teeth for cavity fillings or dental crowns

• Gum contouring / crown lengthening

• Root canal infections to remove any infected tissues

• Treating gum disease

• Removing oral lesions

• Improving the function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

• Dental implant surgery

• To undertake a biopsy of soft tissue from the mouth (to check for issues such as cancerous cells)
   

While some patients understandably have concerns about the use of laser technology in dentistry, the FDA has given the technique their approval and it is largely considered to be an extremely safe and effective alternative to regular dental practices. While there is some degree of risk associated with any dental procedure, experts agree that the benefits offered by the use of laser technology far outweigh them. 

If you are interested in finding out more about laser dentistry in Vienna VA, or if you would like to schedule a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for laser dentistry procedures, please make an appointment today by contacting our friendly and experienced dental team and calling .