Since 1994, lasers have been used in dentistry with approval from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Although no laser has been formally approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), the organization is optimistic laser therapy will play an important role in the future of dentistry.
Here, our team at Well Rooted Dentistry walks you through some of the common usages and benefits of laser therapy in dentistry. We explain when laser therapy is recommended and why we provide it regularly for our patients in Providence, RI.
Lasers & Dentistry
Lasers deliver energy in the form of light. In a medical context, this means they can be used as tools to cut through tissue and other material. In some instances, like teeth whitening, lasers can also be used as an activating source of heat. Laser technology has improved virtually every fact of dentistry over the past few decades. At Well Rooted Dentistry, we utilize this advanced technology routinely.
When is laser dentistry recommended?
Laser therapy can be useful in a variety of dental contexts. Today, these are some of the most common dental procedures carried out with the assistance of laser therapy:
- Fillings: By far one of the most common dental procedures, fillings can be carried out with the help of lasers. The lasers can remove decay and prepare the site to be filled.
- Biopsies: One part of a routine dental check up involves screening for intraoral cancer. If the dentist calls for a biopsy, it can be performed using a laser. Lasers can also be used to remove mouth lesions and relieve the pain caused by canker sores.
- Teeth whitening: Lasers can help speed up the in-office professional tooth whitening process. The laser energy activates the peroxide bleaching solution coating the teeth for a faster overall procedure.
- Periodontal disease: Gum disease can be detrimental to the soft and hard tissues in your mouth, along with causing problems for your overall health. During root canal procedures, your dentist can use laser technology to help reshape gums and remove unwanted bacteria.
As you can see, there are a number of situations in which laser therapy is a useful dental tool. Exploring the pros and cons can help determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Benefits of Laser Therapy
There are many advantages offered by laser therapy in dentistry. When compared to traditional treatments, lasers can:
- Reduce or eliminate harmful oral bacteria
- Address inflammation around the TMJ
- Reduce the risk of post-treatment pain and discomfort
- Minimize bleeding, bruising, and swelling in the affected areas
- Lessen dental anxiety
Compared to traditional procedures, laser dentistry delivers major benefits to qualifying patients. During a consultation at our practice, your dentist can determine if laser therapy will be advantageous for your personalized treatment plan.
Learn More About Laser Therapy & Other Technologies
At our Providence dental office, we provide a wide range of dental services, from preventative check-ups to porcelain veneers. We are equipped with the latest in dental technology, and along with laser therapy we offer cone beam computed tomography, ozone therapy, and more. To learn more, give our office a call at (401) 593-1418 or contact us online anytime.
