Laser dentistry involves using a laser beam to cut away excess tissue within the mouth, to whiten teeth, or to prepare teeth for a surgical procedure. Unlike dental procedures that involve cutting into the gumline, there will not be much blood loss with a laser procedure and the healing time after a laser application is performed will not take as long.

Lasers For Soft And Hard Tissue

Laser dentistry procedures can be used to treat soft and hard tissue. A laser wand that emits a beam designated for hard tissue can also be used to whiten teeth or prep them for a filling, a root canal, or another surgical procedure.

The strength of a laser beam differs between a device that is designated for soft tissue and hard tissue. Before a laser procedure is performed, a dentist will examine a patient's gums and teeth. The examination will help them determine which type of laser tool to use.

Less Pain And A Variety Of Treatments

One common reason that people put off having their dental needs addressed by a dentist is due to the discomfort that they may endure. Sharp tools that are rigid will press against the teeth or gums during a standard procedure. A standard surgical procedure that is designed to remove excess skin from the gumline would require an incision to be made and sutures to be added to the area afterward.

A laser tool will not directly come into contact with a patient's teeth. A dentist may still prescribe an anesthesia or a sedative for some patients. The anesthesia will prevent a patient from feeling any type of discomfort. A sedative will aid with keeping a scared or nervous dental patient in a calm state of mind.

Laser applications are used to remove nonbenign tumors, to treat canker sores, and to reduce the amount of soft tissue that is covering teeth that will ultimately require a surgical procedure. A dentist who offers cosmetic services may use a laser tool to aid in whitening a patient's teeth.

After a procedure is performed, a dental patient may experience a minimal amount of discomfort when the anesthesia wears off. Other than this, there will not be any downtime associated with the healing process. Since sutures were not added to the gums, a patient may be able to eat and drink like normal and will not be required to visit their dental provider to have stitches removed from their mouth.

For more information, contact a service like The Dental Boutique.