Laser Dentistry Here at Jeanette Thai, DDS, we are able to offer innovative laser dentistry. It’s an ideal solution for those looking for a less invasive alternative to standard procedures. Lasers are employed to remove or alter small amounts of tissue. They can be used for a wide variety of issues, but they are mainly used in gum surgery. Laser dentistry is hence a common treatment for root canal infections, gum disease, biopsies, exposing wisdom teeth, benign oral tumors and damaged nerves. It is a popular choice for adults, but it is also recommended to children who have developed a fear of visiting the dentist. How is Laser Dentistry Performed?Laser dentistry may sound odd at first, but your appointment with us will be very similar to traditional dentistry appointments. We will give you anesthesia, while patients with anxiety may also receive a sedative. You won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure, and it is usually described as much more comfortable compared to the drill. There are two main types of laser dentistry procedures, and they are used for hard and soft tissue. The soft tissue includes the gums, while hard tissue refers to the teeth themselves. As mentioned above, there are many issues that can be treated with lasers. For hard tissue, they can be used to detect decay or cavity in the teeth, and even treat the inconvenient tooth sensitivity. However, soft tissue procedures are more common in laser dentistry. We use them to reshape gum tissue if it covers too much of the tooth or if it’s needed as preparation for teeth crowns. The muscle attachment can also be treated with a procedure referred to as laser frenectomy. Laser frenectomy is generally used for patients with a tight frenulum. Benign tumors can also be removed, and sleep apnea can be treated by reshaping the throat and minimizing breathing problems associated with this sleep disease. Last but not least, our dentists can use laser surgery to help improve your teeth aesthetically. What Lasers are Used in Dentistry?The chosen laser depends on the type of treatment, but they are generally divided into two categories: soft and hard tissue lasers. The lasers are set at a different wavelength allowing the specific tissue to be cut through and treated properly. The right choice of laser is crucial as teeth and gums don't absorb the wavelengths in the same way. Luckily, our lasers are always compatible with the tissues you need help with. Therefore, hard tissue lasers can precisely cut your teeth, to remove small parts or reshape the teeth. They are commonly used as preparation for other procedures. Soft tissue lasers, on the other hand, were created to cut through hemoglobin. They can cut through the tissue while sealing the blood vessels and nerve endings at the same time. This is why the tissue heals much faster after laser treatment, and it also causes much less postoperative pain. If you’re looking for a less painful, safer and faster dental procedure, contact us at Jeanette Thai, DDS at (949) 837-8482, and we will be happy to give you further information about laser dentistry. |
