How Do Dental Experts in Lansing Use Lasers for Effective Treatment?
Advancements in lasers have revolutionized many medical fields. This includes dentistry too! Lasers in the world of oral health are able to offer more precise, efficient, and less invasive treatments. For patients seeking advanced dental care, lasers have become a game-changer, providing comfort and effectiveness in addressing various dental concerns.
Experts at a renowned Lansing, MI dental practice believe that laser dentistry can allow for some genuinely amazing advancements in oral health maintenance! In fact, here are some ways in which lasers have already shown a major benefit…
Tooth Preparation for Filling
Traditionally, dentists use drills to remove decayed tissue and prepare the tooth for filling, a process that can be uncomfortable for some patients due to the noise, vibration, and potential pain. However, with laser technology, dentists can now perform this task more comfortably. Lasers can effectively remove decayed areas of the tooth, leaving the healthy structure intact, and creating a surface ideal for bonding with the filling material. Lasers offer greater precision than traditional methods, reducing the amount of tooth structure that needs to be removed.
Reshaping Soft Tissue
Lasers are particularly effective for soft tissue procedures, making them an invaluable tool in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Dentists use lasers to reshape the gums and improve the appearance of the smile. Gum contouring, for example, is a procedure that involves reshaping excessive or uneven gum tissue to achieve a more balanced, symmetrical look. The precision of lasers allows dentists to reshape soft tissue with minimal bleeding and swelling.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a procedure in which the frenulum, a small fold of tissue that restricts movement, is modified or removed. This procedure is commonly done to correct issues such as tongue-tie, which can interfere with speech and feeding, particularly in infants and young children. In traditional frenectomies, a scalpel is used, which often leads to discomfort, bleeding, and longer recovery times. Dental lasers have transformed the frenectomy procedure, offering a faster, more comfortable experience.
Tumor Removal
Another significant use of lasers in dental practice is the removal of benign oral tumors. These tumors can develop on the gums, inside the cheeks, or other soft tissues within the mouth. Traditional methods of tumor removal often involve scalpels and sutures and are known to cause potential complications such as infection or bleeding. With laser technology, dentists can precisely target and remove benign tumors with minimal invasion. The laser simultaneously cuts and cauterizes, meaning there is little to no bleeding, and the risk of infection is drastically reduced.
Whitening
Laser technology has also found a place in cosmetic dentistry, particularly in teeth whitening. In-office laser whitening treatments are known for their ability to brighten teeth quickly and effectively. During the procedure, a whitening gel is applied to the teeth, and the laser activates the gel, speeding up the bleaching process. Laser teeth whitening can produce results in just one session, making it an attractive option for those looking for a brighter smile in a short amount of time.
Biopsy
When dentists suspect that a patient may have a lesion or abnormal tissue that could indicate oral cancer or other conditions, a biopsy is often required. Lasers are an excellent tool for this procedure, as they allow for a clean, precise cut, enabling the dentist to remove a small section of tissue for further examination without damaging surrounding areas.
While lasers in dentistry have been around for quite a while, dentists still need to acquire mastery over them before working with patients. As such, it’s best to always opt for a local expert with testimonials highlighting previous work with lasers. This way, you are sure to have a safe and secure dental procedure!
