Did you know that dentists use lasers? Dental lasers (Light Amplification for the Stimulated Emission of Radiation) are handheld tools. They use energy from light wavelengths to treat the hard and soft tissues in the mouth. Dental lasers gently cut and vaporize tissue. Laser dentistry treatment in our Nederland, TX office can treat gum disease and a gummy smile.
Laser dentistry can prevent the progression of problems like gum disease as part of our general dental treatments. Lasers are safe, efficient dental tools we use as part of our modern technology at Coastal Dental Care.
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is changing the way people experience dental care. Instead of relying on traditional tools like drills and scalpels, dentists can now use focused laser beams to perform a wide range of procedures. This technology offers many advantages, making dental visits faster, less painful, and more effective.
1. Less Pain and Discomfort
One of the biggest benefits of laser dentistry is that it reduces pain and discomfort during procedures. Traditional dental tools can cause vibrations and pressure that some people find uncomfortable. Conversely, Lasers work with precision and minimal contact, which means less irritation to surrounding tissues. Patients often don’t even need anesthesia, making treatments easier and stress-free.
2. Faster Healing and Recovery
Laser dentistry is known for speeding up healing time. Dentists use lasers to make clean, precise cuts that cause less damage to surrounding tissues. This means the body can heal more quickly. Patients who undergo laser treatments for gum disease, cavities, or soft tissue procedures often experience less swelling and minimal bleeding, allowing them to return to normal activities sooner.
3. Reduced Need for Anesthesia
Since lasers cause less pain and discomfort, many procedures require little to no anesthesia. This is a major benefit for patients who are anxious about needles or have allergies to anesthesia. Dental appointments become much quicker and more comfortable without numbing injections.
4. Less Bleeding and Swelling
Traditional dental tools, like scalpels, can cause bleeding and swelling because they cut through soft tissues. Lasers work differently—they seal blood vessels as they cut, which reduces bleeding and inflammation. This is especially helpful for procedures like gum disease treatment or gum reshaping, where excessive bleeding can be a concern.
5. More Accurate and Precise Treatments
Lasers allow dentists to target only the affected areas without damaging healthy tissue. This level of accuracy is especially useful for cavity removal, gum reshaping, and treating infections. The precision of laser dentistry means patients experience less discomfort and better long-term results.
6. Lower Risk of Infection
Since lasers sterilize as they work, they help kill bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. This is particularly beneficial for treatments like gum disease therapy or root canals, where preventing bacterial growth is crucial for a successful recovery.
7. A More Comfortable Experience for Patients
Many patients feel anxious about dental visits, especially when they hear the sound of drills. Laser dentistry creates a quieter, more comfortable experience, reducing stress and making dental care more accessible for people with dental anxiety.
Types of Dental Lasers
Dentists use hard tissue lasers and soft tissue lasers. Hard tissue lasers treat the teeth. With these lasers, dentists can prepare teeth for dental fillings, whiten teeth, or cure material to the teeth.
Soft tissue lasers can treat the gums and other soft mouth tissues. Our office uses soft tissue lasers to treat gummy smiles and deep gum pockets. Dentists may also use soft tissue lasers to treat tongue and lip-tie, remove mouth sores, or prepare for implant placement.
Laser Dentistry in Nederland, TX
Our dental office uses soft tissue lasers to treat gummy smiles or remove diseased tissue. Sometimes, we may use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth before treatment. We will provide eye protection, as the laser uses bright light. Then, we will use the laser to target your gum tissue.
Our office can treat a gummy smile with gum contouring. A gummy smile occurs when excess gum tissue covers the teeth. It is a cosmetic problem that can make the teeth appear smaller than they are. We gently remove excess gum tissue during gum contouring to show more of your natural teeth.
Patients with moderate gum disease can experience deep gum pockets. As gum disease progresses, gum inflammation causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. Using a dental laser, we can remove diseased gum tissue and bacteria from the gum pockets. Harmful bacterial buildup in the pockets
Laser Dentistry FAQs
We welcome you to learn more about our laser dentistry services in Nederland, TX, with answers to these common patient questions:
What is the most common type of laser in dentistry?
Diode lasers are some of the most common lasers dentists use to treat teeth and gums. Diode lasers are compact, portable, and easy for dentists to use. We use soft diode lasers with a lighter wavelength than hard diode lasers.
Are dental lasers safe?
Yes, dental lasers are safe. Dentists have used them since the 1990s, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved them for dental use. Our office will ensure your comfort and safety during laser treatment. Dentists must be trained and take education courses to use lasers. Our dentists are trained to use soft tissue dental lasers properly.
Are dental lasers painful?
Lasers may not be painless, as we may numb your mouth before treatment. However, lasers are less painful than conventional treatment methods, including treatment with scalpels and drills. Lasers will seal the tissues and numb the nerve endings for more comfortable treatment.
How do I care for my gums after laser treatment?
Directly after dental laser treatment, we will recommend the following:
- Eat soft foods and liquids
- Avoid hard and spicy foods
- Take pain medication as needed
- Using a cold compress for swelling
- Keeping your head elevated
- Avoid using straws
Slight swelling or redness is normal following gum treatment. To ensure your gums heal comfortably, avoid directly brushing or flossing the treated area for several days. You can gently brush your treated gums a few days to a week after laser gum treatment. In the meantime, use a warm salt water rinse to clean your mouth.
How long does it take to recover from laser gum treatment?
Following dental laser treatment, your gums can recover in days. Your gums will begin to feel normal within a few days. Deep gum pockets can take weeks to heal fully. However, dental lasers help soft tissue heal faster than surgical methods.
Will gum tissue grow back after gum contouring?
No, your gums will not grow back after gum contouring treatment. You can benefit from gummy smile treatment without worrying about your gums growing back. Gum contouring will remove excess gum tissue for a more balanced look.
Get Comfortable Dental Treatment
See the difference in your gum health with dental laser treatment. Call Coastal Dental Care for laser dentistry in Nederland, TX, at 409-215-2035. You can also schedule a dental appointment with us online. Don’t hesitate to contact us with questions about laser treatment; we’re here to help.