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.
As a part of our general dental treatments, laser dentistry can prevent the progression of problems like gum disease. Lasers are safe, efficient dental tools we use as a part of our modern technology at Coastal Dental Care.
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Lasers offer many benefits to dental patients, from faster treatment times to more comfortable treatment. Dental lasers offer:
- Minimally invasive treatment: We do not need loud drills or painful instruments to treat your smile. Lasers are minimally invasive because they precisely treat tissue without affecting the surrounding teeth or gums.
- Comfortable care: Lasers are more comfortable than traditional dental surgery. Sometimes, we will not need to numb your mouth before treatment. Dental lasers are comfortable because they seal the nerve endings during treatment. That means less pain during your gum treatment. Unlike drills, lasers will not vibrate, which means the laser has minimal chance of damaging surrounding tissue or creating more pain.
- Less post-operative bleeding: Dental lasers help seal the tissues and allow blood to coagulate. Because of this, you will experience little to no bleeding after laser treatment. We do not need to use sutures after laser treatment.
Because lasers are so comfortable, they’re a great option for patients with dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist. Many patients fear pain during their dental treatment. However, dental lasers are less invasive and painful than surgical alternatives. Lasers promote quick healing so you can get back to living.
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. Gummy smiles are cosmetic problems 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. We can remove diseased gum tissue and bacteria from the gum pockets using a dental laser. 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 who use lasers are trained to use soft tissue dental lasers properly.
Are dental lasers painful?
Lasers may not be completely 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. Avoid directly brushing or flossing the treated area for several days to ensure your gums heal comfortably. 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?
It can take your gums just days to recover following dental laser treatment. Your gums will begin to feel back to normal within a few days. It can take weeks for deep gum pockets to heal fully. However, dental lasers help soft tissue heal faster than with 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.