Here at Lake Forest Dentistry, we are pleased to provide laser dentistry as one of our dental treatment services.
Laser dentistry has superseded many traditional practices in recent years, making treatments more precise and less painful! This newer style of treatment utilizes beams of light projected by a dental laser. Dental lasers can be used to perform a wide variety of treatments, including gum surgery and soft tissue shaping and removal.
To learn more about laser dentistry and how it can benefit you at Lake Forest Dentistry, give our office a call!
What Is Laser Dentistry?
Lasers are concentrated beams of light energy. The heat created by lasers is what dentists use to cut, reshape, and clean soft and hard tissues in the mouth. Altering the wavelength of a laser changes the amount of heat it generates. This is why laser dentistry can be used for both soft and hard tissues in the mouth.
What Can Laser Dentistry Treat?
Laser dentistry is a modern approach that can effectively address a variety of dental conditions with improved precision and comfort. Here are some of the key treatments that can be performed using laser technology:
- Cavity Detection and Treatment: Lasers can detect cavities early on, allowing for timely treatment. When treating cavities, lasers remove decayed tissue while preserving as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible, often reducing the need for anesthesia or drilling.
- Gum Contouring and Crown Lengthening: Laser dentistry can be used for gum contouring to create a more even gum line. It’s also used in crown lengthening to reshape the gum and bone tissue, preparing the tooth for restorative work like crowns.
- Soft Tissue Procedures: Lasers are effective for soft tissue treatments, such as frenectomies (tongue-tie release), treating cold sores, and removing benign oral growths. These procedures typically involve minimal bleeding, reduced discomfort, and quicker recovery.
- Root Canal Therapy: In root canal procedures, lasers help disinfect and shape the root canals with precision. This can reduce the risk of post-treatment infection and improve the overall success of the procedure.
- TMJ Disorder Treatment: Laser technology, such as the MLS laser, can be used to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and support healing in the muscles and joints associated with TMJ.
- Teeth Whitening: Laser-assisted teeth whitening is an efficient way to achieve a brighter smile. The laser activates the whitening gel applied to the teeth, helping to achieve more consistent results in less time.
Laser dentistry offers a range of treatment options that are less invasive and more comfortable for many patients. Whether you’re managing gum disease, improving your smile, or addressing TMJ discomfort, laser technology can provide a gentle and effective approach to care.
Laser Dentistry for Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common issue that, if left untreated, can lead to serious dental problems. Laser dentistry offers a modern, minimally invasive approach to treating gum disease, using targeted laser beams to remove infected tissue and bacteria with precision. This method reduces bleeding, promotes faster healing, and often eliminates the need for sutures, making it a comfortable and effective alternative to traditional gum surgery.
Understanding Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. It starts with plaque buildup and can progress to cause gum inflammation, bleeding, and even tooth loss if left untreated. There are two main stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage, characterized by gum redness, swelling, and bleeding.
- Periodontitis: A more severe stage that can lead to gum recession, pockets between the teeth and gums, and loss of supporting bone.
There are many factors that could contribute to gum disease, including poor oral hygiene, hormonal changes, genetics, certain medications, and smoking or tobacco use. You can recognize the symptoms in yourself if you see any of the following:
- Bleeding gums
- Gum sensitivity
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see our dental team as soon as possible. We can get started on a laser dentistry treatment plan to quickly get rid of your symptoms and restore your oral health.
How Laser Dentistry Treats Gum Disease
Unlike traditional gum disease treatments like osseous surgery that gets rid of the bacteria in gum pockets using sharp surgical tools, laser dentistry requires no sutures or stitches, little to no anesthesia, and helps you recover almost instantly.
Lasers effortlessly target infected cells, leaving the healthy ones intact. They are able to do this because of how hot the laser is. While you won’t feel the heat on your tooth, the infection and infected gums will instantly be removed with the laser.
Dr. Schmidt can alter how intense the laser is, depending on the area he is treating. A laser’s strength is measured in kilowatts.
Once the affected gums have been treated by the laser, your body will immediately start creating new cells in your gums, encouraging reattachment of your gums to your teeth. This is because lasers do not damage healthy cells as much as gum surgery can, preserving the healthy cells for new growth instead.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Many benefits come from dentists using laser dentistry in their treatments for patients. Here is a list of some of the benefits:
Comfort
- Patients typically experience less pain when procedures are performed with dental lasers
- Treatments with dental lasers often lead to less bleeding
- Laser treatments eliminate the need for stitches or sutures
Recovery
- A dental laser is less likely to cause swelling when compared to conventional tools
- Patients have shorter recovery periods when dental lasers are used because the laser actually stimulates the natural healing process of your smile
Precision
- Lasers allow dentists to work with more precision, preserving the healthy gums around your teeth
- Laser treatments are often less invasive than using conventional tools
Our Other Laser Treatments
MLS Laser Technology
The MLS (Multiwave Locked System) laser is made for managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, offering a non-invasive, drug-free solution for chronic pain and inflammation associated with TMJ.
The MLS laser is a very low-powered laser, which means it cannot burn anything. Instead, it uses a combination of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and pulsed laser therapy to deliver targeted energy to the affected area. This energy stimulates cellular activity, reducing inflammation and promoting natural healing processes within the muscles and joints. Patients suffering from TMJ pain can experience significant relief from symptoms like jaw stiffness, headaches, and facial pain after just a few sessions.
The MLS laser’s gentle approach ensures that there is no risk of burning or discomfort, making it a safe and effective option for long-term TMJ management.
Hard Tissue Laser (CO2 Laser)
Our carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is a state-of-the-art approach to dental surgery. We use this laser to create painless incisions and to shape and remove hard tissue.
This laser is frequently used for procedures like cavity preparation, where it can remove decay without the need for drills, reducing the need for anesthesia and making the experience much more comfortable for the patient. It’s also ideal for more complex surgeries like osseous surgery, where the laser can clean and shape the bone with minimal trauma, leading to faster healing and less postoperative discomfort.
The CO2 laser’s precision makes it an excellent tool for procedures like tongue-tie releases, allowing us to perform the surgery with minimal bleeding and a significantly reduced recovery time.
Why Choose Us for Laser Dentistry?
At Lake Forest Dentistry, we understand the importance of providing cutting-edge dental care that prioritizes patient comfort, precision, and exceptional results.
Our luxury office understands that our patients want an experience they feel good about, no matter the issue. With laser dentistry, we can offer a better experience to everyone who visits.
Benefits of Our Laser Dentistry Services:
- Experience and Expertise: Our dental team consists of highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in laser dentistry. We have undergone specialized training and stay up to date on the latest advancements in dental laser technology to deliver superior care to our patients.
- Advanced Technology: We invest in state-of-the-art dental laser equipment that allows us to perform a wide range of procedures with unmatched precision and efficiency.
- Comprehensive Laser Services: From gum disease treatment and gum contouring to cavity removal and soft tissue surgeries, we offer a comprehensive range of laser dentistry services to address diverse dental needs!
- Patient-Centered Care: At Lake Forest Dentistry, patient comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs and preferences. Your well-being is our primary focus at every step of the treatment process!
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Laser dentistry enables us to perform procedures with without invasive surgical tools cutting into your gums. This results in higher `comfort, faster healing, and superior outcomes compared to traditional methods. You can expect shorter recovery times and less postoperative discomfort when choosing laser dentistry at our practice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Dentistry
While laser dentistry can be a revolutionary dental experience for our patients, it might be unfamiliar to many patients. You can read more to answer your questions or contact our office.
The duration of a laser dentistry procedure varies depending on the type of treatment being performed. Simple procedures, like laser teeth whitening, may take about an hour, while more complex treatments, such as gum reshaping or cavity removal, could take a bit longer. Your dentist will provide a more specific timeframe during your consultation.
Recovery time after laser dentistry is generally shorter compared to traditional methods. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return to normal activities within a day or two. However, recovery time can vary based on the procedure. Your dentist will give you detailed post-procedure care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Yes, laser dentistry is considered safe when performed by a trained and experienced dental professional. Dental lasers are FDA-approved for use in dentistry and have been used for decades with successful outcomes. Proper safety protocols are followed to minimize risks and ensure patient comfort during laser procedures.
Laser dentistry is suitable for many patients; however, it may not be the right choice for everyone or every dental procedure. Our dentists will evaluate your oral health needs and determine if laser dentistry is a suitable option for your treatment.
The cost of laser dentistry may vary depending on the specific procedure and the dental practice. While laser technology may have higher initial costs, it can offer long-term benefits such as reduced discomfort and faster healing, which may outweigh the initial investment for some patients.
Laser dentistry actually mitigates some risks that regular surgeries may have. However, the risks of laser dentistry are generally the same as those associated with traditional dental procedures. They could include sensitivity, pain, bleeding, and infection.
Laser dentistry is generally less painful than traditional dental procedures, but some discomfort is possible. This will often depend on the type of procedure being performed. We may use local anesthesia to numb the area before treatment.
Laser dentistry may be right for you if you are looking for a minimally invasive dental procedure with a shorter recovery time.
Laser dentistry could transform your dental care experience. It’s an innovative approach that’s turning the tables on traditional dentistry.
Feel Confident in Your Smile Today!
Experience the difference that laser dentistry can make in your oral health! Schedule a consultation with our dentists at Lake Forest Dentistry today to learn more about our laser dentistry services and how they can benefit you!