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Laser dentistry has superseded many traditional practices in recent years, making treatments more precise and less painful!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:
- Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) Treatment: Laser dentistry is a helpful tool in treating gum disease. It allows for the careful removal of infected gum tissue, targeting bacteria, and encouraging healthy tissue growth. Procedures like LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) offer a less invasive option with quicker healing times compared to traditional methods.
- Dental Implant Recovery: After dental implants are placed, lasers can be used to treat inflammation around the implant, promoting a smoother recovery. The LAPIP procedure, for example, is a laser treatment designed to manage peri-implantitis and support gum health around implants.
- 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
LANAP: Advanced Treatment for Gum Disease
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is an FDA-approved, cutting-edge treatment that can actually reverse the harmful effects of gum disease and preserve the gums and bone around the teeth.
There are no scalpels or sutures used, so it’s less invasive than traditional gum surgery and requires virtually no healing time. The laser is just light energy and so thin that it’s hardly noticeable as it’s swept under the gumline.
Not only is this treatment pain-free, it actually encourages regeneration of the gums after the treatment. Your damaged gums will be restored, helping you in your quest for a healthier smile.
How Does LANAP Work?
Lasers, when concentrated in just the right amount, can heal damaged gums and disinfect any areas around the tooth. This process is completely painless and doesn’t leave scarring or lesions in the mouth.
Dr. Schmidt will use the LANAP laser to get deep beneath the gumline, removing infection near the tooth. He will then remove any plaque or tartar on the tooth under the gum line using an ultrasonic scaler. He will then clean out the area under your gum line one more time before using the laser to seal the tooth and gum back together.
You can expect treatment to last just a visit or two, depending on the severity. Recovery should take just a couple of weeks before your smile is back to better than before.
Is LANAP Right for Me?
If you have gum disease and are in search of the perfect treatment, you don’t have to do all the research on your own. We encourage you to come in for a consultation and learn about all of your periodontal treatment options.
We will assess the stage of your periodontal disease, and recommend the treatment right for you. LANAP is a great option for those who are looking for short recovery times and results that last.
The LANAP protocol is an excellent treatment option for those patients who are nervous about conventional scalpel surgeries to combat gum disease.
What Should I Expect During a LANAP Surgery?
If you’ve been scheduled for LANAP dental surgery, you might have questions about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. LANAP is a minimally invasive laser treatment designed to treat gum disease effectively while minimizing discomfort and promoting quicker recovery. Here’s a detailed overview of what you can anticipate:
- Before the Procedure: Patients will undergo an examination and consultation with the dentist that includes X-rays. Our dentist will discuss your personalized treatment plan and what the procedure and outcomes will look like for you.
- During the Procedure: The LANAP procedure begins with the use of a specialized laser to access and treat the infected gum tissue. The laser is highly precise and targets only the diseased tissue, cleaning the gum pockets while preserving healthy tissue. This helps reduce inflammation and promote healing. After cleaning, the laser is used to stimulate the bone and gum tissue, encouraging the reattachment of the gums to the teeth and promoting regeneration.
- Aftercare: During the first few days after the procedure, you may experience some mild aching, dull throbbing, or soreness in the affected areas. Most patients will say that their pain is very low on the pain scale. Our dentists will prescribe a medicated mouth rinse to use during the first 2 weeks and provide more instructions on how to care for your oral health during that time.
- Follow-Up Care: Our dentists might prescribe night guards to help protect your teeth and gums from clenching or grinding. Patients should also be prepared to have their teeth professionally cleaned every three months for at least a year to maintain healthy gums.
LANAP: An Investment That’s Worth It
Depending on the areas needing treatment, many patients will find that in the U.S., LANAP treatments can cost anywhere between $2,000–$10,000. While LANAP treatment may seem more expensive, the natural healing, regenerative procedure makes it more worth it than other more invasive surgeries.
More traditional surgeries will involve removing gums and bone and replacing them with artificial bone graft materials. The LANAP surgery will allow natural healing and for the body to regenerate its own bone!
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.
LAPIP: Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure
LAPIP (Laser-Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure) is a restorative, pain-free, and non-surgical laser used to assist in implant healing in cases of peri-implantitis. This is a condition that can occur around dental implants, leading to inflammation and potential implant failure. The laser precisely targets and removes the infected tissue and bacteria surrounding the implant without harming the healthy tissue. This helps to preserve the implant, reduce swelling, and encourage the reattachment of the gums to the implant.
Once we restore your implant or once your implant is placed you may have some inflammation around the area. LAPIP is a completely painless laser treatment that reduces swelling and encourages gum attachment around the implant and restoration. With LAPIP, your implant experience will be more comfortable than ever before.
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, especially LANAP, 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.
How long does a typical laser dentistry procedure take?
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.
How long does it take to recover after a laser dentistry procedure?
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.
Is laser dentistry safe?
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.
Is laser dentistry suitable for everyone?
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.
Does laser dentistry cost more than traditional dental procedures?
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.
What are the risks of laser dentistry?
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.
Is laser dentistry painful?
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.
Is laser dentistry right for me?
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!