Laser Dentistry

Dental operations can be enhanced and made more efficient with the use of technology such as digital radiography, CAD/CAM restorations, intraoral cameras, and lasers. Lasers can either complement or replace traditional dentistry tools to reduce the time, cost, and recovery period of many dental operations. Lasers are used by our professionals at Amherst Village Dental and have enabled our team to perform dental procedure tasks more efficiently than using drilling and cutting instruments.

How Do Lasers Get Used In Dentistry?

Lasers are divided into two categories: soft tissue lasers and hard tissue lasers. Soft tissue lasers are used for cutting soft tissue like gums. Soft lasers can reshape the gum tissues, resolving the problem of a “gummy” smile. Soft lasers can also assist with crown restoration by reshaping the gums for healthier tooth structure. Soft lasers can also perform a tongue frenectomy for patients who have difficulty moving their tongues. Soft lasers are useful in reshaping gums to accommodate dentures that would otherwise be a poor fit. Hard lasers cut through harder materials such as bone and can substitute for a drill on teeth. Hard lasers can detect cavities by highlighting signs of tooth decay. Hard lasers can also prepare teeth for dental fillings by killing harmful bacteria in the teeth. Hard lasers can also handle tooth sensitivity by covering tubules near the teeth’s roots.

Advantages Of Laser Dentistry

One advantage of lasers is that they’re less damaging than traditional tools. When dealing with tissue, the nerve endings and blood vessels are sealed instead of leaving cuts. The laser does not touch the material it operates on which in turn helps prevent damage. In addition, lasers destroy bacteria as they are activated, sterilizing the area in the process. Lasers are used in cosmetic dentistry as well, especially for whitening. The bonding process is intensified with lasers after the whitening substance is placed on the teeth. After the whitening substance has successfully activated, the process is repeated until the desired shade of white is accomplished. Also, many procedures in which lasers are used do not require our team to administer anesthesia.

Issues With Dental Lasers

Laser dentistry cannot be used on mouths with amalgam metal fillings. Laser heat will release mercury vapor when it hits amalgam metal. Additionally, the correct wavelength must be used to avoid damages. Hard lasers can damage tooth pulp when not used properly. Although many laser procedures do not require anesthesia, there are still some laser procedures that will need anesthesia to complete. Some procedures will require a mix of lasers and drills to complete. Finally, not every patient is a candidate for laser surgery, as the oral health of the patient plays a large role in whether lasers can be used.

Contact Us Regarding Laser Dentistry

Our professionals use laser dentistry at Amherst Village Dental because our team believes in providing the best treatment for our patients. If you would like to see us for an exam, tooth repair, or any of our other services, you can call our office at 603-769-8985.

 

 

603-673-5510

1 Limbo Lane
Amherst, NH 03031-1871

Mon – Wed: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Thur: 8:00am – 2:00pm