“Laser” has become a household word, but it’s more than a handy pointer during your business presentation or an entertaining cat toy. The word is an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation,” meaning that lasers emit powerful light beams that can cut through all kinds of materials with precision.
Laser technology is a game-changer in dentistry. It means we can use focused light energy to make incisions, remove tissue, treat tooth decay, address gum disease, and whiten teeth.
Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants in Covington and Slidell, Louisiana, were early adopters of laser dentistry and have extensive experience using the technology.
Here are five things you should know about lasers and dentistry.
Lasers perform so many dentistry tasks that there’s almost nothing they can’t do. Here’s a partial list of lasers’ multiple functions:
Lasers do more than cut and remove tissue; they aid in diagnostics by allowing us to view inside your teeth and gums using optical coherence tomography.
We can also reshape the soft tissues at the back of your throat to treat obstructive sleep apnea, regenerate damaged nerves and blood vessels, reduce the pain of TMJ, treat cold sores, and whiten your teeth with lasers.
If laser dentistry’s multitasking abilities don’t have you convinced, consider the following benefits that make laser dentistry the superior choice.
While most dentists are well-trained and very cautious, there’s always a margin of error when the human hand wields traditional metal dental tools. Lasers, on the other hand, are ultra-precise and can target specific areas of concern without damaging surrounding tissues.
Although a local anesthetic keeps you comfortable during treatment, you may feel the effects of your dental work when the medication wears off. Lasers produce less tissue damage.
If the sound of a dentist’s drill makes you break out in a cold sweat, laser dentistry is an ideal solution. Lasers are quiet and quick, so you can face your dentist appointment with confidence and ease.
Lasers simultaneously seal off vessels and nerves, coagulate blood, cauterize tissues, and promote blood clotting, so you have less bleeding and inflammation after your treatment.
Traditional incisions take time to heal, and you’re at risk for infection during that time. But lasers help promote tissue regeneration, reducing your healing time and chances of infection.
Laser therapy at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants is safe, fast, and effective. If you’re ready to try laser therapy, call us at 985-778-0241 or request an appointment online.
