Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Have you heard of laser dentistry? Innovative, minimally invasive laser instruments use highly focused beams of light to alter or remove tissue. Laser dentistry makes numerous dental procedures more efficient, cost-effective, and comfortable than ever.

What Can Laser Dentistry Treat?

Certain wavelengths target different tissues in the body. The work you require determines the type of laser your dentist uses. For instance, water and hemoglobin (a molecule found in the blood) easily absorb the wavelengths emitted by soft tissue lasers. These lasers also seal exposed blood vessels as they cut, making them ideal for treating gums and other soft tissues. Then, hard tissue lasers target the calcium phosphate in your teeth and bones to complete procedures affecting these tissues.

Soft Tissue Procedures

• Gum reshaping
• Gum tissue grafting
• Oral tumor removal
• Tissue biopsy
• Root planing and scaling to treat gum disease
• Crown lengthening
• Removal of folds in oral soft tissues
• Canker and cold sore treatment
• Exposure of wisdom teeth
• Damaged nerve regeneration

Hard Tissue Procedures

• Occasional dental filling repair
• Treatment for sensitive teeth and tooth pain
• Root canals

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

More and more dentists are starting to offer laser-assisted procedures because of the many benefits they provide patients. Here’s what laser dentistry can do for you:

• Laser dentistry is virtually pain-free, reducing the need for anesthesia. This allows you to resume your normal activities quickly without that annoying numb sensation.
• Laser dentistry reduces the blood loss associated with oral surgery, making the need for sutures less likely.
• Laser dentistry sterilizes tissue as it cuts, lowering the risk of bacterial infection and complications for a shorter recovery time.
• Laser dentistry focuses on damaged tissue while leaving healthy surrounding tissue untouched. This promotes less post-procedure pain and swelling.
• Laser dentistry tools don’t vibrate or make noise like traditional dental drills, helping you feel less anxious about the procedure.

West County Dental in St. Louis, MO, proudly offers Solea laser dentistry, an FDA-cleared system for hard and soft tissue procedures. Solea applies computer-controlled wavelengths to deliver virtually painless, blood-free oral surgery. To find out if your dental procedure can be performed with a laser, please call us at (314) 488-2921 or contact us online for a consultation.