Laser Dentistry

LASER stands for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.” The instrument creates light energy in a very narrow and focused beam. This laser light produces a reaction when it hits tissue allowing it to remove or shape the tissue. Laser dentistry is used in a variety of procedures. Lasers can make dental treatments more efficient, cost effective, and comfortable. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved laser dentistry as a treatment option for several dental conditions. It’s worth noting that the American Dental Association (ADA) currently has yet to do so, though they are hopeful about the potential of the field.Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive option (No cut- No bleed- No stitch- No Fear) where an extremely focused light beam is used to alter/ remove tissue in small amounts.

Laser treatments such as these generally aren’t more expensive than traditional treatments and are often comparable in price. In fact, they can often be less expensive because the treatment is usually completed in fewer sessions. Additionally, dental insurance usually determines their reimbursement costs based on the treatment itself and not on what method is used.

Procedures for Laser Dentistry Treatments at Dr. Karol`s Dental Clinic :

• Cavity detection - Lasers can detect cavities early by finding evidence of tooth decay.
• Tooth preparations and dental fillings - Local anesthesia and traditional drills are often not needed with laser treatments. Lasers can kill bacteria in a cavity, which can aid in the long-term health of a tooth.
• Treating tooth sensitivity - Teeth that have sensitivity to hot and cold can be treated with dental lasers that seal tubules in on the tooth’s root.
• Crown lengthening - This procedure reshapes both gum tissue and bone for healthier tooth structure, which helps with placing restorations on the teeth.
• Treating muscle attachment - Those with a restricted or tight frenulum (the fold of skin under the tongue) may benefit from a laser frenectomy. This treatment helps children whose restricted frenulum causes them to be tongue-tied, have difficulty breastfeeding, or have a speech impediment.
• Removing soft tissue folds - Lasers can remove soft tissue folds from ill-fitting dentures without pain or sutures.
• Viewing tissues - Optical coherence tomography allows a doctor to safely see inside a tooth or gum tissue.
• Removing benign tumors - Lasers can remove tumors from the palate, gums, and sides of the lips and cheeks through a pain- and suture-free method.
• Treating sleep apnea - Lasers can reshape the throat and relieve associated breathing problems when sleep apnea is caused by tissue overgrowth in the throat.
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment - Lasers can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joint.
• Nerve regeneration - Lasers can help regenerate damaged blood vessels, nerves, and scars.
• Treating cold sores - Lasers can minimize healing time and reduce pain from cold sores.
• Teeth whitening - Lasers speed up the bleaching process during teeth-whitening sessions.