Laser Dentistry
Stuart, FL
 When it comes to dental treatments, many procedures involve the use of laser technology. Laser dentistry is used to remove or change the hard and soft tissue in the mouth for several oral health needs. Learning more about the type of dentistry that involves lasers can help you better understand treatments that we can provide. Here at Colin M. McKinney, DMD, we can provide dental treatment with laser procedures to ensure you have healthy teeth and gums.
Types of Lasers Used in Dentistry
In general, lasers are used on the soft and hard tissues of the gums. There are treatments using lasers that affect the soft tissue of the mouth as well as hard tissues. With soft tissue lasers, the laser is used to cut and remove soft gum tissue. Types of lasers used for soft tissue treatment include diode lasers, carbon dioxide laser, among others.
The lasers are used to cut and remove the tissue, used in such procedures as creating an area around the gum for better visibility of the tooth or to reshape the gums for aesthetic needs. Lasers can also be used to remove gum tissue that is excessive or to release tight muscles in the mouth. If you suffer from ulcers in the mouth or cold sores, we can use laser therapy to treat these conditions.
Soft tissue is also treated with lasers when periodontal disease is diagnosed, or if you have a gum infection. The infected lining of gum tissue will be removed from around the teeth, to help healthy gum tissue grow.
How We Use Lasers
Lasers can also be used to cut hard tissues, such as with the teeth. These lasers will remove tooth decay as well as prepare teeth for fillings when cavities are present. Hard tissue lasers are also used when a root canal is needed, with the laser used to prepare the tooth for the procedure.
With lasers used for hard tissue, the need for anesthesia is reduced with certain procedures. The process is also better for not overheating portions of the tooth when working with the pulp, the nerve tissue of the tooth. The process may take longer as the procedure requires more precision due to the cutting of the laser. The laser must be handled with care and the teeth and gums prepared for the treatment, which can be time-consuming.
Along with treatment of oral conditions, lasers can be used for teeth whitening. A dental teeth whitening procedure can provide a brighter white than a kit purchased from a department store. With the dental whitening procedure, a laser is used to activate the bleach applied to the teeth. The laser uses heat to enhance the effectiveness of the bleach, speeding up the whitening process. This type of teeth whitening can only be completed in office, by a professional.
With so many ways that lasers can be used for dental procedures, it’s important to see the benefits. By using laser therapy, we can provide an alternative to more invasive dental treatment options. For more information about laser dentistry, call the experienced professionals here at Colin M. McKinney, DMD at (772) 266-2223 today! |
