Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is an innovative technique that can treat an array of dental concerns with less discomfort, downtime, and invasiveness than dental drills and more traditional approaches. Dental lasers work by emitting focused beams of light energy to targeted soft tissues in the mouth. The emissions of light can help eliminate decay, brighten tooth enamel, close pockets of space between the teeth and gums, or make your teeth appear longer, among other general and cosmetic dental goals. Best of all, these advanced lasers can reduce bleeding, infections, and the length of recovery time necessary after a given treatment. Our family and cosmetic dentist offers a more comfortable and effective treatment experience for Fair Lawn patients by using laser dentistry as a knife- and drill-free method of completing certain dental procedures.   

How Can Laser Dentistry Complement My Treatment?

Laser therapy can be utilized for general oral health purposes—such as detecting cavities and destroying bacteria—as well as aesthetic reasons like enhancing the appearance of your smile. In general, dental lasers can assist in the following procedures:

  • Periodontal (gum) disease treatment
  • Gum reshaping
  • Correcting gum recession 
  • Crown lengthening
  • Teeth whitening
  • Dental fillings and tooth preparation
  • Treatment of cold sores or fever blisters

During your consultation, our dental team can evaluate your needs and determine whether laser dentistry could be a good option to complement your treatment. Depending on your needs, dental lasers can also be used to decrease tooth sensitivity after teeth whitening or other procedures that can overstimulate the enamel. 

What are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?

In addition to canceling the need for drills and scalpels during certain dental treatments, laser dentistry can also sterilize and cauterize the targeted tissue at the time of your procedure. This often results in:

  • Decreased need for sutures
  • Faster healing of gum tissue and other wounds 
  • Less bleeding during and after treatment
  • Little to no pain during the procedure
  • Lower risk of bacterial infections

In some cases, dental lasers can even allow you to safely and comfortably undergo treatment without local anesthesia. By allowing a gentler experience, laser dentistry often makes it easier for patients with dental phobia or dental anxiety to receive the care they need. There are no loud noises, and the vibration often caused by dental drills is completely eliminated. 

Laser Treatment for Periodontal Disease 

One of the major applications of laser dentistry is the ability to reduce decay in the mouth and treat the different stages of gum disease. Our dentists can use laser therapy as a virtually painless method of removing diseased gum tissue caused by plaque and bacteria buildup. Scaling and root planing treatment is often used in complement with our dental lasers to fully cleanse the gums of bacteria without the need for surgery. Laser dentistry can then seal and sterilize problem areas to help prevent infection. Dental lasers are particularly useful in treating periodontitis and the more advanced stages of gum disease. 

Laser Gum Reshaping 

Do you wish you could improve a “gummy” smile when you look in the mirror? In addition to filling cavities and treating unhealthy gums, laser dentistry can also recontour a dominating gumline to help your teeth appear longer. This can increase your “tooth show” for a smile that looks more symmetrical and proportional. Unlike more invasive techniques that reduce the gumline, our cosmetic dentist can use laser dentistry to trim excess gum tissue without stitches or excessive downtime. 

Is There a Recovery Period after Treatment with Dental Lasers?

Laser dentistry is a technique that can significantly shorten—or even completely eliminate—the amount of downtime necessary after treatment. There is less bleeding and swelling when compared to manual techniques, and stitches are typically unnecessary. In most cases, patients find their gums heal overnight. Those who undergo minor treatments, such as a cavity filling, often experience no recovery time. Since the light energy produced by the laser can seal and cauterize your gum tissue, laser dentistry can promote faster healing as well as tissue regeneration. 

For more information about how laser dentistry is used to improve your treatment, please contact Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn today. 

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