Laser Dentistry in Saskatoon
This is an area in dentistry that utilizes lasers to treat a number of dental conditions. This has been around since the mid-1900’s and has been offering people more comfortable treatment options. LASER, also referred to as “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation”, is a tool that creates light energy in a very narrow and focused beam.
What is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry has emerged as a precise and effective method to perform a variety of dental procedures. As the applications for dental lasers expand, larger numbers of dentists will utilize this technology to provide patients with precise treatment options that can minimize pain and recovery time. Because dental lasers possess unique absorption characteristics, they are frequently used to perform specific dental procedures. This is used in treating tooth decay, gum disease, hypersensitivity, and teeth whitening to name a few.
How are Laser Treatments Performed?
The two different laser procedures are those for hard tissue and soft tissues. When it comes to hard tissue, this refers to cavity detection, tooth preparation, dental fillings or tooth sensitivity treatment. As for soft tissue procedures, this refers to the treatment of a gummy smile, crown lengthening, soft tissue fold removal and muscle attachment treatment.
There are other procedures that involve the use of lasers and these include instances of viewing tissues, benign tumor removal, sleep apnea treatment, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment, nerve regeneration, and cold sore treatment.
Many think the use of laser dentistry makes the treatment costlier. This is not generally true. This is due to the fact that the treatment is usually completed in fewer sessions. Also, dental insurance usually determines reimbursement costs on the treatment and not on the method is used.
What Types of Laser are Used?
The type of laser used will be dependent on the dentist and the treatment needed. In some instances, both types are used. However, hard tissue lasers are used to cut through the structure of the tooth. These are usually used to prepare the teeth for composite bonding or dental filling repair. While soft tissues lasers are able to kill bacteria and activate the re-growth of tissues.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is utilized by many because of the number of benefits associated. The need for sutures is lessened with soft tissue lasers. Since lasers promote blood clotting, bleeding is minimized. In some cases, anesthesia is not needed anymore. Lasers sterilize the area and, therefore, bacterial infections are less likely to occur. Wounds are able to heal faster, and it creates less damage to the surrounding tissues. Now that you know the benefits of laser dentistry, you can contact your Saskatoon dentist for more information.
* All dental services offered at Saskatoon Smiles are provided by general dentists at each location.