Laser dentistry became commercially available in 1989. Since then, it has grown significantly in popularity and is now the preferred form of treatment for millions of patients across the United States and worldwide. Dental lasers are used to treat a range of oral health concerns, including cavities, gum disease, and oral infections. Here, we focus primarily on how a laser dentist can help with gum (periodontal) health.
In this review, we discuss everything to know about laser dentistry, including what it is, the types of procedures that are available for patients, and the periodontal benefits. We also go over how laser dentistry differs from more traditional methods and when you should consider visiting a laser dentistry professional.
A laser dentist is a licensed dental professional who specializes in the use of dental lasers to treat a range of oral health concerns. When the laser hits certain targeted areas inside the mouth, it can help clean, shape, and remove tissue. There are two primary types of laser procedures: soft tissue and hard tissue. In simplest terms, hard tissue refers to the teeth, and soft tissue refers to the gums and cheeks.
Laser dentists offer a range of periodontal (gum) procedures, so the specific treatments may vary for each laser dentistry. Lasers can be used to treat oral health and cosmetic concerns. Notably, the most common types of gum procedures are:
Lasers are also used for other purposes. For instance, a dentist may recommend laser treatment for cavity detection and fillings. Lasers can also help minimize the invasiveness of root canal therapy, and they are effective for treating tongue frenulum attachment.
Laser dentistry has notable benefits that traditional forms of dental treatment do not provide. For one thing, it is a less-invasive form of treatment. This means less use of scalpels and other painful instruments that can leave the patient with excessive inflammation and constant bleeding. In some cases, laser dentistry is more effective for improving gum health because it can more accurately target diseased and damaged tissue without also impacting healthy tissue. We recommend visiting a laser dentist anytime there are potential gum complications, such as plaque and tartar build-up, swollen gums, gum discoloration, gum erosion, and deep gum pockets.
Our dental practice understands the importance and value of minimally invasive, safe, and effective dental treatments. This is precisely what laser dentistry procedures provide for our patients. If you have questions or concerns or are ready to schedule a visit, please contact us today. We would be happy to talk with you and explain more about laser dentistry and available treatments.
Request an appointment here: https://richmondfamilydent.com or call GoldDental at (804) 802-9999 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Laser Dentistry in Richmond, VA.
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