What is laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry is the treatment of dental conditions using laser technology. Laser dentistry is approved by the FDA and can treat issues involving both the hard tissue of your teeth and the soft tissue of your gums.
A laser is essentially a highly concentrated beam of energy. When that beam hits your tissues, it creates a reaction that enables it to alter, remove, or shape the tissue.
What are the advantages of laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry has a number of advantages over treatments performed with drills and other non-laser tools.
One of the biggest benefits of using lasers for soft tissue treatments is that the laser cauterizes your tissue as it works. This effectively seals off your nerve endings and blood vessels and promotes blood clotting, which has a number of benefits, including:
- Minimized bleeding during treatment
- No need for stitches and sutures
- Less damage to the surrounding tissues
- Minimal pain during and after the treatment
- Less need for anesthesia
- Significantly reduced healing time
Lasers also sterilize the treatment area while they work, effectively reducing the chances of bacterial infection after the procedure.
What conditions can laser dentistry be used for?
Dr. Yoo and his team of dental experts use the Fotona lasers for a wide range of procedures, including:
Cavity detection
Lasers are incredibly precise at detecting tooth decay, enabling Dr. Yoo to spot cavities much sooner than he’d be able to with the naked eye or X-rays.
Fillings
Dr. Yoo can use a laser to eliminate the bacteria, allowing him to treat your cavity without having to use a drill.
Gum disease treatment
Lasers can remove damaged gum tissue in patients that are suffering from gum disease, making it easier for Dr. Yoo to perform a thorough scaling and root planing procedure.
