Soft-Tissue Lasers: Better Technology for Better Dental Care

Dentistry is constantly changing; thanks to advanced technology, modern practices look very different than they did a few decades ago, and this lets patients enjoy care of a higher quality than ever before. One particularly useful tool that every modern dentist in Vintage Park should have is a soft-tissue laser. With it, gum disease, tooth decay and other health issues can be treated without the use of drills or other metal tools!

What is Laser Dentistry?

Lasers have been used in dental practices since 1989. As you’re probably well aware, a laser is light energy emitted in a very focused and narrow beam. It has many different applications, such as:

• Removing or shaping gum tissue
• Finding early evidence of tooth decay
• Preparing a cavity for a filling by killing the bacteria in it
• Reducing tooth sensitivity by sealing tubules on the tooth’s root

Dental lasers are most commonly used for procedures that involve the gums or other soft tissues, but they can also reduce the pain in a TMJ disorder, help cold sores heal faster, and even removing benign tumors.

What are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?

Many surgeries are greatly simplified when a laser is used in place of metal tools. They’re very precise, so only the necessary amount of tissue is removed. Furthermore, the heat from the laser helps cauterize any exposed blood vessels; as a result, there’s much less bleeding.

Overall, soft-tissue laser therapy is comfortable and relatively painless, to the point where some procedures might not need anesthesia at all. The lack of drills and other metal tools is also often beneficial for patients with dental anxiety.

Finally, laser therapy is very efficient compared to traditional surgery. It often takes a shorter amount of time for the procedure to be complete, and the amount of recovery time needed afterwards is greatly reduced.

Are There Any Limits for Laser Dentistry?

Unfortunately, laser dentistry won’t be an option in every situation. While they can help treat some cavities, they can’t be used on those between the teeth or around old fillings; also, they can’t help with large cavities that require a crown. In addition, lasers can’t remove silver fillings or defective crowns, and they can’t make the changes necessary for a dental bridge; traditional tools will need to be used instead.

Finally, while lasers can largely reduce the need for dental drills, in certain situations – such as when the bite needs to be adjusted or when fillings need to be shaped – the drill will still be necessary for touch-up.

If you need to undergo some form of dental surgery, talk with your dentist in Vintage Park. Be sure to ask about the tools at their disposal and what your options for treatment are. Remember, laser therapy is often the most convenient option when it’s available!

About the Author

Dr. Darrick Castleberry was born in Houston and has served as an Amphibious Special Operation’s dentist in the United States Navy. He earned the nickname “Painless” from his fellow Marines because he was able to ease their dental fears, and he has continued this painless approach with advanced tools such as soft tissue lasers. To schedule an appointment at his practice, the Castleberry Center, visit his website or call (281) 320-9600.