Dentists have been using lasers for quite a while, and the FDA has steadily approved the technology for increasing uses and procedures. At American Dental Clinic, Dr. Emmanuel Aguilar and his staff are happy to provide you with the many benefits laser dentistry offers.
Lasers may bring a variety of science fiction scenes to mind, but in reality, lasers focus a single wavelength of light energy into a strong, cohesive beam. That beam can be used for numerous purposes depending on its strength and application. In dentistry, lasers are often used to remove or reshape the tissue.
When we use lasers, we don’t need drills, scalpels, or probes. The laser offers a more precise tool for Dr. Aguilar and a more comfortable experience for you.
Periodontal disease is one of the most common reasons we use lasers in our office. We can restore dental health using a laser to cut away diseased gum tissue. In this post, we describe five ways laser dentistry can improve your experience in our office.
You may have heard of periodontal disease called gum disease. It’s a progressive disease involving a bacterial infection that causes inflammation of the gum tissue that supports your teeth.
In the United States, about half of adults older than 30 have mild-to-severe periodontal disease. It’s the number one cause of tooth loss. Poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing or flossing or not seeing your dentist for regular cleanings, can worsen gum disease.
The earliest stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars left after eating and drinking and form a sticky substance called plaque on your teeth and gums. Plaque leads to inflammation.
When your gums are , they may be tender, swollen, and bleed when you brush or floss.
Without treatment, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. The plaque hardens and becomes tartar and can reach beneath your gum line, which further increases inflammation. The bacteria in tartar can also produce toxins that cause more damage.
Untreated periodontitis can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, exposing the roots. Your teeth may become very sensitive to hot and cold. You may develop pockets of infection along your roots that cause your teeth to loosen or even fall out.
Here are five of the many benefits of laser dentistry.
Lasers are an amazingly powerful tool, yet extraordinarily safe when used by a highly trained and skilled dentist. Dr. Aguilar can treat tissue that has been damaged by periodontal disease without affecting the surrounding area.
Dental anxiety is a real problem. About 36% of Americans fear being in the dentist’s chair.
Lasers are quieter than drills and are far less intrusive than many traditional dental tools. As a result, many of our patients find the entire experience of laser treatment less anxiety-inducing.
Lasers cause less pain than many traditional dental procedures. Less pain means less need for anesthesia. You may not need anesthesia at all!
Because Dr. Aguilar can control the laser so precisely, he often doesn’t need to remove as much tissue as with traditional tools. The precision of the laser means that surrounding tissue is left completely unscathed.
The laser sterilizes the tissue as it goes, meaning the infection heals more quickly. The laser also cauterizes the blood vessels, which means you bleed very little during or after the procedure. Both sterilization and cauterization results in a faster recovery.
If your gums are red, tender, or bleed a little when you brush your teeth, schedule your appointment at American Dental Clinic today. Don’t let gum disease progress.
