Pros and Cons of Laser Dentistry

Thinking about choosing laser dentistry? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved laser dentistry as a treatment option for several dental conditions. Common conditions include treating gum disease, root canal infections and removing canker sores.

2 types of dental lasers

Understanding what laser dentistry can treat is the first thing someone needs to do when considering this dental treatment option. There are two types of lasers used – one to treat soft tissue problems and one to treat hard tissue problems. Soft tissue lasers are often used to reshape gums, treat cold sores and reduce the number of oral bacteria in one’s mouth. Hard tissue lasers are often used to remove tooth decay and quickly harden dental fillings.

For those who are concerned about the safety of using laser dentistry, when dental lasers are used, know that everyone in the room will need to wear proper eye protection. Dental lasers also do not make any loud noises, which is beneficial for dental patients who experience any type of dental anxiety.

Pros of laser dentistry

There are many pros that come with laser dentistry, which is why so many dental patients are choosing the laser route when in need of certain dental procedures.

#1 – Dental lasers are virtually painless. When soft tissue lasers are used, they will seal the patient's nerve endings and blood tissues at the same time they are penetrating the tissues, which means patients will experience no pain or a minimal amount of pain.

#2 – Laser dentistry decreases the chance of bacterial infection. The fact that dental lasers also sterilize the area being treated, means patients will have a lesser chance of being diagnosed with a bacterial infection after treatment. Lasers not only kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, but they also support the regrowth of new healthy gum tissue.

#3 – Dental lasers support a faster healing time. The reason why dental patients who undergo laser dentistry will heal faster is that this treatment option is a minimally invasive procedure. This means patients can expect to experience less swelling and less bleeding, which in turn, means they can expect to recover faster from their particular dental procedure.

Cons of laser dentistry

There are a few cons that come with laser dentistry, which are important to be aware of prior to undergoing any type of procedure that requires dental lasers. 

#1 – Dental lasers cannot treat teeth that already have a dental filling.

#2 – Laser dentistry cannot fill cavities that are located in between teeth.

Is laser dentistry the right choice?

Now that the pros and cons of laser dentistry are understood, those who are in need of certain dental treatments can decide whether or not they want to undergo laser treatment. Since there are not a lot of serious downsides to undergoing laser dentistry, it may be worth considering. Reach out today to learn more or to get started!

Are you considering laser dentistry in the Los Gatos area? Get more information at https://www.scmountaindental.com.

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