Intro to Laser Dentistry

Since 1994, lasers have been used to treat a number of dental problems. At Carter Periodontics we have been using laser treatments for certain dental procedures for a number of years, so today’s article is to provide our Tennessee dentist office patients with some information about this quickly growing aspect of dentistry.

Lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light. In dentistry lasers are used in surgical procedures to cut and vaporize the tissue that it comes in contact—effectively cutting and cauterizing at once, so no stitches are necessary. When used to “cure” a filling, the laser helps strengthen the bond between the filling and the tooth. It is also used in tooth-whitening procedures, as a laser’s heat enhances the effect of bleaching agents. Specifically, dentists all over the world are using lasers in dentistry to:

• Treat tooth decay. Lasers are particularly effective at removing decay within a tooth, preparing enamel for filling, and then curing that filling.
• Treat gum disease. Lasers are suited to reshape gums and remove bacteria, especially during root canal procedures.
• Biopsy or lesion removal. Lasers can be sued to remove small pieces of tissue to be inspected for cancer. They are also used to remove lesions in the mouth and relieve the pain of canker sores. A Laser’s heat cauterizes the wound, rendering stitches unnecessary, which speeds up healing time. The laser also eliminates much of the swelling and bacteria around the wound, decreasing chances for infection.
• Teeth whitening. Lasers are used to activate the peroxide bleaching solution used during in-office whitening procedure, thus speeding up the whitening process.

To learn more about our advanced Clarksville dental office and procedures, click here or call Carter Periodontics & Implant Dentistry today at (931) 614-6603 to schedule a consultation for comfortable dentistry.