Anyone contemplating having their teeth taken care of by a dentist will, inevitably, think of potential dangers whatever the procedure to be used. And so, it is not unusual for patients to want to know if they risk damaging their teeth by undergoing laser treatment.
In fact, patients are encouraged to ask doctors any question they may have to pertain to their illnesses and potential treatments. The answers put the patients at ease, but they also help them make informed decisions about the nature of treatment the doctor should give them. Indeed, patients should seek to understand what each form of treatment entails and if it is any better than other forms. It is vital to be clear about the benefits and risks of laser dental treatment and traditional dentistry. The best way to address these is to focus on dental patients’ concerns as they await treatment.
If you want to obtain answers about laser dentistry relating to your soft tissue areas, gum disease, and oral health, reach out to our dental professionals in Hanford, CA today. Our professionals at the Dental Office of Dr. Jack Nagrani are here to discuss dental problems, dental procedures, dental lasers, laser procedures, and more when it comes to dental care.
If you have questions relating to benign tumors, dental conditions, reduced bleeding, pain, and more, our dentists are here to help.
Here is what you need to know about laser dentistry and its safety.
Questions Patients Usually Ask
- What exact procedure is the doctor going to carry out?
- What tools is the doctor going to use?
- Is it necessary to be under anesthesia?
- Does the procedure leave a wound, and if so, does it require stitches, and how long will it take to heal?
- Is there a chance of excessive bleeding?
- Is there a considerable risk of infection?Â
- Is it safe for the entire family?
Remember that dental procedures will vary when it comes to your perfect smile. You will have different laser dentistry options based on your specific needs. The simple truth is that each patient is different and will require different types of patient care.
If you have further questions about how to avoid cavities or how to preserve your teeth and surrounding tissue, reach out to our team of family dentists in Hanford, CA and book an appointment with us by calling on (559) 422-6027 today!
Understanding Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is the branch of dentistry that deals with laser treatment, meaning lasers are used to treat dental health problems. The word ‘laser’ derives from the acronym, ‘Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
Common Use of Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is used in several dental surgery forms, including handling benign tumors and laser-assisted uvula-palatoplasty or LAUP, treatment of a temporomandibular disorder, and others. Sometimes the doctor wants to use laser treatment to clean rotten tissue surrounding a tooth that requires filling or eliminating bacteria before performing the root canal. Some dental specialists also use laser treatment to enhance nerve regeneration or make teeth whiter.
Practically, the doctor uses intense light beams for treatment, and these energy-emitting beams are directed to the exact area that requires treatment. If the ailing part is within a tooth, the beams are directed on the tooth, and if it is the gum, the beams are directed to the exact spot on the gum. There is a wide range of benefits in using this method, and its advantages outweigh any potential negatives.
What Is Traditional Dentistry?
Traditional dentistry involves the treatment of dental problems using age-old methods; those where cavities are handled using drills and gum operations are done using scalpels. This form of dental treatment is preferred mainly by people wary of modern technology. People who would rather the doctors use a method that has been used for centuries prefer traditional procedures instead of laser treatment.
Although these procedures are a little more cumbersome than laser treatment, there is nothing wrong with them as dental treatments.
However, there seem to be more risks in using hard tools than laser beams, but patients can make up their minds after learning about the types of laser treatments in use.
Dental doctors have two main techniques for treating dental illnesses using dental lasers. One of them is the hard tissue laser, and the other is the soft tissue laser. The two variations are the areas best suited to treat, going by their light intensity and wavelength.
Hard Tissue Laser Treatment
This laser treatment is used to treat cavities, prepare teeth for filling, seal tubules that appear at the base of the teeth, and even alleviate teeth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold things.
This method works so well because some substance known as hydroxyapatite within the teeth can absorb the laser beams at their wavelengths, facilitating its passage through the tough tissues.
Soft Tissue Laser Treatment
This form of laser treatment is used to re-shape gums and eliminate folds in soft tissue that may have come about when dentures are ill-fitting. It is also used in treating restricted tongues in children and sometimes adults, termed frenectomy.
Soft tissue laser treatment is effective because the lasers are well absorbed in water and even hemoglobin, facilitating them to penetrate the soft tissue like gums. The doctor is, therefore, able to cut through blood vessels in the course of treatment, and at the same time, seal them by use of identical laser beams.
Benefits of Dental Lasers
It is easy to use for qualified dentists. Highly accurate and hence:
- Minimal risk of damaging the healthy tissue around the area of treatment
- Minimal risk of infectionÂ
- Minimal chance of breaking neighboring teeth
- Capable of making clean incisions as opposed to rugged cuts; hence bleeding is minimal.
- The high-energy beams do the sterilization in the course of the procedure, thus lowering the risk of infection.
- Enables tissue vaporization, like in the case of removing obstruction out of the urethra.
- No noise is produced like in traditional drilling, and the procedure is minimally painful, if at all. Hence, it is favorable for anyone with dental phobia or anxiety.
- The use of anesthesia is unnecessary, and if the doctor or patient thinks it is a good option, a little of the topical type is sufficient.
- Ordinarily, there is no need for sutures, as the laser beams cauterize any cut made during the procedure. For this reason, the patient recovers fast.
- The risk of post-operative infections is avoided.
- No ugly scars remain after treatment.
The Shortcomings of Dental Lasers
The equipment is very specialized and requires highly trained personnel. The equipment is much more expensive than the tools used in traditional dentistry. There is little chance the laser beam energy could extend its heat to some healthy tissue in the area under treatment.Â
All in all, every treatment procedure comes with some degree of risk, and so the best thing is for the patient to weigh the potential risks against the benefits.
As for laser treatment, it is clear the risks involved can be avoided by choosing a clinic with skilled laser doctors and specialized equipment. It is also a good idea to speak to the clinic directly to have any issue clarified and book an appointment at the date of your convenience.
Reach Out To Dr. Jack Nagrani If You Have Questions about Dental Laser Options
Laser dentistry is certainly safe when the right professionals use the tools to deal with your specific issue. Dr. Jack Nagrani and his team have had extensive experience treating many different patients, and they are confident that they will help you as well.
Reach out to Dr. Jack Nagrani to learn more about how he can help you today.