Laser dental treatments are carried out using a concentrated beam of light, which can be used to sterilise areas of infection in the mouth, reduce gummy smiles, replace the need for drilling to remove decayed parts of the teeth, and for tooth whitening.
What can lasers do?
There are several areas of dentistry in which lasers can be used. These include:
Replacing drills
Lasers can be used to remove dead and decayed tissue from your tooth. This is particularly beneficial for patients with a phobia of the noise or sensation of the dentist’s drill due to a bad childhood experience. The laser removes the decayed tissue with no pain and little noise and also sterilises the tooth before a filling is placed.
Repairing gummy smiles
Excess gum tissue can make your gums very prominent when you smile or can make your teeth look uneven in shape or size. Laser treatment can reduce the amount of gum tissue to improve your smile. The precision of the laser means your results will be very even and accurate, and the laser also helps prevent bleeding.
Sterilisation during root canals
When a tooth has a complex root canal system, lasers can be used to aid the sterilisation process. Parts of the root that are difficult to access with traditional treatment can be sterilised using the laser, improving the chances of successful treatment.
Tooth whitening
Lasers can be used for tooth whitening to make your smile brighter. A special gel is applied to the teeth and the laser is then shined on it to activate it. The procedure takes an hour and the results last up to three years.
Advantages of laser dentistry
Reduced bleeding compared with traditional dental treatment.
Some gum work does not require stitches.
Faster healing time.
Anxious patients often feel more relaxed without the need for drills, needles etc.
Reduced risk of infection, because the laser treatment sterilises the affected area.
Reduced discomfort and reduced need for anaesthesia in some procedures.
Improves the success rate of treatments including root canals, particularly for complex root systems.
Life Benefits
Reduces healing time and risk of infection for many procedures
Eliminates the ‘fear factor’ caused by the sound or sensation of drills or needles
Reduces the time needed for treatment such as whitening
