For many patients, the noise of a dental drill is an unwelcome sound and a trigger for dental anxiety. If you fall in this category, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn about the numerous benefits offered by hard tissue laser dentistry in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Hard tissue laser dentistry utilizes highly focused light energy to cut through hard tissue such as teeth and bone during various treatments. In particular, Dr. Amy Nabi uses laser technology to treat tooth decay and also during teeth whitening. When used in the treatment of cavities, lasers act as a cutting instrument. In contrast, teeth whitening lasers serve as a heat source and enhance the bleaching effect of the whitening agent.

What to Expect

After examining you to determine the type and extent of your dental problem, our dentist then prepares you for treatment. To perform hard tissue laser dentistry, Dr. Amy Nabi uses a laser device to remove the tooth’s decayed portions.

The laser instrument is used in place of a dental drill and performs much more efficiently and accurately than a traditional drill. Because of the precision involved, laser treatments are friendlier to the tooth structure. As the laser removes the tooth decay, it also sterilizes the tooth, reducing the risk of bacterial infection.

Besides tooth decay, lasers can also contour bone tissue during crown lengthening and prepare tooth enamel for composite resin bonding.

Laser treatments are virtually painless and are safe for both children and adults.

Advantages of Hard Tissue Laser Dentistry

Some key advantages of hard tissue laser dentistry near you include:

·         No dental drills are used.

·         In many cases, anesthesia isn’t required. As a result, patients who are typically fearful of needles and injections will have a better experience at the dentist.

·         Because needles and drills aren’t typically required during laser treatments, many patients experience less dental anxiety.

·         Laser treatments involve minimal swelling and bleeding.

·         Laser technology simplifies the treatment process by enhancing efficiency. This results in less chair time and quicker treatments.

·         Healing and recovery are faster when you opt for laser treatment.

FAQs about Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry has been popular for quite some time now and touted as the future of dental care, promising less pain and more comfort than ever before. Here are some answers to common questions about laser dentistry, along with some tips on how to decide whether it’s right for you:

What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry is the use of lasers in various dental procedures. Laser dentistry has been around since the 1980’s but has only recently been introduced. In contrast to conventional treatments like drilling or root canal therapy, laser treatments typically have fewer side effects such as pain or infection and often require fewer appointments. Patients can also experience less discomfort from laser treatments because there are no drills or needles involved in the process. The best part is that patients can see an improvement after just one appointment! Depending on the severity of the condition, it may take more than one visit to fully treat the symptoms; however patients should notice significant improvement after just one session.

What are the advantages of using laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry can be used for a variety of dental procedures. It is also effective for treating gum disease and can be used to whiten teeth and has proven very effective in correcting various dental issues that are difficult to treat using traditional methods. The most common type of laser dentistry uses a CO2 laser to seal off the damaged blood vessels, which results in better treatment outcomes.  Here are some of the advantages of laser dentistry: 

• Reduced bleeding 
• Reduced swelling 
• Reduced risk of infection 
• Less need for anesthesia 
• Faster healing time
• Improved outcomes 
• Fewer visits required for treatment

Is laser dentistry only for adults?

No, laser dentistry is also safe for children. In fact, it can be especially beneficial for them because it can help reduce their anxiety about going to the dentist. For people with braces, lasers are helpful in keeping teeth free from plaque and debris. There are also special procedures that can be done to close spaces between teeth or straighten teeth.  It’s important to note that not all dental offices offer these services. Be sure to inquire if your office does before scheduling an appointment. 

How long does it take for gums to heal after laser?

Gums can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to heal after laser surgery. It is important to keep the area clean and free of debris so that the healing process is not interrupted. Additionally, it is important to avoid hard or crunchy foods immediately following the surgery as this can cause discomfort. Patients are advised to eat soft, moist foods such as mashed potatoes, cream soup, yogurt or scrambled eggs until the gums have healed. Patients should also be sure to brush their teeth gently with a soft toothbrush and refrain from using toothpaste for at least 24 hours following the procedure. Once the gums have healed, patients should continue to care for them by brushing twice a day and flossing once daily.

What can you do with a dental laser?

A dental laser can be used to remove bacterial infections from the gums and to help speed up the healing process after dental surgery.  It also works well for teeth whitening, gum recontouring, tooth reshaping, orthodontic treatment, and more.  In fact, many dentists are using lasers as their primary tool for these treatments.  With a dental laser, there is little to no bleeding and less pain than with traditional methods. That’s why so many people are turning to it for the best results!

Do you have a troublesome tooth that’s causing you sleepless nights? Would you like to repair it while avoiding traditional approaches? If yes, reach out to Dr. Amy’s Dental to experience hard tissue laser dentistry near you.