Laser dentistry is the use of cutting-edge laser devices in a variety of dental procedures. From teeth whitening to cavity detection to the treatment of gum disease, lasers continue to take over the mainstream of dentistry. One lesser-known application of lasers in dentistry is the removal of fillings. Keep reading to see how lasers improve the patient experience during the procedure.
A laser device emits an ultra-thin, concentrated beam of light. These devices can be consumer products like the laser pointer, which is quite popular with cats and humans. The light energy coming from a laser pointer is safe enough to come into contact with skin.
Then there are laser devices with applications in medicine, manufacturing, or dentistry. Such devices are tailored to cut or burn through different substances. In medical and dentistry settings, lasers are cutting devices that can also vaporize and cauterize tissue. There are two types of lasers in dentistry: The hard tissue laser and the soft-tissue laser.
Hard-tissue laser devices can cut through enamel and bone. They cut by causing a chemical reaction between minerals on the bone/enamel and water on the surface of the tissue. It is important to note that a dentist will use a mist as they operate the laser. Alternatively, the laser device may provide water for the chemical reaction by spraying a mist while it emits light. Dentists use hard tissue lasers to remove fillings, among other things.
The previous section reveals that a hard-tissue laser is a cutting tool. Dentists prefer a laser cutter to a drill because:
All these benefits apply when a dentist removes a filling with the help of a hard-tissue laser. The procedure only takes a few minutes and it goes like this:
The dentist will start by administering an anesthetic. Patients who suffer from anxiety during dental procedures are candidates for sedation. Next, the dentist will rinse out the tooth. They will proceed to use a hard tissue laser to cut around the filling. The laser is precise, cutting the enamel right where it bonds with the filling.
The cutting action of the laser detaches the filling. A thin film of enamel and bonding adheres to the inner surfaces of the filling. Now the dentist removes the loose filling with a tool of their choice. They will proceed to clean out the hole left by the old filling and put in a new filling.
From start to end, the entire procedure will take less than an hour. The patient will feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Better still, the light energy from the laser doubles as a means of killing infection inside the tooth.
Laser dentistry transforms a daunting dental procedure into a stress-free session in the dentist’s chair. Reach out to talk to a helpful staff member and find out how our dentist can improve your oral health in minutes.
Request an appointment here: https://www.ultimatesmiles.com or call North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry at (760) 940-2273 for an appointment in our Vista office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Laser Dentistry in Vista, CA.
Despite their name, did you know that cold sores are often worse in the summer? If you’ve experienced these tiny, painful blisters that appear on or around the lips, you know that they can be triggered by various factors, including exposure to sunlight. Who would’ve thought? Let’s talk about the relationship between cold sores and…
Many people dread going to the dentist because of the pain they associate with the drill, scalpel, and numbing shots. If this describes you, laser dentistry may be an option worth considering as a relatively pain-free alternative to traditional methods. For many patients, dental laser treatments help them manage dental anxieties while ensuring they get…
Scaling and root planing is commonly done by hand with the use of a scalpel and other dental instruments. Recently, however, the use of laser dentistry for scaling and root planing has become more popular and offers unique benefits. It is helpful to understand why your dentist may recommend laser dentistry and what the benefits…
When most people are looking for dentists, they'll go to Google and search for phrases like 'dentist near me', 'dentist in Vista', or 'best dentist office in Vista'. The search can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. We at North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry are here to simplify the process.Choosing the best…
When most people are looking for dentists, they'll go to Google and search for phrases like 'dentist near me', 'dentist in Vista', or 'best dentist office in Vista'. The search can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. We at North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry are here to simplify the process.Choosing the best…
Welcome to North County Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry, your trusted partner for comprehensive dental care in San Diego. Today, we'll delve into a topic that has revolutionized the field of restorative dentistry – "All on Four" and implant-supported dentures. Understanding the difference between these two options is crucial for making informed decisions about your oral…
