Do you have a “gummy” smile? Do you have periodontitis? You may benefit from laser dentistry treatment.
Patients who require gum contouring or gum disease treatments are good candidates for laser dentistry. At Orchard Hill Dentistry in Hendersonville, NC, Dr. Jessica Christy uses a soft-tissue diode laser to provide gum contouring and gum disease treatment.
Laser dentistry is a safe method that has been used for many years in dental practices around the country. Prior to treatment, Dr. Christy will thoroughly evaluate your needs and the condition of your teeth and gums prior to any treatment to ensure that your experience is both safe and effective. In addition, Dr. Christy provides laser dentistry to patients that need one of our cosmetic, restorative, or general dental care services.
Laser Dentistry Treatment at Orchard Hill Dental
Our dentists use a soft tissue laser, also known as a diode laser, to treat patients. This laser is great for gum contouring to fix a “gummy smile”, or when there is an excess of gum tissue covering teeth. Using a laser to cut the tissue provides a safe and quick treatment option. The diode laser is also used to treat periodontitis or gum disease.
Dr. Christy removes infected gum tissue from the tooth root so she can scrape plaque from below the gum line. This is called root scaling. Then, she will smooth the tooth root to prevent future infection, also known as root planing.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Compared to traditional dental treatment methods, modern dental lasers offer:
- More accurate treatment
- Less invasive treatment
- Less bleeding and swelling
- Shorter recovery times
- Minimal risk of bacterial infection
Lasers sterilize the area treated, encourages blood to clot, and do not require sutures. The need for anesthetic may be reduced or removed altogether depending on your preferences. Wounds also heal faster because the soft tissue is able to regenerate quicker and healthier than before.
Laser Dentistry FAQs
Is laser treatment safe for teeth?
Laser dental treatment is safe if administered by a trained professional. Dentists have the training to use lasers in a safe and precise way. Lasers make many dental procedures, such as fillings, root canals, and cavity detection, easier and pain-free.
Does laser dentistry require anesthesia?
Laser dentistry does not require anesthesia. It allows for pain-free dentistry without the use of sedation or anesthesia. Laser dentistry is extremely precise and minimally invasive, making it a great option for many dental procedures.
Is laser dentistry painful?
Laser dentistry is typically pain-free. The use of a laser allows for extreme precision so dentists can avoid nerves and areas that may be sensitive. Using a light energy beam, dental lasers are minimally invasive, so it is generally painless.
What procedures does laser dentistry treat?
We can use laser dentistry to remove tooth decay, prepare teeth for fillings, reshape gums, remove infection and bacteria, and whiten teeth. Dentistry is increasing the use of lasers for more and more procedures because of the precision they give our dentists.
What are the benefits of laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry has many benefits. These include a faster recovery time, no bleeding, less pain, a lower chance of infection, and increased precision.
Does dental insurance cover laser dentistry?
In most cases, dental insurance should cover laser dentistry. Many patients believe their insurance companies will not pay for laser dentistry because dentists often use it for cosmetic dentistry treatments and procedures. However, the insurance company will cover the treatment or procedure, not the method your dentist will use. Dental lasers are an alternative to traditional methods dentists have used in the past. However, it is still best to review your specific policy and contact your insurance provider to find out if they have any issues with laser dentistry.
Schedule A Dental Exam and Consultation
Request a consultation with Dr. Christy or a member of her dental team today by calling (828) 247-7001. You can also schedule a dental appointment on the Orchard Hill Dental website. If you have any remaining questions about treatment, feel free to ask a member of our staff. They will be happy to help you.