Do you have a “gummy” smile or 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 treat gum contouring and gum disease.
Laser dentistry is a safe method used for many years in dental practices nationwide. Before treatment, Dr. Christy will thoroughly evaluate your needs and the condition of your teeth and gums to ensure that your experience is both safe and effective. In addition, Dr. Christy provides laser dentistry to patients who 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. It can perform various treatments as it targets gum tissue.
Gum Contouring
An ideal smile has an even balance of gum tissue and your actual teeth. Sometimes, the gum tissue overwhelms the tooth, making it look unnaturally small in your smile. The gumline can also be uneven, covering more of certain teeth than others. A laser is extremely precise, allowing us to shape the gum tissue so that your coverage is even and proportionate. If you need a dental crown, we can also contour the gums to give us more room for the crown.
Frenectomies
The frenulum is a tissue band connecting your tongue to the bottom of your mouth and your lip to your gums. In some people, the frenulum is too short or tight, causing speech and eating problems. These issues are called tongue and lip ties. Releasing the tightness of the frenulum allows you to have full freedom of motion in your mouth again. The laser allows us to do this quickly and comfortably without a surgical procedure.
Gum Disease Treatment
One of the best applications of dental lasers is to treat gum disease. When you have gum disease, pockets form between your gums and teeth, collecting bacteria and debris and leading to further infection. Traditional treatment involves using a tool to clean out these pockets and a scalpel to remove diseased tissue. Lasers make this process much more comfortable and quicker for patients.
We can use lasers to clean those periodontal pockets comfortably to prevent further infection. Lasers are very precise, too. We can target and remove the damaged gum tissue while ensuring the rest of your healthy tissue stays intact.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Lasers often replace scalpels for various treatments. Compared to a scalpel, lasers are minimally invasive. They precisely target damaged or diseased areas without impacting your healthy tissue. There’s also less bleeding because the laser cauterizes the blood vessels as it works. You don’t need any sutures or stitches to ensure that it heals properly. The treatment is more successful because of fewer complications using the laser.
Your downtime and recovery period are also better. You heal faster because the laser activates your body’s healing response. There’s less pain and swelling; you don’t have to wait for suture areas to heal. It’s ideal for gum disease treatment because it sterilizes as it treats. It eliminates the risks of infection spreading to other areas in your mouth.
Lasers are silent, eliminating the noise of a drill or other tool, and don’t look as threatening as a scalpel. This makes laser treatment ideal for patients who fear the dentist. Laser treatment is also less painful. We rarely need a local anesthetic because the laser seals the nerve endings as it treats your gums.
Laser Dentistry FAQs
Laser dentistry is a modern treatment option that’s transformed many dental procedures. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
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. Using 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 they are 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. 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.