Gone are when you had a spa day for your teeth and your dentist lifted a scaler to drill down the layers of plaque and tartar from your teeth, just like you start your skincare routine with a nice cleanser. The laser also serves the same purpose, but gently. Laser dentistry also avoids the problems a traditional deep cleaning causes.
How Does Laser Dentistry Work?
Laser dentistry works similarly to traditional deep cleaning. Only the metal tools are replaced by the laser machine. Laser produces heat, efficiently killing the bacteria that clean your gums and teeth. The laser is powerful enough to pierce through the soft and hard tissues.
Therefore, it eliminates the need for root planning. Your dentist points the laser to the affected area. Just like your favorite character in the video game points the laser guns at a stone, and they break to earn you a point.
Laser Dental Cleaning Pros and Cons
The benefits of laser dental cleaning surpass its shortcomings. However, it is wise to consider the pros and cons before opting for it.
- Pros:
- Laser dentistry treatments are minimally invasive. Therefore, they require a lesser amount of time to recover.
- Lasers can numb your teeth and gums. You can receive the treatment without using dental anesthesia.
- Bleeding and chances of infection are reduced to none, as lasers can sterilize the tissues. People can heal faster without any stitches.
- Metal tools are drills, and the scaler is manually held. They can sometimes become hard to manage. Laser, however, provides more control to keep the natural teeth undisturbed.
- Lasers can also locate cavities earlier before they cause extensive damage. They can cure canker sores and blisters and fill the early-stage cavities. Lasers can serve various other purposes besides cleaning the teeth.
- Some people have high dental anxiety; it even increases when they hear the scaler buzzing. The noise can make them run away from the treatment. But lasers produce no sound, and they are quieter.
- Cons
- As mentioned above, lasers can fill cavities. However, they can only fill a minor spot like a cavity, not a significant decay. They are also useless against the cavities that form between the teeth.
- Laser dentistry can be used to cure many dental issues. But it can’t be used on teeth with fillings. Hence, your dentist will use traditional metal tools on your cavity-filled teeth.
Is Laser Treatment Safe for Teeth?
During laser dental cleaning, your dentist sheds a thin layer of light force that targets a specific area to eliminate it. Lasers are considered painless in most of the cases. They are manageable, virtually diminish the strain, heat or vibrations.
Ending Note
Almost every dentist recommends a deep dental cleaning twice a year. However, there are people with dental anxiety. They cannot bear the noise of an ultrasonic scaler and the idea of getting their gums pulled back.
Dr. Saba Ahmed at Village Park Family Dental can help patients maintain a clean and healthy mouth. Our doctor has a knack for giving oral hygiene presentations at local schools. Call us at (281) 376-4444 to schedule a visit.