Laser dentistry provides an alternative treatment method for a variety of dental problems that are generally treated with traditional dental tools, like drills. We can treat many of the same dental issues we can treat with traditional tools using a laser, and many patients find laser treatments more comfortable.
If you get nervous at your dental appointments due to the sound or appearance of the dental drill, laser dentistry in Champaign, IL may offer you an excellent alternative. With laser treatment, you can enjoy exceptional oral health without the fear or discomfort you may associate with traditional dentistry.
How Does the Laser Work?
Laser stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” Lasers emit energy in the form of light. When that energy is focused on a specific target, like your tooth or an area of your gums, it can remove tissue or bone. Dentists can also use lasers to create heat, enhancing the effects of some teeth whitening treatments.
Depending on the type of treatment, the type of laser may vary. For example, your dentist may use a soft tissue laser for procedures involving your gums, while a hard tissue laser is more appropriate for procedures involving your teeth or bones.
What Exactly Can Laser Dentistry Treat?
With laser dentistry, our dentists in Champaign, IL can treat many different conditions to improve your oral health.
Laser dentistry is often effective for:
- Activation of some teeth whitening solutions
- Reducing pain associated with cankers or cold sores
- Removing tooth enamel to prepare for dental procedures
- Finding and eliminating decay to prepare a tooth for a dental filling
- Repairing some fillings
- Reshaping gums and removing tissue to treat gum disease
- Taking biopsies for diagnostic reasons
- Removing lesions
- Crown lengthening procedures, which may require reshaping of the bone and tissue
- Treating overly sensitive teeth
As you can see, dentists can accomplish a lot using lasers, and it’s an approach some of our patients prefer over traditional dentistry. We can provide general dentistry procedures with laser dentistry to maintain oral health, diagnostic procedures, and cosmetic dentistry services, like fixing a gummy smile.
It’s a versatile and efficient treatment method. However, before deciding if laser dentistry is right for you, it’s important to talk to your dental team and determine whether laser dentistry is the best solution for your problem.
What Benefits Does Laser Dentistry Provide?
Laser dentistry offers many unique benefits to patients, which is why dentists choose lasers as a treatment option in some cases.
Benefits that patients enjoy with laser dentistry include:
- Less pain, which means patients are less likely to require anesthesia
- Less bleeding
- Faster healing process
- Lower risk of infection
- Less damage to tissue surrounding the affected area
As we mentioned above, patients with dental anxiety may also prefer laser dentistry because the sight of a dental drill or other more traditional dental tools may drive their anxiety to higher levels. With laser dentistry, there is no sound as there is with a drill, which makes procedures more comfortable for some patients.
While traditional dentistry is still popular and trusted, laser dentistry gives patients choices. If you’re interested in a more pleasant dental experience, laser dentistry may offer an excellent option.
Is Laser Dentistry Safe?
When performed correctly, laser dentistry is safe and effective for patients. Dentists have been using lasers to treat dental problems since the 1990s, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved laser dentistry for the treatment of some dental conditions in the United States.
As a 2012 study found, lasers are relatively easy to use, and dentists are well-trained in using them appropriately, making laser dentistry a good choice for many patients. Dentists must undergo training for each specific laser device that they use to treat patients before offering laser dentistry treatments in their practices.
But while laser dentistry is safe, there are some precautions that the dentist will need to take during any laser dentistry procedure. Eyewear is one standard safety measure. Since lasers can cause eye damage, both you and your dental team will need to wear protective glasses or goggles during your laser treatments.
Special eyewear protects your eyes from the effects of the laser so you can enjoy your dental treatment safely.
Schedule A Visit with Our Dentists in Champaign, IL!
If you’re interested in laser dentistry, reach out to Anderson Dental in Champaign, IL, for assistance. We are here to answer all your questions and help you find the best dental treatment options for you.
Our goal is to help every patient achieve excellent oral health. If you have a cavity, gum disease, or another issue, we will carefully examine your situation and advise you on the best course of action, whether that’s laser dentistry or a more traditional method of treatment.
Our skilled team of dentists and dental professionals provides excellent dental care to patients in Champaign and surrounding communities, and we would love to help you with your dental care needs.
Call our dentist office today at (217) 356-7334 to schedule your appointment for an evaluation and enjoy excellent oral health and advanced treatment options, like laser dentistry.