Laser Dentistry Treatment Information
Laser dentistry is a revolutionary way to provide safe and effective dental care. Whether it is a simple cavity removal or a major whitening procedure, laser dentistry can provide the relief you are looking for. Lasers are now being used by many dentists for teeth whitening, cavity removal and peridontal work. Patients that have undergone laser dental procedures are no longer afraid to go to the dentist.
Laser Teeth Whitening
 Laser teeth whitening is a simple and painless procedure that is performed by cosmetic dentists. The dentist will start by isolating your gums and lips. He or she will then apply a scientifically formulated gel consisting of ph balanced hydrogen peroxide. Afterward, the dentist will take a laser or high intensity light source and direct it over the teeth. The light activates the gel; breaking it down into water and a radical (compound constituent). Once the gel is in this state, the radical appends itself to stain molecules. This causes the stains to weaken, allowing oxygen to reach and whiten the enamel.
This laser dentistry procedure takes about an hour and side effects
are minimal. Some patients experience sore teeth and
gums which is usually a result of the hydrogen peroxide.
These side effects usually subside a few hours after
the procedure. Typically, patients teeth become anywhere
from six to ten shades whiter, sometimes more. Some
even experience a continuation in the whitening of their
teeth for the first few days after the procedure. A
singular visit is all it takes for teeth to show dramatic
results. When patients take proper care as well as perform
occasional touch-ups at home, whiter smiles can last
for years.
Cavity Removal
For years dental patients have been apprehensive about
cavity removal. For some it can be a painful and terrifying
procedure but laser dentistry has changed all that.
Lasers have been designed to remove all decay within
a tooth as well as prepare the surrounding enamel for
bonded fillings. The laser energy targets and dissolves
unwanted bacteria found within the cavity which is a
great alternative when compared to the picking and drilling
of traditional dentists. The lasers used in this procedure
are so precise that they are even able to detect cavities
in their earliest stages. By doing this, dentists can
stop cavities before they start.
This procedure saves time and also reduces the pain
involved in cavity removal. Anesthesia is most often
not even needed during a laser procedure; however, it
can be used if requested. Dental patients find that
after enduring laser dentistry procedures, they are
no longer afraid to climb into the chair. Laser dentistry procedures are a great alternative to more traditional
dentist treatments.
Periodontal
 Periodontal,
or gum related care has greatly benefited from laser
technology. Tartar in the mouth, if not taken care of,
can do real damage to the gums. It can cause swelling
and bleeding which can lead to the gums weakening and
eventually pulling away from the teeth. When this happens,
the empty spaces fill with bacteria. This condition
results in gum disease. Dentists can now treat gum disease
with lasers by sending light energy into the space between
the gum and the tooth. The light energy removes the
disease-causing bacteria. Before lasers, this was a
very painful procedure that required considerable recovery
time. Laser technology has significantly reduced the
amount of pain and down-time associated with this procedure.
Dentists can not only use laser technology to treat
diseased gum tissue, it can also be used in cosmetic
procedures. Dentists can use light energy to reshape
and re-contour the gums. Patients with short teeth that
are mostly hidden in gum tissue can have this procedure
performed in order to increase visible tooth size. The
laser light reshapes the gums, pushing them down in
order to expose more tooth enamel. For many this can
make for a fantastic smile. Whether medical or cosmetic,
these procedures ultimately make for healthier gums
and a healthier smile.
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