Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry can be a precise and effective way to perform many dental procedures. The potential for laser dentistry to improve dental procedures rests in the dentist’s ability to control power output and the duration of exposure on the tissue (whether gum or tooth structure), allowing for treatment of a highly specific area of focus without damaging surrounding tissues.
If you consider yourself somewhat of an anxious dental patient and are seeking extreme safety and comfort, Dr. Pryor has now incorporated laser dentistry techniques into his practices and treatments.
As the applications for dental lasers expand, greater numbers of dentists will use the technology to provide patients with precision treatment that may minimize pain and recovery time.

Laser dentistry is a new technique that can improve the precision of your treatment while minimizing pain and recovery time.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry?

Here are some of the major benefits associated with laser dentistry:

• Procedures performed using soft tissue dental lasers may not require sutures (stitches).
• Certain laser dentistry procedures do not require anesthesia.
• Laser dentistry minimizes bleeding because the high-energy light beam aids in the clotting (coagulation) of exposed blood vessels, thus inhibiting blood loss.
• Bacterial infections are minimized because the high-energy beam sterilizes the area being worked on.
• Damage to surrounding tissue is minimized.
• Wounds heal faster and tissues can be regenerated.

There are a variety of uses for lasers in the field of dentistry. Lasers can be used for cavity removal, teeth whitening, gum reshaping, and to harden bonding materials used in fillings. In addition, lasers are used in periodontal care to remove bacteria from periodontal pockets.

How Does Laser Dentistry Work?

Dental lasers emit light that deliver quick pulses of heat energy to the treatment area. Various wavelengths are used depending on the type of tissue being treated. Surgical lasers are more accurate than traditional dental treatments and allow the dentist to conserve as much bone and tooth as possible.

Laser Cavity Detection

A low-powered laser can be used to locate tiny pits within tooth enamel that can become cavities. The laser, called DIAGNOdent®, can detect decay early. Once located, the tiny spots on the tooth can be covered with a clear sealant in order to prevent cavities.

Lasers for the Removal of Decay and Damaged Gums

Lasers can also eliminate the need for the dental drill and reduce patients’ fears about treatment. Laser tools such as the Waterlase® system and diode lasers can be used to vaporize decay and treatment is virtually painless, eliminating the need for anesthesia.