If you were a fan of pop culture growing up, you likely are familiar with the concept that lasers will be a big deal in the future. Whether they were holding objects in place or shooting at enemy spaceships, they promised to do things faster and easier than traditional methods. Today, though we don’t (yet) have tractor beams or Millennium Falcons, we do have laser dentistry! Here’s a closer look at how this futuristic and very real technology is improving a variety of dental treatments right now!
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Soft tissue lasers can be used in a variety of oral health treatments, including some that once required the use of a scalpel. Using a laser to eliminate excessive or infected gum tissue means that not only is the procedure itself more comfortable and efficient, but it also has a much easier healing process. In fact, most laser treatments don’t require stitches and only need topical anesthesia to perform. For gum disease procedures, the soft-tissue laser can also kill bacteria while it works, so your results last longer and are more effective.
Other Uses of Lasers in Oral Health Care
In addition to removing and treating gum tissue damaged by periodontal disease, soft-tissue lasers can also help in a variety of other treatments:
- Teeth whitening: Using lasers in professional teeth whitening can help the active ingredients in whitening gels work better, getting you faster and more noticeable results.
- TMJ therapy: dental lasers can now be used to warm the tissues affected by temporomandibular joint dysfunction, relaxing them and increasing blood flow. In conjunction with other therapies, this can provide the patient with greater levels of pain relief.
- Pre-treatment prep work: Your dentist may choose to use a soft-tissue laser to help reduce gum tissue in preparation for a dental crown, and clear away any bacteria surrounding the tooth prior to cementing your restoration in place.
Though it may not yet be possible for lasers to do everything they were predicted to do when you were a kid, today this technology is being used for a wide range of useful applications that make oral health care faster, easier, and much more comfortable than traditional methods.
To learn more about how laser dentistry can help you, speak to your dentist about its many benefits, and see how the future of oral health is right now!
About Dr. Meadvin
Dr. Jodi Meadvin is proud to use laser dentistry to improve the comfort and efficiency of many dental treatments. Dr. Meadvin earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and her AEGD certificate at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
A lifelong student, Dr. Meadvin is constantly pursuing continuing education as a member of the Faculty Club at Spear Education and the past president of the Southern Dental Society. She is also a member of the New Jersey Dental Association and American Dental Association.
To schedule a laser dentistry procedure, please visit our website or call us today at 856-428-8822.