Are you looking for painless and comfortable oral health treatment? Receive laser dentistry treatment at Katy Smile Design in Katy, TX. Dr. Lauren Shepard and Dr. Catherine Wilder provide laser dentistry as a part of their general dental services. Treatment with dental lasers can keep the teeth and gums healthy and prevent further dental complications.
Dental lasers are small, handheld dental tools. Some dental lasers use light and heat to cut gum tissue gently; others can relax the facial muscles. Dental lasers are modern, safe, and effective treatment options. Lasers do not require loud dental drills or even sutures to complete treatment. Dr. Wilder and Dr. Shepard can treat gum disease and relieve pain from TMJ disorders with dental lasers.
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry in Katy, TX
Laser dentistry has many benefits compared to traditional treatment methods. Dental lasers replace the need for a scalpel in cases like severe gum disease. No cutting means no sutures when the procedure is complete. The heat and light from the laser cauterize the tissue as the laser comes into contact with it. Dental lasers also sterilize treated tissue to lessen your chances of infection after the procedure.
Laser dentistry is virtually painless, too. Many patients don’t even require local anesthetic when receiving dental lasers treatment. The laser also helps patients who suffer from dental anxiety.
The sound of a dental drill is one of the most common things to tip off someone’s dental fear. However, dental lasers do not make any noise. Laser dentistry makes it easier for patients who fear the dentist to get the proper treatment.
Treatment without surgical dental tools also means less bleeding or swelling. Overall, the downtime you’ll experience after laser dentistry is much shorter than if you received traditional dental surgery.
The energy of the laser spurs the healing process. Healing is quicker when you choose laser therapy because the laser sterilizes the treated areas. You don’t experience as much pain during laser treatment, either.
The laser is exact, affecting less healthy tissue during treatment. Since it’s about the size of a pinpoint, we can target the exact areas of damaged and infected tissue. Scalpels and other surgical instruments aren’t nearly as precise and can impact a lot of healthy tissue.
Laser Therapy For Gum Disease
One of the most prominent uses for laser dentistry is for periodontal treatment. Only laser dentistry or gum surgery can manage severe cases of gum disease. We use dental lasers to perform scaling and root planing. During this treatment, laser energy removes plaque and tartar buildup from the tooth root. Then, it cleanses bacteria and debris from gum pockets.
A laser precisely removes inflamed and infected gum tissue. Once everything is clean, we smooth down the tooth roots so the gum tissue can reattach to the bone. Laser scaling and root planing helps patients with moderate gum disease who require deep gum pocket cleaning.
TMJ Laser Therapy
Dental lasers can treat temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). TMJ disorders are bite disorders that can create tooth, jaw, and facial muscle pain. We can use a dental laser to target the facial muscles and alleviate pain and pressure in the face.
During TMJ laser therapy, we apply the laser beam or infrared light to painful areas of the face. Typically, we target the facial muscles that create TMJ pain. Using the laser reduces pain and inflammation in the area. Laser therapy not only relieves pain but also helps improve TMJ function. We can recommend dental lasers and other TMJ treatments in our office for patients with TMJ pain.
Laser Dentistry FAQs
Can I drink coffee after laser gum treatment?
Avoid hot foods and beverages (coffee, tea, soup) the day before the procedure. We recommend that patients eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and pasta for the first few days after treatment. Avoid crunchy, salty, or spicy foods for at least a week. Soft foods and lukewarm or cool liquids can reduce gum irritation and inflammation.
Do lasers used in dentistry damage teeth?
Laser treatments promote blood clotting and naturally sanitize the area after gum surgery. Dental lasers can reduce the risk of tooth and gum damage. A root canal, cavity filling, or other dental procedure can harm the tooth’s pulp. However, using a laser instead of a drill reduces this risk.
Does laser treatment help with gum disease?
Laser dentistry can remove infected gum tissue. Gum treatment with dental lasers can cure tooth decay, gum disease, and hypersensitivity without invasive procedures.
Does laser dentistry hurt?
Patients generally report low pain levels when lasers are used for dental procedures. Lasers allow dentists to work with extreme precision, allowing them to avoid nerves and areas that may cause discomfort. A local anesthetic may be used in conjunction with lasers to alleviate any pain during your procedure.
How long does it take for gums to heal from laser treatment?
The severity of your gum disease will determine how long it takes for your gums to heal from treatment. Deeper pockets can take months to heal fully. It can take two to four weeks for shallow gum pockets to recover. We recommend eating only soft foods for the first few days after treatment because your mouth will be sore and swollen.
Can a root canal be done with a laser?
Dentists can use dental lasers to clean the region and remove damaged tissue. Root canals are more successful with the use of a laser. When dentists use lasers, patients also have a lower chance of infections or pain during treatment. With a laser root canal, there is typically less bleeding during the treatment and a quicker recovery because it is far less invasive.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Do you want to learn more about laser dentistry in our Katy, TX office? Call Katy Smile Design for a consultation at 281.396.4366. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Wilder and Dr. Shepard online. We welcome any questions or concerns and look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.