Is Laser Dentistry Safe?
With more than 20 different laser dentistry procedures now approved by the American Dental Association and the Food and Drug Administration the short answer is yes. The laser was introduced into the dental industry around 1994 and has continued to grow in popularity. This has given both the dentist and the patient additional options when choosing a method to complete a particular dental procedure. Let’s identify some of those more popular procedures, the benefits of using a laser in the treatment, and then any safety issues that might be addressed.
Popular Procedures in Laser Dentistry
A very popular laser procedure in the dental office is laser teeth whitening. Once the teeth have been professionally cleaned a peroxide whitener is applied and then the laser energy is used to speed up the results. This is becoming very common.
Another common procedure is the sculpting of gum tissue or removal of gum tissue when dealing with the diseased gums. The laser not only removes the tissue but cauterizes the cut tissue at the same time dramatically cutting down blood loss over the traditional method of using a surgical blade. The laser is often used to perform a biopsy to send tissue to the lab for analysis. A laser can used to treat painful canker sores in addition to remove cavities in the teeth as well.
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Many fellow Americans suffer from some form of dental anxiety or dental phobia. The laser can allow the dentist to use less to sometimes no anesthesia which may mean less patient anxiety and an overall better dental experience. If it means that a high-speed dental drill is not going to be used or a surgical blade it might reduce your anxiety as well. Choosing laser dentistry over a traditional method will often reduce healing times, reduce bacteria during gum disease treatments, and minimize bleeding during the dental procedure. All of these factors help to create a more relaxed and enjoyable dental experience.
Safety with Laser Dentistry
Your dentist must receive special training on the laser, the different applications and the proper safety of the laser. This helps to ensure the safe use of dental lasers in the dental practice. The precision of the laser can also help to speed up a number of the procedures.
Laser Dentistry as part of a bigger picture
It is a common practice in dental offices that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss between the teeth to remove food and bacteria build up. Dental examinations should be scheduled at least twice a year to monitor your oral hygiene and the condition of your teeth and gums. This can help you minimize many dental problems that could develop over time. Your smile is an invaluable asset so pays to be proactive to keep your teeth and gums healthy.