What Is a Soft Tissue Laser?
A laser is a highly concentrated beam of light. Lasers have been used in
dentistry for a few decades, but only recently has their use become truly
popular as more and more dentists see realize their benefits. There are a
few different categories of lasers that are used in dental offices across
the country, but the most common (and perhaps the most beneficial) is a soft
tissue laser. It uses a super powerful and incredibly precise beam of light
to create incisions in the soft tissues in the oral cavity, such as the gum
tissue.
What Procedures Is the Laser Used for?
Dr. Castleberry may use our office’s soft tissue laser to:
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Perform periodontal therapy. Not only can the laser
quickly and precisely remove diseased tissue, but it can also vaporize
bacteria beneath the gum line. It is a less invasive and more comfortable
alternative to traditional, scalpel-based gum surgery.
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Improve your smile’s appearance. Do you have a
“gummy” smile? That is to say, does excess gum tissue make
your teeth appear short or stubby? Dr. Castleberry can use the laser to
gently reshape your gum line and give your smile a more proportionate
appearance.
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Prepare your teeth for restorations or veneers. In some
cases, extra gum tissue can make it impossible to place a crown or veneer
on a tooth. By trimming the gums, Dr. Castleberry can make space for
important restorations and cosmetic enhancements.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
The soft tissue laser delivers some significant benefits to both patients
and doctors:
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The laser is much more precise than a scalpel, which leads to more
predictable treatment outcomes.
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Lower risk of infection. The laser’s
bacteria-killing power greatly reduces the risk of post-treatment
infections.
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The laser is much more comfortable than traditional surgical methods. In
fact, in some cases, local anesthesia is not even necessary.
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Minimal bleeding. The laser cauterizes the tissue as it
moves, thus minimizing bleeding. This speeds up patient recovery time and
makes the surgical process as easy as possible.
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The laser is often faster than alternative treatment methods, which means
dentists can effectively treat more patients in less time, and patients
can get back to the comforts of home that much sooner.
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Reduced patient anxiety. Scalpels can seem intimidating
for patients. A laser, on the other hand, can make you feel more confident
about your treatment when it is wielded by a trained professional.
Would you like to learn more about soft tissue laser dentistry?
Contact the team at The Castleberry Center
today.
The Castleberry Center Family & Cosmetic Dentistry