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For years lasers have been used in dentistry to treat a number of dental problems. One way your dentist can provide this level of care is through laser dentistry, a form of dentistry that allows for the treatment of highly specific areas by laser without damaging the surrounding tissues. As laser dentistry continues to improve and grow in popularity, many dental procedures can be performed quicker, more effectively and more comfortably than ever before. Dentists may use dental lasers during a professional dental cleaning to remove tartar and as a replacement for the traditional root planing procedure, which currently is performed using a surgical instrument that can potentially damage surrounding tissue. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of a variety of hard and soft tissue lasers for use in the dental treatments of adults and children. Benefits of Laser Dentistry There are several advantages to laser dentistry, which allow the patient to enjoy a more relaxed dental experience. Some of the major benefits associated with laser dentistry include: * Procedures performed using soft tissue dental lasers do not require sutures.
* Certain laser dentistry procedures do not require anesthesia.
* Laser dentistry minimizes bleeding because the high energy light beam aids in the clotting of exposed blood vessels, 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. Hard Tissue (Tooth) Procedures Hard tissue lasers have a wavelength that is highly absorbable by hydroxyapatite and water, which makes them more effective for cutting through tooth structure. The primary use of hard tissue lasers is to cut unto bone and teeth with extreme precision. They are often used in prepping or shaping the teeth for composite bonding, the removal of small amounts of tooth structure and the repair of certain worn down dental fillings. Procedures that can be performed with hard tissue lasers include: * Cavity detection
* Dental fillings/tooth preparation
* Tooth sensitivity Soft Tissue (Gum) Procedures Soft tissue lasers consist of a wavelength that is absorbable by water and hemoglobin, which is oxygenating protein in red blood cells. This makes soft tissue lasers more effective for soft tissue management. Soft tissue lasers penetrate the soft tissue while sealing blood vessels and nerve endings. This is the primary reason why many people experience virtually no post-operative pain following the use of a laser and allow the tissues to heal faster. Some procedures commonly performed with the soft tissue laser are: * Crown lengthening
* Gummy smile
* Muscle attachment
* Soft tissue folds Laser dentistry can also be used for the following: * Viewing tooth and gum tissues
* Benign tumors
* Cold sores
* Nerve regeneration
* Sleep apnea
* Teeth whitening
* Temporomandibular joint treatment Laser dentistry represents an innovative and more precise technology for specific hard and soft tissue procedures. Visiting your laser dentist in West Orange will help you feel more comfortable and less anxious during your treatments.
Dr. Ivan Stein, New Jersey top dentist, offers an array of dental services, including implants, headache treatment and bonding in West Orange. From TMJ treatment and sports dentistry to veneers and custom-made snoring appliances in Livingston and West Orange, this Top New Jersey Dentist delivers professional, smile-enhancing dental care.
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