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Do you often fear going to the dentist to receive treatment? Some people do not look forward to dental appointments any more than they look forward to visiting a physician. Most dental procedures are not painful, but just being examined can make you feel stressed. Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common, with an estimated 9% to 15% of Americans avoiding the dentist because of their fear and anxiety. With advances in dentistry, you can now receive the treatment you need without the anxiety you once felt. Laser dentistry is a precise and effective way to perform many dental procedures. Laser dentistry is a relatively new innovation which can increase the accuracy and effectiveness of many dental treatments. The equipment used in laser dentistry is highly adjustable so that the power output and the duration for which your tissue is exposed to the laser can be precisely controlled. What is Laser Dentistry and How Does it Work? Laser dentistry uses a laser, which is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. When the laser light comes into contact with tissue, it causes a reaction that allows the laser to remove, vaporize, or shape tissue. Laser dentistry has been used since 1990 and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, proving that lasers can be used as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures. The application of lasers in dentistry opens up the door for dentists to perform a wide array of dental procedures they may otherwise not be able to perform. Dentists using lasers in dentistry have become adept at incorporation the state-of-the-art precision technology into a number of procedures, advancing options for treatment. Procedures Performed with Laser Dentistry Laser dentistry can be used in an array of treatments to gain maximum accuracy and efficiency. Lasers can be used for hard tissue in order to remove the need for any anesthetics, making an appropriate replacement for the conventional dental drill. This laser is also able to eradicate any bacteria that are located within a cavity, which can often help with care for any dental restorations. Additionally, by using low intensity lasers, your dentist has the ability to detect any cavities well in advance. Other procedures treated with laser dentistry include, but are not limited to:
• Crown lengthening
• Dental fillings/tooth preparation
• Teeth whitening
• Gummy smiles
• Sensitivity elimination
• Cold sores
Benefits of Laser Dentistry There are several advantages of using laser dentistry for treatment. Dentists may not need to use a drill or administer anesthesia, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed dental experience. Laser procedures can also be more precise, reducing symptoms and healing times associated with traditional therapies. In addition lasers can reduce the amount of bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities, as well as controlling bleeding during surgery. The benefits of laser dentistry also include:
• Procedures performed using soft tissue dental lasers may not require sutures
• Certain laser dentistry procedures do not require anesthesia
• Minimizes bleeding
• Bacterial infections are minimized
• Damage to surrounding tissues is minimized
• Wounds heal faster and tissues can be regenerated Lasers are an innovative and more precise technology for specific hard and soft tissue applications. If you experience anxiety at the thought of dental treatments, laser dentistry could be the solution to minimizing and eliminating your anxiety. With laser dentistry you may find that you feel more comfortable during your treatments.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading family dentist in Amarillo, Dr. Ken Comer. Practicing quality dental care for 20 years with a focus in the treatment of oral-facial pain, endodontic, TMD, restorative, cosmetic and Amarillo Invisalign, Dr. Comer is committed to providing the best in quality care for patients of every age.
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