Dr. Swenson strives to remain at the forefront of dental technology, and utilizes the benefits of lasers as a routine part of his practice. Laser dentistry is one of dentistry’s latest advances, and there are several different applications for lasers in a dental practice.
The laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a “target.” In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue related procedures. Often times no local anesthesia is required, particularly with soft tissue procedures. With laser dentistry there is no heat or vibration, making procedures quite comfortable for most patients. For soft tissue (surgical) procedures, it eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster.
Lasers can be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay in teeth in early stages, and in some cases the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment and may never need filling. Areas of dental care that benefit from laser technology:
- Cavity diagnosis
- Curing or hardening bonding materials
- Whitening teeth
- Periodontal or gum related care
- Pediatric procedures
- Apthous ulcer treatment (canker sore)
- Frenectomy (tongue-tie release) without anesthesia or sutures
- Root canal and apiecopectomies
- Crown lengthening, gingovectomy, and other gum corrections
Dental lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for treating both children and adults. In our practice we rely heavily on lasers, particularly for their benefit in enhanced diagnosis and soft tissue removal.
Please contact our Orem dentist office to learn more about dental lasers, what types are currently being used, and in which procedures their use is most beneficial.