The Pros and Cons of Laser Treatment in Dentistry

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by Lynnwood Dentist

Laser Technology for Dental Treatment

Laser dentistry covers a relatively wide range of applications. And like any dental procedure, it has advantages and disadvantages. A good laser dentist should be able to enlighten you about its pros and cons as it can affect the outcome of the treatment. Risks are also associated with laser therapy and it is best to determine if you are making the right choice.

Here are the most important advantages of dental laser treatment:

  • There are some dental procedures that use laser not require anesthesia. It causes less pain, if at all. Many do not experience post-surgical pain as the laser has sealed nerve endings 
  • The incidence of bacterial infection or its spread is greatly minimized because the laser beam sterilizes the affected area.
  • Wound healing tends to be faster due to sterilization and the speed of the procedure; hence, tissue regenerates easily.
  • Post-surgical bleeding is minimized because laser use promotes immediate blood clotting, as well as being able to seal blood vessels during the procedure.
  • Laser treatment is a precise one, targeting only the diseased areas and as little as possible of surrounding healthy tissue is involved. 
  • It is most likely that using stitches may be unnecessary as the laser can close up separated tissues well; it also means less dental follow-up for stitches removal.
  • Laser treatment in dentistry is approved by the Food and Drug Association (FDA)

There are some disadvantages of laser treatment as well:

  • First of all, laser treatment does not apply to all teeth and cavities. Here are some situations:
  • Not for teeth with large cavities or extensive decay, teeth with a large filling material like amalgam, interdental cavities (those in between teeth).
  • There is still the possibility of pulp injury with a hard tissue laser.
  • Anesthesia may be required in certain situations.
  • Use of drills may still be necessary like in shaping the tooth, complete and polishing fillings, bite adjustment, others.

What are the risks associated with laser dentistry? Risks are small. A qualified laser dentist should be chosen to handle your laser treatment. If the power level is wrong or the wave length is miscalculated, damage to tissue can occur. The use of special glasses that protect the patient’s eyes reduces the risk.

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Safe Laser Dentistry in Lynnwood

If you want to know more about laser dentistry, come to the experts in Lynnwood. Song Dental Center uses the safe and pain-free WaterLase laser, a low level laser therapy which serves to promote healing.