Laser dentistry is a modern general dental treatment method that we provide at Lighthouse Family Dentistry in Annapolis, MD. Dental lasers use light energy to cut the soft tissues of the mouth. We use lasers for gum treatments, tongue-tie, or lip-tie. The use of lasers has made invasive procedures pain-free and simple. Lasers allow our dentists to work with extreme precision so that we only remove necessary tissues and can avoid nerves.
Dr. E. Taylor Meiser will review your options with you at a dental consultation. If you are interested in painless, comfortable care with laser dentistry, please let Dr. Meiser or a team member know. Laser dentistry provides faster healing times, very little damage to tissue, and pain-free care.
The Benefits of Dental Lasers
Laser dentistry offers patients several advantages over traditional dental tools. These high-tech light beams provide a modern approach to dental care that makes many procedures easier and more comfortable. Here are the key benefits you can expect with dental laser treatment:
Clean and Sterile Treatment
Dental lasers work in a clean, sterile way that reduces the risk of infection. Unlike traditional tools, the laser’s energy actually sterilizes the area as it works. Many laser procedures don’t require stitches (sutures) because the laser helps the tissue heal naturally.
Precise Care
One major advantage is precision – the laser can target exactly the right spot without affecting nearby healthy tissue. This means less bleeding during and after treatment compared to regular dental tools. Because the laser is so gentle on your gums, most people heal faster with less swelling and discomfort.
Comfortable Treatment
Many patients find laser treatment more comfortable than traditional methods. The laser often reduces or even eliminates the need for anesthesia in some procedures. While you might still feel some pressure, the laser itself typically causes little to no pain.
Dental lasers can also treat various conditions that include:
- Gum disease and reshaping gums
- Removing small amounts of tooth decay
- Treating tongue-tie or lip-tie in children and adults
- Removing benign oral growths
- Whitening teeth
If you’re facing dental treatment for any of these issues, ask us about laser dentistry options. Our team can explain whether laser treatment might work for your specific needs. While not every procedure can use lasers, they offer an excellent alternative for many common dental problems.
Are Dental Lasers Safe?
Yes, dental lasers are generally safe when used by a trained dentist. Lasers have been used in dentistry for years to treat various dental problems with precision and comfort. They work by focusing a narrow beam of light energy to remove or shape tissue, prepare teeth for fillings, or treat gum disease.
One reason lasers are considered safe is that they cause less bleeding and swelling compared to traditional dental tools like drills or scalpels. They can also reduce the need for anesthesia. We will take precautions before treatment. You will wear special protective glasses to shield your eyes from the laser light.
Laser Dentistry in Annapolis, MD
There are a variety of treatment options that use dental lasers. These procedures and treatments include:
Gum Contouring
This treatment benefits patients with infected gum tissue or a “gummy smile.” Gummy smiles are marked by excessive gum tissue over the top teeth or below the bottom teeth. We use a dental laser to precisely cuts excessive or infected gum tissue.
Gum grafting
Like gum contouring, gum grafting cuts the gum tissue. However, this treatment takes healthy tissue from one part of the mouth and graft it into a different area. Patients who have receded gums as a result of gum disease benefit from gum grafting treatment. When lasers are used for gum grafting procedures, patients typically heal much faster than if traditional methods were used.
Frenectomies
Patients with a tongue or lip-tie benefit from a frenectomy. This treatment cuts the band of tissue that is restricting the movement of the lips or tongue. Once we cut this tissue with a laser, patients have a wider range of motion in their mouth.
Recovering After Laser Gum Treatment
Healing from laser gum treatment is usually faster and more comfortable than traditional gum surgery, but you still need to take proper care of your mouth. The laser helps reduce bleeding and swelling, so most people recover within a few days to a week.
Right after the procedure, your gums may feel tender or sensitive. You might notice some pinkish tint in your saliva, but heavy bleeding is uncommon with laser treatment.
We recommend that you follow these tips after treatment:
Eat Soft Foods
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies for the first day or two. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that could irritate your gums. You may feel some gum irritation if you have gum disease and got laser treatment for your gums.
Be Gentle When You Clean Your Mouth
Continue to brush and floss but be extra gentle around the treated areas. Our dentist may recommend a special mouthwash to keep the area clean while it heals. Avoid smoking or using tobacco products because they can slow down healing and increase the risk of problems.
Rest
Most people can return to normal activities the next day, but avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours. If you had sedation during the procedure, rest for the remainder of the day. Our dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to check your healing progress.
Use Pain Medication as Prescribed
While discomfort is usually mild, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Contact us if you see signs of infection or feel severe pain. Also let us know if you see signs of infection like pus or increased swelling. Following these care instructions will help your gums heal properly so you can get back to a healthy smile.
Get Modern Dental Care Today
See the benefits of laser dentistry in our Annapolis, MD, office. Schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Meiser on our website. You can also call 410-324-7287. Let us know if you have questions about lasers. We’ll be happy to help you get answers to your dental questions.