In recent years, laser dentistry has taken the place of many traditional dentistry practices, making treatments more accurate and less painful. At Jeanne V. Devi, DDS Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry in Pasadena, California, we use laser dentistry to help our anxious patients who are uncomfortable with the sounds of a dental drill. Additionally, it reduces bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments and reduces the recovery time after dental procedures.

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Dental lasers use precisely focused high-intensity light beams used to modify or remove tissue in small amounts. They can be used to perform any of a wide range of treatments, including soft tissue shaping and removal. In addition, dental lasers cause very minimal damage to the surrounding tissue compared to conventional methods. Therefore, they cause pain and discomfort.

What Kind of Dental Care Can Lasers Provide?

Dental lasers can treat many oral health issues, including:

Cancerous sores
Root canal infections
Gums that need reshaping
Wisdom teeth that need removal

At our office, we use dental lasers for:

Cavity detection – Lasers detect cavities on the biting surfaces of teeth which often go unobserved.
Tooth decay – Lasers remove tooth decay and prepare them for a cavity filling.
Gum disease – Lasers recontour gums and remove bacteria during root canal procedures, lesion removal, or oral cancer biopsy.
Teeth whitening- Lasers can help whiten teeth swiftly with little to no pain.

Biolase Laser

Biolase laser technology represents a cutting-edge advancement in dental care, utilizing laser energy to perform a variety of dental procedures with greater precision, efficiency, and comfort compared to traditional methods. Biolase lasers use concentrated light energy to target specific areas in the mouth, enabling minimally invasive treatments that can often reduce the need for drills, scalpels, and sutures. This technology harnesses the power of both hard-tissue (teeth and bone) and soft-tissue (gums) lasers, making it versatile for numerous dental applications.

Uses of Biolase Laser in Dentistry

Cavity Detection and Treatment

Biolase lasers can detect early signs of tooth decay with high accuracy. When treating cavities, the laser precisely removes decayed tissue without the heat, vibration, or pressure associated with traditional dental drills, which can make the process more comfortable for patients.

Gum Disease Treatment

Biolase lasers are highly effective in treating periodontal (gum) disease. The laser can remove infected tissue and bacteria from periodontal pockets, promoting healthier gums and facilitating faster healing. This approach minimizes bleeding and reduces the discomfort associated with gum surgery.

Soft Tissue Procedures

For procedures involving the gums or other soft tissues, such as gum reshaping, frenectomies, and removing soft tissue folds, Biolase lasers offer precision and reduce post-operative pain and swelling. The laser's ability to cauterize as it cuts helps to minimize bleeding and the risk of infection.

Teeth Whitening

Biolase lasers can also be used in cosmetic dentistry for teeth whitening treatments. The laser activates the whitening gel, accelerating the bleaching process and resulting in a brighter smile in a shorter amount of time compared to conventional methods.

Root Canal Therapy

During root canal procedures, Biolase lasers can be used to clean and shape the root canals with enhanced precision. The laser's disinfecting properties help to eliminate bacteria more effectively, increasing the success rate of the treatment.

Biopsies and Lesion Removal

Biolase lasers can perform biopsies or remove oral lesions with less discomfort and quicker healing times. The precision of the laser allows for accurate removal of suspicious tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding areas.

Treatment of Cold Sores and Canker Sores

Biolase lasers can be used to treat painful oral sores. The laser reduces pain and accelerates healing, often providing immediate relief to patients suffering from these conditions.

Crown Lengthening

In procedures requiring crown lengthening, Biolase lasers can remove excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth's surface. This is often necessary for restorative procedures such as fitting crowns or bridges and can be done with greater precision and less discomfort than traditional methods.

Implant Recovery

For patients undergoing dental implant placement, Biolase lasers can assist in uncovering the implant post for abutment placement. This process is less invasive and promotes quicker healing, reducing the overall treatment time.

In summary, Biolase laser technology is revolutionizing the field of dentistry by offering a wide range of applications that enhance patient comfort, reduce treatment times, and improve clinical outcomes. Its versatility in both hard and soft tissue procedures makes it an invaluable tool for modern dental practices, ensuring patients receive the highest quality of care with minimal discomfort. Lear more about Biolase laser here: https://www.biolase.com/.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?

There are numerous benefits of using laser dentistry, including:

Faster healing and tissue regeneration.
More of the tooth structure is preserved.
Reduced bleeding during and after treatment.
Reduced need for anesthesia.
Less need for stitches and sutures.
Reduced risk of bacterial infections after procedures.

What Are the Types of Dental Lasers?

We use two types of lasers for treatments in our dental office: hard tissue lasers and soft tissue lasers.

Hard Tissue Lasers

They can primarily modify the tooth structure, as they can precisely cut your teeth, removing small amounts. They can also:

Detect cavities
Help reduce tooth sensitivity
Prepare teeth for dental fillings
Remove bonded restorations like crowns, veneers, bridges
Disinfect root canals

Soft Tissue Lasers

They are ideal for cutting gums and other oral tissue. They cauterize exposed blood vessels as they cut, which minimizes bleeding and speeds up healing. They also:

Treat restricted tongue movement
Reshape gums
Remove benign oral tumors
Help in the healing of wounds after tooth extraction
Do gingival recontouring and smile design

At Jeanne V. Devi, DDS Aesthetic & Restorative Dentistry in Pasadena, California, we are proud to offer laser dentistry as an option for our patients. You can reach Dentist in Pasadena CA at (626) 795-2544 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeanne V. Devi.