How Lasers Have Changed Dentistry

July 18, 2021

close-up of gums receiving laser dentistry in El Reno

For many people, hearing about a dentist using lasers to treat their patients sounds like something straight out of science-fiction, but it’s an everyday reality here at El Reno Family Dentistry! Laser dentistry in El Reno allows our team to perform several procedures more efficiently and comfortably than ever before, and to learn more about how this technology may influence your dental care in the future, read on.

How Does Laser Dentistry Work?

Lasers were first introduced to dentistry in the 1990s, and from then to today, they have evolved a lot, becoming smaller and more precise. While there are multiple types of lasers a dentist may use, they all involve emitting an intensely focused beam of light and applying it to the oral tissues. This approach gives a dentist much more control compared to traditional methods, and lasers can be used to accomplish a wide array of tasks, from removing tissue to reducing bleeding and swelling to sealing blood vessels and nerve endings.

Laser Dentistry Procedures

In our practice, we can use lasers to perform treatments such as:

  • Soft Tissue Surgery: Instead of using a scalpel and sutures to treat the gums, a laser offers a gentler alternative that greatly reduces discomfort both during and after a procedure.
  • Periodontal Therapy: A laser makes it much easier for a dentist to thoroughly remove bacteria-filled calculus deposits and infected tissue associated with gum disease.
  • Implant Recovery: The structure of the gum tissue around an implant is vital to its long-term success, and with laser dentistry, small adjustments can be made quickly while minimizing trauma to the tissues.
  • Canker Sore Treatment: Canker sores are those annoying and painful white spots that can develop on your lips. Now, instead of just using a topical cream, a dentist can apply a laser to the area to stop the pain and promote accelerated healing.

Why Patients Love Laser Dentistry

  • Speed: All of the procedures highlighted above can be performed in a fraction of the time with lasers compared to the old ways.
  • Comfort: Dental lasers emit practically no heat, sound, or vibration, meaning a patient barely feels anything while in the chair.
  • Fast Recovery: Laser dentistry enables a dentist to target a much smaller treatment area, plus the instrument naturally sanitizes and cauterizes blood vessels as it goes, greatly reducing swelling and bleeding.

Lasers will continue to influence how dentists provide care for decades to come, but right now, in 2021, you can greatly benefit from this technology and enjoy the fast and pain-free dentistry you deserve.

About the Authors

Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons lead the team here at El Reno Family Dentistry. They both utilize laser technology to make the patient experience as pleasant as possible, and to learn whether or not laser dentistry may be right for you, all you need to do is contact our team today.