Did you know that the practice of dentistry has been around for thousands of years, dating back to 3,000 BC? Archaeologists have discovered that Egyptians and ancient Greeks used tools like seashells to drill teeth or extract them in ancient practices. Fast forward thousands of years, and we’re no longer using seashells to drill holes (luckily), and there have been plenty of advances in dental technology.

Rhoades Family Dentistry uses the latest dental technologies to give our patients the best care possible, helping us detect oral health concerns and treat them using many different dental tools. Laser dentistry is a newer advancement in the dental industry, offering patients many benefits. Keep reading to learn what laser dentistry is and how it can help you.

What is Laser Dentistry

Modern dentistry includes many laser techniques used in various dental procedures. Lasers use a beam of light containing atoms or molecules that uses monochromatic and coherent light. Ready for a quick science lesson? Lasers, specifically used in dental practices, excite these molecules or atoms, spiking their energy state and lowering it during a procedure. The result is emitted photons, or light particles, that allow dentists to use the lasers on a concentrated area. 

Laser dentistry allows dentists to perform many dental procedures, using the laser light to aid in the absorption of the energy emitted by the laser, vaporizing or cutting, and healing tissues and cells in the mouth. Dental offices use two types of dental lasers: hard tissue and soft tissue lasers. Hard tissue lasers are best for dental procedures on hard tissues like the teeth, while soft tissue lasers are great for procedures that include the gums. 

Some dental offices will swap drills for lasers depending on the procedure and the patient. Laser dentistry is safe for patients of all ages and offers many benefits.

Dental Procedures That Use Laser Technology

Not every dental procedure uses laser dentistry, but many do. Laser technology is used in a variety of dental procedures. Below are some procedures that implement laser technology:

Your dentist can help determine whether laser technology is best for your dental treatment or procedure. They’ll work with you to design a treatment and prevention plan for your laser dentistry procedure.

How Laser Dentistry Can Help You

Laser dentistry can replace the use of traditional drills and tools in dental procedures, making patients more comfortable and aiding in faster healing. Below are just some of the many benefits of laser dentistry:

Reduces Pain

The sound and feel of a dental drill can cause some patients to be extremely uncomfortable, causing fear and anxiety as they see and hear the drill. Likewise, though traditional dental procedures use local anesthetics, some may still experience discomfort during a procedure. Laser dentistry reduces pain and discomfort, so much so that some don’t require the use of a local anesthetic.

Precise Targeting

Some dental procedures make it more difficult to pinpoint an exact target, especially when using drills or more traditional methods. Lasers allow dentists to specifically target a certain location, offering more precise targeting than traditional methods can, minimizing the risk of damaging surrounding teeth or gums.

Faster Healing

Some dental procedures are healed within a couple of days, while others, like extractions, dental implants, or gum grafting, heal slower and patients are given instructions for how to maintain oral hygiene following a procedure. Laser dentistry offers faster healing because the lasers stimulate the regeneration of tissue.

Less Bleeding

Because of the precise targeting of dental lasers, there is often less bleeding during and after a laser dentistry procedure. Less bleeding means less of a chance a patient will require stitches following a procedure, reducing pain and discomfort.

Laser dentistry offers patients many benefits, no matter the procedure. With reduced pain, less bleeding, faster healing, and precise targeting, laser dentistry is a preferred choice by many dentists for specific procedures. Your dentist will determine whether a traditional method or laser dentistry is best for your specific needs.

Schedule an Appointment with Rhoades Family Dentistry Today

Rhoades Family Dentistry provides dental care for the whole family, treating patients of all ages. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll care about your entire family’s oral health and go above and beyond, offering exceptional dental care and treatments for patients of all ages.

We offer many laser dentistry treatments and therapies, helping our patients have a speedy recovery with minimal discomfort. Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care and giving your family healthy smiles!