No More Shots with Laser Dentistry
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February 21, 2017Published on February 17, 2017, Updated on April 13, 2020
Laser dentistry is a product of brilliant minds meeting a brilliant era in dental science. Thanks to breakthrough-technology and science, now your child can have a cavity treated almost always without shots and without drilling and in a fraction of the time. Dr. Nam is currently the only dentist in Colorado we are aware of that has been trained on the high-tech laser and able to offer your child this high-tech treatment option. Offering treatment without shots and drills transforms the relationship children have with their dentist and with dental care. Now, children think visiting the dentist is exciting. When lasers are involved, it is hard not to be excited!
Laser Dentistry: Resolving Patient Fears
Pain is a pretty big obstacle between us and many of our goals in life–including excellent oral health care. Laser dentistry is working to eliminate fear obstacles between you and optimum oral health. Drills and shots are commonly named as two of the biggest fear instigators for trips to the dental office. Not so with laser dentistry! 95 percent of patients won’t need any shots during laser dentistry. The soundless quality of laser treatment puts kids at ease where drilling put them on edge before.
Understanding What Makes the Laser Different
The laser is the first CO2 laser system ever cleared by the FDA for hard and soft tissue cutting and removal. 95% of users perform procedures on hard and soft tissue with no dental anesthesia. A similar percentage report soft tissue procedures that are accomplished with virtually no bleeding. The laser’s unique 9.3 µm wavelength laser and innovative computer controls allow it to replace the drill as the primary tool for hard and soft tissue surgeries. The laser is quiet and virtually sensationless. The laser cuts soft tissue more precisely and cleanly than other soft tissue lasers on the market and results in less bleeding and faster healing. The laser’s exclusive wavelength enables Dr. Nam to access all surfaces of your tooth and remove even hard to reach decaying tissue.
Why Choose Laser Dentistry Over Traditional?
Laser dentistry represents the best of current science and technology. When comparing laser dentistry treatment to traditional dental drill treatment, the laser:
- Improves precision. The laser allows Dr. Nam to limit the trauma to the treated area, which protects the neighboring tissue from inadvertent damage.
- Promotes faster healing. As a result of decreased bleeding, trauma, and decreased risk of infection.
- Lessens pain. The laser seals nerve endings often eliminating the need for dental anesthesia.
- Calms nerves. Patients relax more when the dental drill is not present.
- Reduces bleeding and swelling. The laser seals blood vessels triggering immediate blood clotting during soft tissue treatments.
- Eliminates stitches. The laser cauterizes the area making stitches completely unnecessary for some patients.
- Lowers infection risk. The laser sterilizes the area instantly during treatment.
While laser dentistry is the preferred method of care for certain dental services, traditional dentistry does have its place. Dental drills are more effective than lasers to: 1) address cavities between teeth; 2) work near old fillings; 3) prep a tooth for a dental crown; or 4) prepare teeth for a dental bridge. During your treatment consultation, we will assess your current dental needs and offer the treatment most effective for your care.
What Issues Does Laser Dentistry Treat?
Hardy Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is dedicated to offering you precision care and pain-free, fast-healing care. Learn about all the many applications for laser dentistry that you can benefit from:
- Quickening the teeth whitening process
- Improving regular and deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to remove tartar
- Providing care for TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome): cold lasers help control tooth sensitivity, inflammation, and TMJ pain.
- Treating hot/cold sensitivity by sealing the tubules at the root of the tooth
- Locating subsurface cavities that elude X-rays and traditional probing tools
- Disinfecting the cavity of a tooth prior to filling
- Recontouring the gum and bone tissue to uncover healthier tooth structure, creating a stronger foundational tooth restoration placement
- Repairing a gummy smile
- Improving limited tongue movement in children and babies
- Mending speech impediments caused by the tongue
- Removing (without pain) benign tumors inside the mouth, including the gums, cheeks, palate, and lips
- Healing cold sores, get rid of pain and speeding up healing
Call for a Laser Dentistry Treatment Evaluation
If you want to know more about the advantages of laser dentistry treatment and what it can do for the health of your smile, or if you’d like to make an appointment, call our office in Erie today at 720-887-6003 to make an appointment.