Dentistry has come further than many people realize. Nowadays, certain procedures – such as gum recontouring for correcting a gummy smile – can be performed with a state-of-the-art laser. This approach has several advantages over traditional dental instruments. Below is a brief look at laser dentistry and why it can be a great choice.
What Exactly is a Dental Laser?
A dental laser is a concentrated beam of light energy. Said energy causes a reaction when it comes in contact with your oral tissues. The type of laser used depends on the situation. For example, if the treatment involves your gums, a soft tissue laser will be utilized.
Lasers have many possible uses in the field of dentistry, such as reshaping gum tissue in order to create a more aesthetically pleasing gum line. They can also get rid of infected gum tissue and prevent the spread of gum disease.
What are the Advantages of Laser Dentistry?
There are several good reasons why laser dentistry has been growing in popularity in recent years. Here are just some of the benefits that the approach offers:
- Shorter Healing Periods: Compared to treatments involving traditional dental instruments, it typically takes your mouth less time to recover after a procedure involving a dental laser.
- Reduced Discomfort: Dental lasers are very gentle and cause little discomfort. In many cases, your dentist won’t even need to numb your mouth for the treatment.
- Sterilization: The energy from the laser helps kill harmful bacteria in the treated area. This makes it less likely that you will suffer from an infection after your procedure.
- Less Noise: Are you bothered by the sound of a dental drill? Dental lasers are much quieter, which is good news for those who are anxious when it comes to visiting the dentist.
- High Precision: Dental lasers make it easy to only target the tissue that actually needs to be removed while leaving the surrounding area alone.
- Reduced Bleeding: Unlike traditional instruments, dental lasers can cauterize any exposed blood vessels right away, meaning there will be less bleeding at the end of your treatment. This can even make it less likely that you will need sutures.
It always pays to find a practice that takes advantage of the latest technology. If you’re interested in undergoing gum recontouring in order to enhance your smile, take the time to look for a dentist who can perform the procedure with a dental laser.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby Shirley went to the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and is a member of several dental organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. As a dentist in Dallas, GA, he offers a wide range of services. He uses dental lasers for gum recontouring so that he can help his patients improve their gummy smiles. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Shirley at Distinctive Dentistry, visit his website or call (770) 445-6606.
