Did you know that lasers can treat a wide range of dental problems and concerns? Patients with sleep apnea problems, cavities, and periodontitis can benefit from laser dentistry. Laser dentistry can also improve the aesthetics of your smile when used to address the appearance of the gums. With dental lasers, we can perform root canals, fillings, sleep apnea treatment, periodontal therapy, and crown lengthening treatment.
Our dental office uses the WaterLase iPlus and Fotona LightWalker, both all-tissue lasers that help us perform procedures more efficiently. Laser dentistry allows Dr. Mia and our dental care team to provide comprehensive care that is more accurate, less invasive, and predictable. Laser energy also promotes faster healing times and minimizes impact to surrounding tissue.
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry in Burke, VA
Dental lasers offer:
- Minimally invasive treatment
- No need for needles, drills, or scalpels
- Little to no anesthesia is required
- Targeted and precise treatment
- Less post-surgical bleeding
Traditional surgical tools like drills can fracture the teeth and cause pain post-treatment. Lasers offer efficient, comfortable care and quick healing times.
How Our Dental Lasers Work
The WaterLase iPlus laser and the LightWalker laser treat soft and hard tissues. Soft tissues include healthy and infected gum tissue. Lasers that work on hard tissues remove caries while maintaining the tooth structure.
The LightWalker uses heat to tighten the tissues in the back of the mouth. During periods of sleep apnea, these tissues collapse to block the airway. Patients with sleep apnea can experience disrupted breathing many times through the night. The heat from the laser tightens the tissues and can reduce snoring and other sleep apnea symptoms. Sleep apnea laser therapy is a great option for patients with sleep apnea who need additional treatment. Patients can use laser therapy and nightguards to treat their sleep apnea.
The WaterLase iPlus laser uses water and heat energy to treat the smile. It uses a stream of water and concentrated laser energy to vaporize the water within the tooth and cut away at the tooth enamel. This laser can also precisely cut the gum tissue. With the WaterLase iPlus laser, we can clean and disinfect the root canal, remove excessive gum tissue in a gummy smile, and remove infected gum tissue.
Root canals remove the infected dental pulp within the tooth and save the tooth structure. In addition, patients with gummy smiles can receive gum contouring treatment to show more of their natural tooth enamel. For patients with gum disease, we offer laser periodontal therapy that removes infected gum tissue.
Laser Dentistry FAQs
Laser dentistry is one of the best advancements in dental technology. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Is laser dentistry safe?
Laser dentistry is considered very safe when performed by a trained and experienced dentist. Dental lasers have been used for decades and are approved by the FDA for various procedures. Because lasers cauterize as they cut, they reduce the risk of bleeding and infection.
Does laser dentistry hurt?
Most laser dentistry procedures are virtually painless compared to traditional methods. Many patients report feeling little to no discomfort because the laser seals nerve endings as it works, reducing pain and sensitivity. In some cases, anesthesia may not even be necessary, which is beneficial for patients who dislike injections. After the procedure, any discomfort is usually minimal and short-lived.
How long do laser dentistry treatments take?
The duration of a laser dentistry procedure depends on the type of treatment being performed. Simple procedures like laser teeth whitening can take about an hour, while more complex treatments, such as gum disease therapy, may require multiple sessions. However, since laser treatments are more efficient and cause less tissue damage, recovery times are often much shorter than traditional methods.
Can children receive laser dentistry treatments?
Laser dentistry is safe and effective for children, especially for procedures like cavity removal, gum treatments, and tongue-tie correction. Since laser procedures are less invasive and often eliminate the need for anesthesia, they are ideal for young patients who may be nervous about dental visits. The reduced pain and faster healing times also make laser treatments more comfortable for children.
How do lasers improve healing after dental procedures?
Lasers stimulate blood circulation and encourage tissue regeneration, which speeds up healing. Since they minimize trauma to surrounding tissues, patients experience less swelling and discomfort post-treatment. The laser’s antibacterial properties also reduce the risk of infection, making recovery smoother. Many patients find they heal faster than traditional methods, allowing them to return to normal activities sooner.
How do I know if I am a candidate for laser dentistry?
Most patients are good candidates for laser dentistry, but the suitability depends on the specific procedure and your dental health. Those with gum disease, cavities, or cosmetic concerns like uneven gum lines may benefit from laser treatments. However, some conditions, such as advanced tooth decay or extensive restorations, may require traditional dental methods. We will evaluate your oral health and discuss whether laser dentistry suits you.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Do you need a root canal? Is infected gum tissue impacting your oral health? Call Smiles by Mia for comfortable laser treatment today at (571) 789-1265. You can also request a dental consultation with Dr. Mia and her team online. If you want to know more about laser dentistry, please ask; we will be glad to help.