Laser dentistry is the use of lasers to treat a number of different dental conditions.
LASER stands for “Light Amplification by The Stimulated Emission Of Radiation.”
The instrument creates light energy in a very narrow and focused beam. This laser light produces a reaction when it hits tissue, allowing it to remove or shape the tissue.
LASER DENTISTRY FOR SOFT TISSUE:
- Treating a “gummy smile.” Lasers are used to reshape gum tissue associated with “gummy smile,” in which the gums’ length covers much of the tooth.
- Crown lengthening. This procedure reshapes both gum tissue and bone for healthier tooth structure, which helps with placing restorations on the teeth.
- Treating tongue frenum attachment. Those with a thick or tight frenum (the fold of skin under the front part of tongue that anchors to the mouth floor) may benefit from a laser frenectomy. This treatment helps children whose restricted frenum causes them to be tongue-tied, have difficulty breastfeeding, or have a speech impediment.
- Removing soft tissue folds. Lasers can remove soft tissue folds from ill-fitting dentures without pain or sutures.
Benefits of using laser dentistry over other methods
- There is potentially a decreased need for sutures with soft tissue lasers.
- Bleeding is minimal in treated soft tissues, as the laser promotes blood clotting.
- The chance for bacterial infections is lower because the laser sterilizes the area.
- Wounds can heal faster, and it’s possible for tissue to regenerate.
- The procedures may involve less damage to the surrounding tissues.