The Future is Now: How Laser Dentistry Will Reshape Your Smile
At our advanced dentistry in McKinney, Dr. Lawrence provides his patients with state-of-the-art dental care using the latest technology in dentistry. As part of our commitment to providing our patients with exceptional care, we’re proud to offer Laser dentistry for the continued improvement our your oral health.
Laser dentistry involves using lasers to treat various common oral health issues. While the technology may seem futuristic, lasers have played a role in dental care for the last 30 years.
Laser dentistry provides patients with a more comfortable treatment when dealing with various procedures that involve hard and soft tissue in the mouth. Compared to drills and other conventional treatment options, patients find Laser treatment far less invasive and far more comfortable.
LASER stands for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.” The tool generates light energy in an incredibly narrow and focused beam. This laser light causes tissue to react, enabling Dr. Lawrence to remove and shape the tissue.
At our advanced dentistry in McKinney, Dr. Lawrence can use Laser dentistry when treating several common conditions, including:
- Hypersensitivity
- Tooth Decay
- Gum Disease
- Discolored Teeth
That’s right. Laser dentistry can even help to remove stains from the surface of your teeth to create a brighter, whiter smile. Laser dentistry offers the potential for making dental care more accessible, more affordable, and more comfortable.
How are Laser Treatments Used?
There are two primary types of procedures where Laser dentistry is most often used – soft tissue and hard tissue procedures. Soft tissue refers to the gums, while hard tissue refers to teeth.
Common hard tissue treatments include:
- Cavity detection. Lasers can enable Dr. Lawrence to identify possible cavities early by finding evidence of tooth decay.
- Dental fillings. Local anesthesia and traditional drills are usually not needed when cavities are filled using Laser dentistry. Lasers can eliminate any bacteria in a cavity, which can improve the long-term health of a tooth.
- Tooth sensitivity. Teeth that experience sensitivity to hot and cold can be treated using lasers to help protect the roots of a tooth.
Common soft tissue procedures include:
- Crown lengthening. This procedure reshapes bone and gum tissue to create a healthier tooth structure, which helps Dr. Lawrence better place tooth restorations like crowns and bridges.
- Reshaping the gum line. Lasers can reshape gum tissue to lengthen exposed teeth and reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile.”
- Removing soft tissue. Lasers can remove soft tissue folds that develop due to ill-fitting dentures without causing any discomfort or the need for sutures.
Lasers can also be used in other procedures:
- Benign tumor removal. Lasers can remove tumors from the gums, palate, cheeks, and lips with minimal invasiveness.
- TMJ treatment. Lasers can help reduce inflammation in the joints, helping to alleviate the discomfort and pain caused by TMJ conditions.
- Teeth whitening. As mentioned previously, Lasers can be used in teeth whitening by speeding up the bleaching process during whitening sessions.
- Nerve regeneration. Lasers can help to regenerate damaged nerves and blood vessels.
When You Need Advanced Dentistry in McKinney
When you need the best dental care possible, our team at McKinney Smiles is here to help. Whether you desire a brighter smile or need to restore your smile to health, Dr. Lawrence can provide the type of advanced dental care you need to look and feel your best. Contact our office today to schedule your next dental appointment with our team.