Fort Lauderdale dentist explains what laser dentistry can be used to treat
“Laser dentistry” is a term you have likely heard more and more over time, and for good reason. Laser technology has led to many advances in dentistry, allowing dentists to treat patients more rapidly, precisely, and effectively than ever before. Dr. Yolanda Cintron, a holistic dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, uses lasers in a wide variety of dental treatments. Below, she explains how lasers are used in dentistry and what conditions they can be used to treat.
A short history of dental lasers
Lasers were first used in dental practices a few decades ago, and in recent years, they have become much more pervasive. In fact, since they first began being used, lasers have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for over 20 purposes in dentistry!
“Laser” is actually an acronym that stands for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation” – in other words, lasers use a very focused beam of light energy to generate a reaction in the target tissues. In dentistry, a wide variety of lasers have been developed that are designed to treat specific conditions. For example, there are some lasers that are better equipped to treat soft tissues such as the gums, whereas other lasers are designed to treat hard tissues such as the teeth and jawbone.
Benefits of lasers in dental care
Lasers are used to treat many conditions in dentistry and are often a better option than more traditional approaches such as rotary drills and scalpels. Lasers minimize the amount of discomfort a patient experiences during a dental procedure, and in some cases, can prevent the need for anesthesia entirely. That means that you can receive your dental treatment and return to work or home without having a large part of your face and mouth numb for hours.
Additionally, lasers enable dentists to be more precise while they are treating your mouth, which leads to better patient outcomes. Bleeding is reduced when lasers are used instead of drills and scalpels, and the tissues surrounding the treatment area sustain less damage, which means patients heal more rapidly and with less discomfort. Lasers also help keep infections at bay because the laser sterilizes the treatment area, eliminating infection-causing bacteria while the treatment is performed.
What laser dentistry can be used to treat
Dr. Yolanda Cintron uses laser dentistry in a wide array of dental procedures, from cosmetic to restorative treatments. Some of the most common uses of lasers include:
- Periodontal treatments: Diode lasers, Nd:YAG lasers, and carbon dioxide lasers can all be used to treat gum disease; the laser can be used to cut and remove gum tissue where needed, as well as remove infected tissues surrounding the teeth so that healthy new gum tissue can be regenerated
- Other soft tissue issues: Lasers can also be used to treat cold sores and ulcers in the mouth, reshaping the gums for aesthetic improvements, crown lengthening, and releasing tight muscular attachments or frenula
- Detecting cavities: Using laser energy, we can detect cavities at an early stage when they are easiest to treat
- Preparing teeth for fillings: Instead of a dental drill, lasers can be used to comfortably eliminate the bacteria in a cavity
- Treating tooth sensitivity: If your teeth are overly sensitive to either cold or heat, lasers can be used to seal the enamel’s tubules to reduce sensitivity to temperatures
- Teeth whitening: Believe it or not, lasers can even be used to whiten teeth—and in much less time
- Minimize bad breath: For patients that suffer from halitosis, lasers can be used to kill the bacteria that cause bad breath
- Preparing the teeth for cosmetic treatments or crowns: If you are in need of a dental crown or are having porcelain veneers or cosmetic bonding done, the teeth need to be shaped in advance; using lasers, this can be done more comfortably and precisely than ever before
Schedule your appointment today
Whether you are simply in need of a regular checkup or have an acute dental issue such as tooth pain or bleeding gums, you can trust Dr. Yolanda Cintron to use the latest technologies designed to maximize your comfort and minimize side effects on both your mouth and your overall health and well-being. To schedule an appointment at Dr. Cintron’s Fort Lauderdale office, call (855) 381-6001 today!
