Soft tissue laser dentistry allows us to target infection and remove precancerous lesions. Soft tissues like the gums are vulnerable to injury and infection. Fortunately, laser dentistry procedures can help heal diseased tissue and speed up recovery.
Laser dentistry is available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Our team uses high-tech dental lasers for added precision. We offer comprehensive treatment for many dental concerns, including gum disease. Call us at (858) 748-2101 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Pros and cons of soft tissue laser dentistry
The soft tissues include the gums, lips, inner cheeks, and palate. Dental providers also consider the pulp inside teeth as soft tissue. Dentists often use metal instruments to resolve the issue when soft-tissue dental problems develop, like drills and scalpels. Unfortunately, these tools can also result in discomfort and bleeding. As a result, patients with dental anxiety may feel uneasy about undergoing treatment.
Fortunately, soft tissue laser dentistry provides an alternative. With the help of laser technology, dentists can gently clean and reshape soft tissues. Laser energy disinfects tissue to clear up infection without medication. Soft tissue laser dentistry is minimally invasive and may result in a short recovery period. Patients also report less pain and bleeding after a laser procedure. However, laser dentistry may not be right for everyone. Some dental concerns require traditional procedures or complex reconstructive work. Our dental team can determine whether each patient is a candidate for laser dentistry.
“Soft tissue laser dentistry is minimally invasive and may result in a short recovery period.”
Soft-tissue laser dentistry in orthodontics
Laser dentistry is being incorporated more often in orthodontic treatments. Dental providers can use soft-tissue lasers to help contour gums and reshape them to remove excessive gum tissue. Lasers can also be part of a treatment plan for impacted teeth. The laser allows the tooth to grow more appropriately into the mouth, improving the patient's smile.
“Dental providers can use soft-tissue lasers to help contour gums and reshape them to remove excessive gum tissue.”
Post-treatment care
After laser procedures, patients receive personalized aftercare instructions. For example, some patients may have dietary restrictions for a few weeks. The dental team may also suggest using an antiseptic mouthwash to prevent infection.
Light bleeding or minor swelling are common side effects. Patients may also notice some changes in their oral tissues. The gums may appear reddened or bruised. These changes are usually temporary. Most patients experience minimal discomfort after a laser procedure. If the patient reports pain or significant swelling, the dentist can provide additional care.
“Most patients experience minimal discomfort after a laser procedure.”
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Laser dentistry carries few risks, and it is suitable for a wide range of patients. But patients with bleeding disorders might not be good candidates for these procedures. Patients with complex dental needs may also do better with traditional procedures. A dental provider can offer personalized treatment recommendations.
Patients may be a candidate for soft-tissue laser dentistry if they have the following:
- Deep-tissue infections
- Gum inflammation
- Gum recession
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Mouth sores
- Overgrown gums
- Tongue-tie
Soft-tissue laser dentistry can also help treat sleep apnea. This potentially life-threatening condition can interfere with nighttime breathing. Removing tissue from the patient's mouth and throat could ease sleep apnea symptoms.
“Laser dentistry carries few risks, and it is suitable for a wide range of patients.”
Questions answered on this page
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Q. What are examples of soft tissue laser dentistry procedures?
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Soft tissue laser dentistry procedures
Additionally, soft tissue laser dentistry can treat canker sores, cold sores, gum disease, damaged nerves. Some soft-tissue procedures can also help with tumor biopsy and removal. However, most patients who opt for soft tissue laser dentistry undergo gum treatment.
During this procedure, the dentist may remove excess tissue. They might also reshape the existing tissue to provide a uniform appearance. Gum treatment can improve oral health and boost the patient's self-confidence.
“Gum treatment can improve oral health and boost the patient’s self-confidence.”
Frequently asked questions
In the past, dentists often used drills and sharp tools to perform procedures. These tools sometimes result in significant pain, swelling, or bleeding. Modern lasers streamline the treatment process. Laser technology might make procedures more comfortable for patients.
Laser dentistry offers added precision and control. Dentists can use lasers to target diseased tissue and tooth decay. Dental lasers can also sculpt tissues to provide cosmetic enhancement.
Many patients do not need anesthetic during laser dentistry procedures. However, if necessary, the dentist may provide a mild numbing cream. This medication eases discomfort without leaving the patient groggy or disoriented.
Every dental procedure carries some risk of infection. However, laser dentistry has a low risk of complications. The laser destroys bacteria around the target tissue to reduce the patient's risk of infection.
Most patients can receive laser dentistry. But traditional procedures might be a better fit for some patients. Our team can determine whether laser dentistry is right for you.
Dental terminology
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that increases the extent of a tooth structure for restorative or esthetic purposes.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
The gum line is the line in the mouth where the teeth and gums meet. If a patient struggles with gum recession, then the gum tissue around the teeth may begin to wear away.
A tooth that has not erupted when expected or cannot erupt because of inadequate spacing in the mouth.
A laser deep cleaning maintains the same goal as a traditional deep cleaning, but uses a dental laser to ease the process and avoid using metal tools on the teeth/gums.
Minimally-invasive dental procedures include procedures such as fillings, root canal therapy, crowns, bridges or dentures to help repair one’s teeth.
Contact us to learn more
If you are interested in finding out whether you are a candidate for laser treatment, contact us. Call us at 858-748-2101 to schedule a consultation. We are proud to provide our Poway patients with the most effective tools in dental care.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.