Laser Dentistry Vancouver, WA FAQ
Dentist in Vancouver WA
Questions and answers about Solea Laser Dentistry Vancouver, WA
Q: What is laser dentistry?
A: The laser is an instrument that produces a narrow, intense beam of light energy that is used to either remove, vaporize or shape soft tissues-such as gums, cheeks, and tongue-or hard tissues-such as decay.
Q: How does laser dentistry work?
Since teeth have water content, the water absorbs the laser energy, and it starts to boil. This then creates enough steam pressure to begin vaporizing the decay. Since tooth decay has very high water content, the laser immediately rids the decay with ease.
Q: What are the advantages of removing tooth decay with the laser instead of the dental drill?
A: Laser dentistry is more advantageous than the dental drill because of the following reasons:
- Oftentimes, the patient does not need local anesthetic to remove decay with laser dentistry.
- There is more control with the laser than the drill because of its selectivity for the softer, darker, decayed tooth structure.
- If there is decay below the gum line, the laser can lightly outline the gum so that the tooth and gum can be fully restored after the treatment is done. The dental drill may cause bleeding and lacerated tissue because of the very constricted area.
- Some of the different types of lasers can actually detect tooth decay without having to take X-rays.
Q: What can laser dentistry be used for?
A: Laser dentistry can be used for any of the following:
- Remove tooth decay
- Eliminate speech problems caused by a tongue-tie which inhibits the tongue from moving normally
- Uncover partially erupted wisdom teeth
- Remove lip pulls
- Remove swollen tissues
- Perform biopsy procedures by taking in small tissue samples to identify any tumors or other lesions in the mouth
- Remove inflamed tissues in a periodontal pocket and reduce the amount of bacteria accumulated
- Remove or reshape excess gum tissues to have a proper tooth shape in order to fit in a crown properly
- Activate whitening chemicals that are coated onto the teeth to be able to lighten and whiten the teeth.
Q: Does laser dentistry hurt?
A: Laser dentistry can cause minor pain, but it may reduce swelling and bleeding so that the patient wouldn’t feel the need to even take pain medications.
Q: Is laser dentistry safe?
A: Yes. If properly practiced by the dentist, it is as safe as any other dental instruments.
Q: Is any precaution necessary for laser dentistry?
A: Yes. The dentist would ask the patient to wear special eyeglasses to protect their eyes from the laser beam.
