Dentistry has made incredible advancements in recent years to help patients preserve their oral health. These enhancements include improved processes and equipment. This new equipment allows dental professionals to repair teeth quickly with minimal discomfort. These advancements and new solutions also give dentists added insight to detect and resolve issues faster than ever.
Equipment
Below is a summary of advanced equipment that is commonly used in dental offices:
- 3-D Imaging: Images that show all areas and angles of the teeth and jaw
- Lasers: Dental lasers shorten the overall treatment time and ensure patients remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Another benefit of lasers is an expedited recovery
- Intraoral Cameras: These specialized cameras allow for visibility inside the patient’s mouth
- Digital X-rays: These X-rays provide more clarity and reduced radiation compared to traditional X-rays
- Ultrasonic Cleaners: Gentle sound waves are used to remove plaque and debris from the teeth
Laser Dentistry
Lasers are a relatively new technology being used in dentistry. In some cases, patients are concerned about how much pain is involved with laser dentistry. Fortunately, laser dentistry is incredibly safe, effective, and involves minimal pain.
It is common for patients to be concerned with pain when it comes to their oral health. Laser dentistry provides patients with gentle treatment and can help minimize the patient’s anxiety.
Laser dentistry works by using concentrated light beams that strategically target specific areas of the gums and teeth. These lasers can be used for a variety of dental treatments. This may include the removal of decay, teeth whitening, gum tissue modifications, and the stimulation of bone growth. Dental lasers can be less invasive and more precise compared to traditional treatment methods. Another perk of laser dentistry is that treatment can often be completed in a single visit.
In terms of safety, laser dentistry is very safe. It is, however, a relatively new field, which means not all dental practices offer this type of treatment.
Pain
A common concern regarding laser dentistry is how much pain to expect with the treatment. In most cases, laser treatments result in minimal to no discomfort for the patient. The reduced pain is actually one of the primary benefits associated with the treatment.
Compared to traditional treatment methods, laser dentistry is typically less invasive. Lasers are able to target the problematic areas and avoid affecting healthy tissue. This also aids in reducing post-treatment inflammation, minimizing discomfort, and expediting the overall recovery timeline.
Because laser dentistry reduces pain and discomfort, it often minimizes or eliminates the need for anesthesia. This helps prevent the discomfort of needles and avoids awkward numbness while the drugs wear off.
Benefits
Some of the additional benefits associated with laser dentistry are faster treatments, lower risk for infection or complications, and less bleeding. These lasers are very quiet and sometimes even silent. This can be helpful for patients who have anxiety associated with dentistry, which is often made worse by the loud noises and vibrations associated with traditional dental equipment.
While an anesthetic is often not required, a local numbing agent can be used if needed to ensure patients remain comfortable. Patients are typically able to use an over-the-counter pain medication to manage any discomfort.
Call the office today to discuss how you may benefit from laser dentistry. Our office looks forward to working with you and answering any questions you have regarding these treatments.