Laser Dentistry
Patients do not always enjoy visits to the dentist. In some cases, the patient may have significant anxiety regarding dental care, or the patient will avoid routine dental visits. It can be alarming when patients hear they have an issue which requires treatment.
Laser dentistry is a relatively new treatment option which minimizes discomfort and can help prevent the use of needles and loud equipment. Because of the benefits, the use of lasers is becoming more popular. Below is a summary of the laser dentistry procedures and the average cost.
Procedures
Below is a summary of the different hard and soft tissue procedures that laser dentistry can help treat.
Hard Tissue Procedures
The hard tissue procedures that can benefit from laser dentistry include the following:
- Tooth decay: Lasers can be used to remove bacteria which causes decay in addition to small cavities found in the teeth. This eliminates the need for a traditional drill. A laser cannot be used for large cavities or those that are between the teeth.
- Sensitivity: When the teeth have thin enamel or cavities, it can result in sensitivity. The lasers can seal tubules located on the tooth’s root and help eliminate this sensitivity.
- Root canals: Laser can also be used for root canal therapy. The laser is used to access and remove the infected tissue, clean and shape the treatment area, and lastly fill it.
Soft Tissue Procedures
The soft tissue procedures are commonly used for issues related to the gums. The following are common soft tissue procedures that a laser can treat:
- Gingivectomy: A gingivectomy is a completed to contour or reshape the gums. Excess or misshapen gum tissue is removed and adjusted to achieve the desired results.
- Excess tissue removal: When patients have extra tissue around their teeth, it can make their teeth look smaller and result in a gummy smile. A laser can remove gum tissue and restore the symmetry of the patient’s smile.
- Gum disease: Laser dentistry can aid in avoiding gum surgery, and the lasers are able to eliminate bacteria found in the periodontal pockets and sterilize the tissue. The lasers can also treat gum inflammation from gum disease.
- Crown lengthening: Prior to receiving a dental crown or implant, patients may require crown lengthening, which exposes the structure of the tooth and reshapes underlying tissue.
- Receding gums: Receding gums can also be treated with the use of lasers in addition to the removal of gaps found between the teeth.
Cost
Laser dentistry can used in many types of dental procedures. One question patients often have regarding laser dentistry is how it affects the cost of treatment. The cost for dental treatments typically increases when lasers are used.
On average, the out-of-pocket cost for a laser dentistry procedure will range from $200-400. As with most types of dental procedures, the cost can vary based on things such as the geographic location, dental office, and dentist performing the procedure. The price of a laser treatment will also depend on the patient’s specific insurance coverage.
Patients are often curious if dental lasers are covered by dental insurance. In most cases, laser dentistry is covered by dental insurance. Dental insurance will typically provide coverage for specific dental procedures, regardless of the treatment method. Patients will need to work with their insurance provider to understand how their specific coverage will impact the overall treatment cost.
Call the office today to speak with our team regarding your oral health and how you may benefit from laser dentistry.