Laser dentistry is an effective, safe option for many dental procedures. If your dentist doesn’t offer laser dentistry, Columbia Smiles can help. In our Howard County dental practice, we provide a number of laser dentistry procedures to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Whether you need your gums reshaped, help with cavities, or you want to whiten your teeth safely and effectively, we can provide the services you need.
If you’re not sure how lasers are used in a dental practice, let us know. We will answer all your questions during your appointment. Contact Columbia Smiles to schedule an appointment today. You can reach our office at 410.690.4855.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry involves the use of lasers to treat a variety of dental conditions. Lasers can be used to treat both the teeth and gums and tend to be a more comfortable approach over the traditional tools. Both hard tissue (teeth) and soft tissue (gums) can be treated with lasers. There are several types of lasers that are now used in dental procedures, including Diode lasers, which can be used to treat issues with soft tissue in the mouth.
How can laser dentistry keep patients comfortable during dental procedures? When lasers are used to reshape the gums or remove unhealthy gum tissue, patients benefit from a reduced recovery time versus procedures done with traditional tools. After laser dentistry procedures, patients don’t have to care for any sutures, and there is typically minimal bleeding and post-procedure downtime.
If laser dentistry is right for you, your dentist will walk you through what to expect. Typically, laser dentistry sessions are short and can quickly resolve any issues.
Common Laser Dentistry Procedures
Both soft and hard tissue procedures can be completed with lasers. While traditional dental tools are likely to be necessary for some issues, lasers can provide an alternative for many procedures.
Soft tissue procedures where lasers can be used for include:
- Reshaping the gums for aesthetic reasons – If your gums show when you smile, it might be possible to reveal more of your teeth
- Reshaping gum tissue and bone for healthier tooth structure – If your teeth are loose in their socket, lasers can promote stability
- Removing soft tissue folds from dentures that do not fit correctly – Ill-fitting dentures can be uncomfortable and can lead to future issues
Lasers can also be used for hard tissue procedures such as:
- Detecting cavities
- Preparing teeth for fillings by killing bacteria
- Treating tooth sensitivity
Finally, lasers can even remove benign tumors, treat sleep apnea issues, help heal cold sores, and whiten teeth.
Your dentist can help you understand whether laser dentistry is right for your specific needs.
Contact Columbia Smiles Today
At Columbia Smiles, we offer laser dentistry as one option to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy. We have extensive experience in using Diode laser therapy and might use lasers for all of the following:
- Treating hypersensitivity
- Treating tooth decay
- Treating gum disease
- Whitening teeth
We’ve served Howard County for over 35 years. Our patients trust us to keep their smiles bright and their teeth healthy. We’re committed to making every visit to our office a comfortable experience. Our team understands the anxiety some feel about dental procedures, and we strive to answer every question you may have. Helping you understand what to expect. Through diagnostic and preventative dentistry, we’ll keep potential future issues from impacting your smile.
Make an appointment at Columbia Smiles today. Reach out to us at 410.690.4855 or contact us online to learn more about laser dentistry and our general dentistry services in Maryland.