Many people are afraid to go to the dentist. Luckily, we live in a time where innovative methods have made it far easier and less nerve-wracking for dental patients. Amongst some relatively new procedures is laser dentistry, and patients love it. We’ll tell you why.
What is Laser Dentistry?
Lasers are concentrated beams of light. They can be used in virtually any kind of procedure, but in dentistry, they can be used to fill cavities, whiten teeth, perform biopsies, remove bacteria in root canals, and aid in gum reshaping. Lasers are more accurate than drills and can treat both soft and hard tissues without damage to the surrounding tooth area and gums.
No Shots
Dental lasers aren’t painful. One of the most common fears for people is to get injections before a dental procedure. Some people can be highly resistant to shots and need several of them. As anesthesia wears off, people typically feel pain. With dental lasers, people don’t need shots, and they don’t feel any pain. However, if patients need the use of a drill for any reason, the overall pain that’s experienced is drastically reduced because there is less oral trauma.
No Drilling
Drilling typically vibrates the teeth, which causes oral pain that can last for a while. Lasers don’t have the same effect on teeth, so there is no pain. Drills can also remove a large amount of the tooth’s surface, but a laser works to destroy and remove decay, so less of the healthy portion of teeth are removed. By minimizing trauma to the teeth and surrounding tissue, there is less recovery time needed, and patients don’t need pain pills after they leave the office.
No Drilling Sound
The sound of a drill can cause people to become very nervous. It’s loud, and it can have an unpleasant sound. With lasers, all you hear is a gentle tapping. This gentle tapping sound is far quieter, and it’s more soothing.
Less Downtime in Recovery
One of the things people hate, other than the pain experienced at the dentist’s office, is the numbness in the mouth after their procedures. It makes chewing, talking and drinking anything extremely difficult. Without the need for injections and less trauma experienced, people recover more quickly with dental lasers, which makes life easier after a dental procedure.
You don’t have to face fear and anxiety when there are easier ways to take care of your dental health. If you are still in need of more calming procedures, sedation is a possibility as well. Our friendly, comfortable and professional office will put all your fears at ease. Call us at North View Dental today, and discover why many of our patients prefer laser dentistry.