For many people, the sound of a dental drill is enough to trigger anxiety. Most patients are unaware that modern dental treatment could be performed without drills, scalpels, or sutures. In fact, drill-free procedures could also be faster, more comfortable, and heal more quickly.
Laser dentistry offers today’s patients a brand new path to dental treatments. Whether treating cavities or reshaping gums, removing tongue ties or whitening teeth, dental lasers are revolutionising dental treatments. Put simply, laser treatments are more precise, less invasive, and significantly more comfortable for patients. Let’s explore the wide range of procedures that laser dentistry offers.
How dental lasers work
Using highly focused beams of light energy, dental lasers make it possible to interact with human tissue in controlled and highly precise ways. Switching between a range of wavelengths allow the lasers to target both hard tissues (tooth enamel) and soft (gums) tissue.
Not only that, laser energy is able to precisely vaporise tissue, promote tissue regeneration, seal blood vessels and even reduce inflammation. Since the focused beam targets the area with such precision, it leaves surrounding tissue untouched. This characteristic means that laser procedures can be performed with minimal or no anaesthetic. Remarkably, the laser seals nerve endings as it works, thus reducing pain signals. The heat generated by the laser also sterilises the treatment area – this greatly reduces the risk of infection.
Laser cavity treatment
Many people associate the dentist with that dreaded drilling sound. That is why treating cavities with lasers helps to eliminate much of a patient’s dental anxiety.
In fact, the practical benefits outweigh the psychological. As the laser removes decayed tooth material more conservatively, it even helps to preserve more healthy tooth structure. Without vibration, pressure, or that characteristic drilling sound, the laser energy specifically targets and vaporises decayed tissue – leaving healthy enamel intact. In the case of small to medium cavities, laser cavity treatment is highly recommended as patients require little to no anaesthetic. The laser treatment further reduces bleeding and discomfort.
Gum reshaping and periodontal treatment
Laser gum reshaping addresses two common gum aesthetic issues that affect many patients: Excessive or uneven gum tissue. While traditional gum recontouring involves cutting tissue with scalpels and requires sutures, laser treatment does the job more efficiently in a less invasive manner. Vaporising excess tissue with precision, the dental laser is able to seal blood vessels immediately to minimise bleeding – eliminating the need for sutures. The results are immediate and healing is faster. Patients typically experience less swelling and discomfort as compared with traditional surgery. Another important benefit is that the laser-treated tissue heals cleanly, which greatly reduces the risk of infection.
Dental lasers also provide a less invasive approach to treating gum disease. As an alternative to traditional scaling and root planing, lasers can remove infected tissue from periodontal pockets, kill bacteria, and promote tissue regeneration.
Tongue tie and lip tie release
Medically known as ankyloglossia, tongue tie is a condition that typically affects children. It occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short or tight, restricting tongue movement. Ankyloglossia can affect the child’s ability to breastfeed properly and even impact their speech development.
Laser tongue tie release offers a quick and minimally invasive procedure that frees the restricted tissue. By precisely releasing the tight band of tissue in seconds, the laser is able to immediately seal the blood vessels, resulting in minimal bleeding. Laser dentistry eliminates the need for sutures, and promotes rapid healing. The benefits of quick recovery and minimal discomfort make laser treatment ideal for this delicate procedure.
Laser teeth whitening
Laser-assisted teeth whitening delivers dramatic results due to its ability to accelerate the bleaching process. The laser heat speeds up the chemical reaction, rapidly breaking down stains and allowing the whitening agent to penetrate deeper. The laser treatment is known to achieve whitening results that are several shades lighter than traditional whitening within an one hour-long session. As compared to other professional whitening methods, the precise and controlled nature of laser-assisted whitening often means more even whitening and less sensitivity.
Additional laser dentistry applications:
- Cold sore treatment
- Biopsy procedures (to remove small tissue samples for testing)
- Treating canker sores
- Reshape gum and bone tissue (to enhance smile aesthetics).
Modern laser dentistry allows us to provide care that’s not only more effective but also more pleasant for our patients.
Interested in experiencing the benefits of laser dentistry? Contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Laser dentistry is extremely safe when performed by trained dental professionals. Dental lasers have been used for decades and are approved for numerous procedures.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, our dentists are extensively trained in laser techniques and follows strict safety protocols. Our dental team uses and provides protective eyewear during treatment. The precision of lasers is what makes laser dental treatments safer than traditional methods. Laser dentistry reduces trauma to surrounding tissues and minimises infection risk through sterilisation of the treatment area.
No. In fact, most patients find laser treatments more comfortable than traditional methods. This can be attributed to the fact that laser seals nerve endings as it works, which significantly reduces pain signals. Many laser procedures also require little to no anaesthetic. Improved patient comfort is most evident with laser-assisted soft tissue procedures, where patients experience less post-operative pain. This is because the laser cauterises as it cuts, greatly reducing inflammation and promoting faster healing. Patients consistently report being surprised by how comfortable the laser procedures are.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we offer comprehensive laser dentistry services including: Cavity treatment and preparation; gum reshaping and recontouring; tongue tie and lip tie release (for infants and children); periodontal disease treatment; laser-assisted teeth whitening; biopsy procedures; cold sore and canker sore treatment; crown lengthening; and frenectomy procedures. Through our investments in advanced laser technology, we provide the above treatments with superior comfort and results.
Patient typically recover much faster from laser procedures as compared with those using a more traditional approach. For example, healing from soft tissue procedures like gum reshaping or tongue tie release, often take a few days to a week. Patients experience minimal swelling and discomfort. Recovery from laser-assisted cavity treatment is almost immediate. Patients can usually eat and drink as soon as the numbness wears off.
While laser procedures may incur higher initial costs due to the advanced technology, they often prove to be more cost-effective in the long run.
As compared to traditional treatments, laser treatments offers a conventional approach that promotes faster healing; allows fewer follow-up visits; preserves tooth structure; and potentially prevents more extensive work later. laser treatment also reduces the need for anaesthetic and lowers costs required for sutures.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we provide transparent pricing and offer flexible payment plans through AfterPay and Ezi-Pay. Coupled with the benefits of laser treatment, we offer excellent value to all our patients.
Many laser procedures require little to no anaesthetic. In the case of laser-assisted cavity treatment involving small to medium cavities, often no numbing is necessary. For larger cavities or procedures near the nerve, we may still recommend local anaesthetic for your optimal comfort. Our Canberra dentist will discuss anaesthetic options based on your specific procedure and personal comfort preferences.