Dental lasers are valuable dental tools we use to gently cut or contour the soft tissues of the mouth. Lasers use light and heat to offer minimally invasive care. We offer laser dentistry at Broadway Dental in Galveston, TX, to help patients maintain their oral health and the comfort of their smiles. Our office also uses dental lasers to provide restorative and general dental services to patients in Galveston.
Laser Dentistry Treatments in Galveston, TX
We can use a dental laser to perform these treatments:
Crown Lengthening
It is no secret that dentists commit themselves to saving teeth. This is why we fill a cavity instead of pulling the tooth. Cavities can decay to teeth where restoration is virtually impossible without crown lengthening. Crown lengthening is a routine surgical procedure that remodels the contour of the gum line.
The procedure does not lengthen the crown but rather lowers the gum line. This is the only option when tooth structure is insufficient to affix a crown. Sometimes, a tooth has been broken below the gum line. In this instance, crown lengthening successfully exposes more of the tooth so that the dentist has something to work with.
Frenectomy
A frenulum is a piece of tissue that prevents an organ from moving. This tissue attaches your upper lip to the gums, while another connects the lower lip to the gums. A too short or thick frenulum will cause problems in speech patterns and tooth misalignment.
In infants, a shortened frenulum underneath the tongue will inhibit breastfeeding. Corrective action is necessary to resolve the situation when the frenulum disrupts movement, growth, or development.
A frenectomy is a minor surgical procedure a dentist performs in your dentist’s office. The dentist can perform with either a scalpel or laser, and it takes less than 15 minutes. Using a laser causes very little bleeding and does not require stitches. A laser also results in less postoperative discomfort and a shorter healing time.
We usually put young children and infants under general anesthesia for the procedure. Dentists also perform the procedure on adults using local anesthesia. If your child needs a frenectomy, there is nothing to worry about. The procedure is very successful and causes minimal discomfort.
Soft Tissue Graft
An oral surgeon uses a soft tissue graft when a significant amount of gum recession exists in a particular area. Moreover, you can fix slight gum recession with a few changes to your oral hygiene routine to take better care of your teeth and gums.
When the gingiva recedes further, it exposes you to a greater risk of infection and bacterial penetration. You will likely be more sensitive to hot and cold foods when you have receding gums.
If the gums recede enough to expose the root, you can set yourself up for more serious problems. The root is softer than the enamel making it more vulnerable to bacteria and plaque.
We can perform a soft tissue graft to restore proper gum level and functionality. Our dentists can do this by either removing soft tissue from the roof of the mouth or repositioning healthy gum tissue from adjacent teeth. This procedure is very predictable and has a high success rate. A dentist should perform this procedure before more serious problems develop and periodontal surgery is necessary.
Laser Dentistry FAQs
Laser dentistry is a revolutionary modern dental technique. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Is laser dentistry safe?
Yes, laser dentistry is safe when performed by a trained dental professional. Protective eyewear is used during the procedure to shield patients from laser light. The precision of lasers reduces the risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
Does laser dentistry hurt?
Laser dentistry is generally less painful than traditional methods. Many procedures can be completed without anesthesia, as lasers cause minimal discomfort. Patients often report feeling only mild pressure or warmth during treatment.
How long do laser dentistry procedures take?
Laser procedures are typically faster than traditional methods because they often eliminate the need for anesthesia and reduce the number of required appointments. The exact time depends on the complexity of the procedure.
What is the recovery time after laser dental treatment?
Recovery time is generally faster with laser dentistry than with traditional methods. Soft tissue procedures, for example, often involve minimal swelling or discomfort, allowing patients to return to normal activities quickly. Proper aftercare ensures optimal healing.
Does laser dentistry reduce dental anxiety?
Yes, many patients with dental anxiety prefer laser dentistry because it eliminates the need for noisy drills and reduces discomfort. The precision and gentler approach make procedures more pleasant for anxious individuals.
How does laser dentistry treat gum disease?
Lasers remove infected tissue and bacteria from gum pockets without cutting the gums. This promotes faster healing and encourages the reattachment of healthy gum tissue to the teeth. The precision of lasers helps preserve healthy tissues.
Receive Comfortable Care
Call Broadway Dental for modern dental treatment at 409-235-0789. You can also request a dental appointment with us online.