If the sound of a dental drill makes you feel uneasy, visiting a laser dentist can be a game-changer. Many patients find that vibrating drills and manual scalpels are their biggest obstacle to booking regular dental appointments. Fortunately, laser dentistry offers a more precise, gentle, and modern approach to protecting your smile.
Think of a dental laser as a precise, microscopic flashlight. Instead of using friction or pressure to treat tooth decay or gum disease, the laser uses concentrated light energy to gently remove damaged tissue. Since the light is highly targeted to a specific area, the laser dentist can work on a specific area of the smile without affecting the surrounding healthy areas. This level of control can bring the following benefits:
These benefits result from how laser light interacts with the body at the cellular level. By minimizing the trauma to the smile, the dentist can help a patient get back to their normal routine without the lingering soreness that usually follows dental treatments.
To treat a cavity, a dentist must remove the decay and prep the tooth for a dental filling or other restoration. In the past, a drill was the only way to do this. This approach can be uncomfortable without local anesthesia, and it often removes more of the healthy tooth structure than necessary.
A laser dentist offers a different approach to cavity treatments. The laser eliminates decay with pinpoint accuracy, leaving more of the natural, strong enamel intact. It also prepares the surface of the tooth on a microscopic level, which helps the filling, crown, or other restoration bond more securely. The result is a stronger treated tooth and a much more relaxed experience from start to finish.
Gum disease is common, but the thought of gum surgery can be intimidating. Traditional methods involve scalpels and sutures, which can lead to a long, uncomfortable recovery period. Fortunately, laser dentistry has transformed how dentists treat gum disease. Instead of cutting into the tissue, the laser dentist uses the beam of energy to gently remove infected tissue and kill harmful bacteria hidden deep in the pockets of the gums. There is no need for scalpels or sutures. Additionally, this process is precise enough that it rarely affects the surrounding healthy tissue.
Dental lasers are among the many tools our team uses to keep patients' smiles healthy. During a consultation, we can assess the size of the cavity or the stage of gum disease to determine whether the laser is the right path forward for you. We also consider patient preference to keep you comfortable throughout your treatment. Contact us at our Springfield office today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mountainstreamdental.com or call Mountain Stream Dental at (541) 359-3664 for an appointment in our Springfield office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Laser Dentist in Springfield, OR.
A general dentist knows that a healthy smile starts with good habits at home. Many people ask about the best way to floss to keep their teeth. While the task seems simple, using the proper technique ensures the mouth stays free of disease. Most individuals understand that a brush alone cannot reach every surface.Plaque forms…
Laser dentistry has been a popular method of dental care for the last several decades. Lasers are perceived as less painful and more effective than traditional dental treatment methods and can be used for a variety of procedures with a high degree of precision.With the use of lasers for dental procedures, patients experience less pain,…
Walking into a new dental office for the first time is the most important step you can take toward protecting your long-term oral health and confidence. However, many people feel a bit of nervous energy before a first-time appointment. This is particularly common if they have not had a dental checkup in several years. Knowing…
Looking for information on general dentistry preventive care? Many people think that routine appointments with a dentist are just for cleanings and examinations, however, that is far from the truth. These routine appointments can also be used for preventive care. Preventive care helps to keep the patient's teeth and gums in good oral health, by…
Dental fillings protect teeth affected by cavities or minor damage, but they do not last forever. Over time, normal chewing forces, temperature changes, and everyday wear can affect even well-placed restorations. Visiting a general dentist can help identify the early signs of a failing filling, allowing treatment before a small problem develops into a larger…
Clear aligners are growing to be a popular teeth-straightening treatment option. They offer benefits that other teeth straightening treatments do not. However, as with all teeth-straightening options comes the question of how long the process will actually take. Individuals who are considering their options often use the timeline of treatment as a deciding factor, and…