Laser Dentistry – Long Beach, NY
A Faster, More Comfortable Approach for Dental Procedures
Dental technology has come a long way, and dentists nowadays are turning to more advanced methods to improve a patient’s experience. Instead of relying on a traditional scalpel and sutures, the team at Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth is pleased to provide hard and soft tissue laser dentistry. The Waterlase dental laser makes it possible to complete treatments much quicker with greater precision and accuracy. Not to mention the increased comfort a patient feels throughout the procedure. To learn more about this up-and-coming technology, contact our office to schedule an appointment today.
What is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is an alternative way to perform various dental procedures using a hard or soft tissue laser. This advanced method of treatment has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is beneficial to patients who:
- Need harmful bacteria removed from a cavity in preparation for a dental filling
- Suffer from inflamed and infected soft tissues and require gum disease therapy
- Would prefer to see a more uniform and balanced gum line
At Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth, we use the Waterlase system that allows for the use of a hard or soft tissue laser depending on the type of treatment needed. Patients who undergo laser dentistry can expect a more enjoyable and comfortable experience with less bleeding and swelling and a faster recovery time.
As a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry, Dr. Glen is trained to use these dental lasers, offering patients greater precision and accuracy for long-lasting, life-changing results.
How Does a Hard Tissue Laser Work?
Hard tissue lasers are designed to “cut’ through harder tissues in the mouth (i.e., teeth). Not only are they used to remove decay from cavity-stricken teeth and roughen tooth enamel to ensure proper bonding for a filling, but they can aid in the preparation of a tooth that requires root canal therapy as well.
How Does a Soft Tissue Laser Work?
Soft tissue lasers are more commonly used in dental offices throughout the United States because of their ability to treat the soft tissues in the mouth (i.e., gums). From removing inflamed gum tissue as part of a patient’s periodontal therapy to creating a balanced aesthetic for an individual pursuing gum recontouring, these precision-based lasers use high-powered water, air, and energy to ensure comfortable, beautiful results.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is often a welcomed method of care for most patients, especially those who fear needles, pain, or extended trips to the dentists’ office. Known to be a safe and effective solution for individuals needing more invasive dental procedures, many great benefits come from laser dentistry, such as:
- Minimal bleeding because of the laser’s ability to cauterize the tissue and encourage blood clotting
- Reduced pain, as some procedures may not require anesthesia
- Quicker recovery time at home
- Increased precision that ensures healthy, adjacent teeth and tissues are unaffected
- Decreased chance of infection because of the laser’s ability to sterilize the hard or soft tissue