Both dentists and patients are beginning to see the benefits of laser technology in the world of dentistry.

Lasers have actually been around for a while, as far back as 1994. Since then, research has been performed on their efficacy and safety for use in dentistry.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a variety of both hard and soft tissue lasers for use in the dental treatment of both adults and children.

Why Are They So Popular Today?

The use of lasers have become popular for a variety of reasons:

• Aid in speeding up certain procedures including teeth whitening.
• Less invasive than cutting tissue.
• Ability to immediately destroy bacteria on the spot.
• Very precise in comparison to traditional scalpel tools.
• Seal off tissues during procedures resulting in minimal blood loss.
• Low chance of infection arising.
• Reduced recovery times
• Generally no postoperative pains.
• Considered minimally invasive.
• No noise associated with the treatment allowing for a more relaxed environment.
What Dental Treatments Are Lasers Used For?

Now that we’ve seen the handful of benefits that lasers provide, you should be familiar with the types of treatments that you may find the use of lasers in. At our Hollywood Dentist’s office – for example – Dr. Sally uses lasers for a variety of different treatments.

Highly Effective Cold Sore and Canker Sore Treatment

Lasers are used to treat cold sores and canker sores and the results are phenomenal. Cold Sores are considered viral infections and are herpes lesions. Lasers reduce the healing time of active sores.

• Patients report the area feels better after treatment.
• Treatment is NOT painful.
• Lasers can prevent a new lesion from fully erupting.
• Lasers are able to directly kill off the viral pathway at the sore site.
• The sore may not come back in the same area again.

Canker sores are painful allergic reactions. They can be a nagging pain that can last for 10 days. They make if difficult to eat and function. Lasers can reduce the pain and healing time of cancer sores.

For best results, call your dentist as soon as you feel the tingling. It’s best to do 2-3 days of continuous treatment and generally only takes 5 minutes each time.

Periodontal Therapy

Lasers also assist in the treatment of periodontal therapy, also known as gum disease. Laser assisted periodontal therapy is supplemental to traditional scaling and root planing. For patients with periodontal disease, use of lasers kill and reduce the bacteria in the pockets, reduce inflammation and remove disease tissue.

Assist With Oral Procedures

Lasers can be used to remove excess tissue, release a tight tongue, assist with implant uncovery and many other dental procedures. Healing time and pain are both reduced.

The Future of Laser Dentistry

Lasers will only continue to grow and become more advanced as dentists and researchers discover more effective uses of lasers to be applied in dental environments. It wouldn’t be surprising if in 10 years lasers became the new standard compared to traditional methods and instruments that generally cause anxiety in most people on first sight.