What Is Laser Dentistry and Why You Might Consider This Option

dental clinic

Laser dentistry is a relatively new field, but it’s an increasingly popular approach to dental treatment because it can be extremely effective for certain conditions. So if you’ve heard about this alternative to traditional dentistry but are wondering what exactly is laser dentistry and how it works compared to regular treatments? Keep reading!

What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry is an advanced procedure that uses lasers to perform various dental procedures. It is mostly used for gum surgery but can also be used for other procedures, such as whitening and cavity fillings. In general, laser dentistry is considered a more advanced form of treatment because it uses lasers to perform certain procedures that were previously only possible with manual instruments.

Lasers are very precise and can target specific areas in the mouth. This means less tissue needs to be removed when performing procedures, resulting in less pain, bleeding, and swelling. Lasers can also help reduce the amount of time needed for treatments and the amount of anesthesia needed.

What Treatments Can Laser Dentistry Do?

There are several different types of treatments that you can get with laser dentistry aside from the ones stated above. These are the following:

  • Teeth Whitening and Enamel Reshaping: A laser can be used to remove stains from the surface of your teeth or to reshape your enamel (the white part of your tooth). The procedure is quick, painless, and can achieve fantastic results.
  • Treats Tooth Sensitivity: A lack of enamel can cause sensitivity, which can be painful when eating hot or cold foods and drinks or when exposed to temperature changes. Lasers can treat this problem by strengthening tooth enamel and preventing it from becoming overly worn daily.
  • Diagnostic and Treatment Aids: Lasers can help diagnose problems with your teeth or gums. They can also treat certain issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay.
  • Infection Control and Sterilization: Lasers are effective at killing bacteria in the mouth, which helps prevent infection while you’re undergoing a dental procedure.

Why You Might Consider This Option

There are many reasons why you might consider laser dentistry for your next visit to the dentist:

1) Less Pain: Laser dentistry can help reduce pain if used for gum disease treatment. Other treatments, such as cleaning or cavity repair, may still cause discomfort but are much less painful than traditional methods.

2) Reduced Swelling: Swelling after treatment is common with traditional dental procedures but doesn’t happen as often with laser dentistry procedures. This means you’ll be able to go back to your daily life faster after a visit than if you had chosen traditional treatment methods.

3) Faster Healing Time: Traditional methods usually take longer for the tissues surrounding your teeth and gums to heal. Laser treatments tend to be faster, and you can return to your normal routine sooner.

Conclusion

Laser dentistry is helpful for many patients who are looking to improve their smile. Lasers can be used in place of traditional dental instruments, which means that some procedures can be completed more quickly and without causing additional discomfort. For those who don’t have access to this type of technology, it may be worth looking into getting a consultation with a dentist using lasers.

Seek the best dentists in Pickering to determine if laser dentistry is right for you. Our dentists are always happy to answer any questions about the process and will help you decide whether it’s right for your needs. We invite you to contact us today!

Setting Your Expectations for Your Upcoming Tooth Extraction

dentist looking at records

If you need a tooth pulled and it will be your first time, you’re undoubtedly feeling some apprehension. We want to give you a good sense of what you can expect from the treatment so that when the “big day” arrives, you will be as calm and collected as a cucumber. This will make you feel more at ease with the process.  Here, you’ll find out the steps involved in extracting a tooth.

So, What Should I Anticipate From the Extraction Procedure?

The extraction process is rather simple and can be completed in a short amount of time. You will be administered a local anesthetic to numb your mouth before beginning the operation. This will ensure that you do not feel any pain while the surgery is being performed. General anesthesia may be used to put you to sleep if your tooth is impacted or if multiple teeth are extracted at once.

After administering anesthesia, the offending tooth may then be extracted. A gauze will be placed in the empty socket, and you will be instructed to bite down on it to halt the bleeding; alternatively, stitches may be used to close the gum.

You’ll be free to go home after the extraction, and the bleeding has been stopped.

For How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Typically Last?

If only one tooth needs to be pulled, the procedure can be finished in 20-40 minutes. However, your appointment time will be extended if you need several teeth pulled at once. Depending on the position of the new teeth, your appointment time will increase by 3-15 minutes for each additional tooth.

Does the Extraction Hurt?

No. You won’t feel any pain because the nerve fibres that are responsible for transmitting pain signals will have been anesthetized. Yet, a feeling of pressure will be prevalent. A great deal of pressure could also build up at inopportune moments.

While this pressure shouldn’t be too much to bear, we bring it up so that you have realistic expectations going into the process.

What Else Should I Know Before Getting an Extraction Done?

Yes, you should expect to hear loud noises during the process. This is the most uncomfortable step of the procedure for many individuals. Don’t forget to bring your headphones if you want to listen to music during the tooth extraction process.

To aid in a speedy recovery and prevent infection, you should also plan on following the extraction aftercare guidelines from your dentist.

How Do I Get an Urgent Extraction, When Necessary?

If you are in pain and need urgent dental work, a fully-prepared dental institution is the best place to go. However, since ordinary hospitals lack the necessary resources to perform dental procedures, they typically only provide patients with pain medication and send them back to their dentist.

If you are experiencing pain that is severe, persistent, or won’t go away, you should consider seeking out an urgent extraction. Urgent extractions are a type of dental procedure that can be performed quickly and easily. They are typically used when a dental problem is causing significant pain and preventing the patient from being able to eat or sleep.

There are a few things you should know before you seek out an urgent extraction. First, your dentist should be contacted and asked to send a referral letter. This letter will confirm that the patient is in need of an urgent extraction and will help the hospital staff locate the appropriate resources.

Next, you should make a list of the dental problems that you are experiencing. This list will help the staff identify the dental problems that you are experiencing and determine which procedures will be necessary.

Finally, you should arrive at the recommended dental institution where your intended dentist would be given the needed information. This information can include your medical history, the type of dental problems you are experiencing, and the medications you are taking.

Conclusion

Indeed, it is important to have realistic expectations for your upcoming tooth extraction. The procedure itself is relatively straightforward, but there will be some slight discomfort and pressure during the process. Recovery times vary from person to person, but you can expect to feel back to normal within a week or two. If you have any concerns, be sure to discuss them with your dentist beforehand.

If you are looking to undergo dental extraction in Pickering, look no further than our services here at Pickering Dental Services. Our Pickering dentists know how to provide the best in preventative dental care so you and your family can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. Call us today to book your first dental appointment with us.