What Laser Dentistry Can Improve

Since 1994, lasers have been used in the field of dentistry to treat a number of dental problems. These lasers are not similar to the ones used in phototherapy for the relief of headaches, inflammation and pain. Laser dentistry can be a precise and effective way to perform a number of dental procedures. Here are some of the oral conditions that can be improved with the help of a laser:

 

Tooth Decay

Cavities, referred to as tooth decay, which occurs when certain types of bacteria produce acid that destroys the tooth’s enamel. Lasers are used to remove tooth decay as well as prepare the surrounding enamel to receive the filling.

 

Lesion Removal

Small lesions can be in the form of; canker sores, cold sores or mouth ulcers, and they usually develop in the mouth or at the base of the gums. They can make drinking, eating and talking uncomfortable. Lasers are also used to remove lesions in the mouth to relieve the pain of canker sores. Lasers can also be used to remove a small piece of tissue (biopsy) so that it can be examined further too if necessary.

Gum Disease

Our mouths are full of bacteria that can form a colourless, sticky ‘plaque’ on the teeth. Brushing and flossing do help get rid of plaque, but plaque that isn’t removed can harden and form ‘tartar’. When this worsens, you can develop gum disease. Lasers are also used to reshape gums and to remove bacteria during a root canal procedure.

 

Teeth Whitening

Our teeth, over the years, can get discolouration due to the foods and drinks we ingest. Tooth- whitening lightens the teeth and helps to remove stains and discolouration that cannot be removed by simply brushing the teeth. Lasers can also be used to speed up in-office teeth whitening procedures.

 

 

If you are somewhat of an anxious dental patient, the ease and comfort of the laser might just be what you are looking for. For Laser information, please consult Dr. Marvin Lean or a team member at Pickering Square Dental, as he has incorporated laser dentistry techniques into his practices and treatments over the years. For a complete list of conditions treated by laser dentistry, it is also best to set an appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean and his team for a more in-depth discussion on your dental concerns. 

Advancements in Dental Technology

Dentistry has always had its eye on technology for any edge in forwarding care for teeth and gums.  Even older inventions like braces, crowns, and false teeth have seen continual updating in materials, techniques and design resulting in the more effective and elegant versions we have today.  Within the last couple of decades however significant advancements have occurred that have continued the forward march of dental health.

Lasers

The word ‘laser’ always feels vaguely futuristic for people of a certain age but the technology is well-proven at this point.  Dental laser treatment is used in a number of ways, from the removal of inflamed gum tissues to easy preparation of cavities for filling.  Laser dentistry has little pain or to no pain, virtually no bleeding, and dramatically less swelling than previous methods.   

Implants

Implants can now be used to fully replace a tooth in a way that allows it to fit naturally and with as much strength as a natural tooth.  Using a titanium implant in the jaw a tooth will be anchored to it.  Once inserted an implant is cleaned exactly the same way your regular teeth are.  You can think of it as a bionic tooth!

CEREC

The latest breakthrough takes a wide range of new technology and puts it to work for your teeth.  Older full and partial crowns would require measurement and custom creation by an outside facility – but CEREC (CEramic REConstruction) allows the entire process to be completed in the dentist’s office in a single sitting.  A high tech 3D scanner is used to get to capture three dimensional views of the affected area – this is then transferred to a computer that creates an appropriate model of the necessary crown.   Using the latest in 3D printing equipment the installation is built from ceramic on-the spot, enabling a perfectly fitting crown in less than sixty minutes.  From days to less than an hour – technology has come a long way indeed.

Dental technology moves ever forward and Pickering Square Dental continues to keep up with the advances in dentistry.  If you need to have these advancements put to work on your teeth, including CEREC, contact us today.

  

Problems Laser Dentistry Can Help You Solve

For people born before a certain time, lasers always seem like something vaguely futuristic, but using lasers in something as useful and important as dental surgery has actually been approved for twenty-five years.  Lasers have been a revolutionary tool in the progression of minimally invasive surgery, assisting medical professionals in a variety of disciplines to help their patients with less pain and faster recovery time than traditional surgical methods.

By emitting a highly concentrated beam of light energy, lasers often do the work previously reserved for scalpels or other cutting implements, as well as perform procedures unique to laser technology.  In dentistry, lasers can assist in a variety of issues mostly dealing with soft tissue.  Laser use is ideal for periodontal disease, removing inflamed tissue, and reducing bacteria in gum pockets

Laser dentistry is very accurate, ensuring less accidental damage to surrounding tissue, and provide quicker recovery time.  Pain is far less than with traditional methods, and because lasers sterilize the area affected, they also reduce the chance of infection significantly.

If you have gum disease that requires surgery, then the minimally invasive techniques offered by laser dentistry may be your best bet.  If you think laser dentistry might be right for you, or you want to get any other dental issue assessed or treated, contact our team at Pickering Square Dental today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Benefits of Laser Technology for Gum Disease and Infection Treatments

Laser technology is quickly being adopted as a means to provide a more comfortable and faster healing experience.  But for many patients, the benefits of the procedures are largely misunderstood. Having a full understanding on the processes involved in treatment and how treatment with laser technology can benefit them in the long-term, can ensure patients select their ideal treatment option. This blog will help clear some of the confusion and explain the many treatment advantages of using lasers in resolving gum disease and infections.

Lasers Help Limit Bleeding

In many cases of gingivitis patients may notice severe bleeding from the gums and go on to have bone loss. It is extremely important to remove bacteria from the teeth and the gingival pockets (gums) around the teeth.  Lasers are now being added to traditional treatments because they have the advantage of not only removing bacteria but in fact, it killing them.  This will help in reducing the amount of bleeding and swelling and may alleviate further comprehensive treatment such as gum surgery. 

Laser Treatments Can be Optimized

Another leading benefit of laser treatments is they can be optimized for the patient. Different wavelengths and power levels can be used to treat varying levels of periodontal disease. This provides the Dentist with the ultimate control over the procedure and ensures the patient has a treatment that has been uniquely designed for their long-term requirements. This greater level of control also empowers the Dentist in crafting a treatment plan for the patient that may vary in intensity over many months. This can help ensure effective treatment while mitigating discomfort in the process.

Lasers Help Preserve Health Teeth during Cavity Removal

Due to the precise nature of laser treatments, specialists can now use the technology to preserve healthy parts of teeth during the cavity removal process. For those with particularly severe bacterial infections, saving parts of healthy teeth during the cavity treatment process can help ensure stronger outcomes in the long-term.

Lasers treatment systems are changing the way that many common dental procedures are completed. To speak with one of our specialists about the many advantages these systems can offer.