At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center in Queen Creek, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of dental innovation. One of the most significant advancements in modern dentistry is the integration of laser technology, offering our patients a higher standard of care with greater precision, comfort, and efficiency. Laser dentistry represents the future of dental treatments, providing a minimally invasive option for a wide range of procedures. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancements, periodontal care, or general dental maintenance, laser dentistry at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center ensures that your experience is as smooth and effective as possible.
What is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry involves the use of focused light beams to perform dental procedures with enhanced precision. The word "laser" stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation," which essentially means that the laser emits concentrated energy in the form of light. This technology allows dentists to target specific areas of the mouth with remarkable accuracy, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and reducing the need for traditional dental tools like drills and scalpels.
Lasers can be used for both hard tissue (teeth) and soft tissue (gums) treatments, making them incredibly versatile. From cavity preparation and teeth whitening to gum reshaping and treating oral infections, laser dentistry is a versatile tool that can address a wide range of dental issues.
More About Laser Dentistry and how it is used in modern dental care
Lasers in dentistry have been used for several years now. We use lasers for various reasons. One of the things lasers do is they are great at killing bacteria. Bacteria is a big problem we have in our mouth and causes a lot of issues. So, it kills bacteria. Another thing it does is it actually helps promote healing. It stimulates something called angiogenesis, where more blood vessels form and are able to come into that area, bringing all the nutrients and cells that help fight off infections and create new healthy tissue. Lasers really do a lot. We're going to delve into that a little more today.
How does laser treatment work for gum disease?
When it comes to gum disease, one of the big things we're fighting against is the bacteria in our mouth. The bacteria cause the gums to be inflamed, red, and puffy, eventually spreading into the surrounding bone around the teeth, which is a problem because it causes the bone to recede. Lasers can help us by reducing the amount of harmful bacteria causing these problems. They also help the body stimulate its own processes to fight off infections and promote wound healing. Lasers do great things when used with other therapies, like using scrapers to remove plaque and tartar around your teeth. It's a great adjunct to the procedures we usually do for teeth cleanings.
What is the difference between laser gum treatment and traditional deep cleaning?
In the traditional deep cleaning, when a person has gum disease called periodontitis, where the bacteria have infected not only the gums but also the bone surrounding the teeth, causing the bone to wear away, lasers can be very helpful to the normal routine we do, called scaling root planing or deep cleaning.
In this procedure, we get the patient numb and use ultrasonic scalers, which vibrate, along with the traditional scrapers we're all aware of, to scrape tartar off the teeth and get underneath the gums along the root surface where tartar or calculus has built up. That's basically the home of the bacteria. They reside in that tartar and love it there, so we have to break up their home and get rid of it. Then, a laser can come back and do two things: eliminate that bacteria and stimulate the body's own processes to heal those gums. We find that healing goes much better when we use lasers in conjunction with deep cleaning.
Can you explain what laser gum surgery involves?
We use lasers for many different things, including surgery. Sometimes people have gums that are just big and puffy for reasons other than gum disease. It could be that some people are just made that way and have more gums. Certain medications, especially for people who have had organ transplants, can cause gums to proliferate and get bigger. If you've had braces before, or if your child has had braces, you know that the gums can get big and puffy around braces. After braces are removed, that's another time when people have big puffy gums. In those cases, we can use lasers to recontour the gums back to normal. It's much less painful, and it doesn't bleed as much as if you were to do it with a scalpel. A laser does a great job of eliminating excess gingiva in these cases.
What are the pros and cons of using laser therapy for gum disease?
When discussing the pros and cons of using lasers, it's mostly all pros. There aren't really many cons. Lasers do a great job of helping to decrease harmful bacteria causing gum disease. They also help your body's own mechanisms to promote healing, eliminate bacteria, and create new blood vessels that bring the nutrients needed for your gums to heal. It's really all a big pro when using lasers in conjunction with traditional gum therapy.
How is laser treatment used for teeth whitening? And is it more effective than other methods?
Lasers can be used to help whiten teeth. I recommend using them in conjunction with traditional teeth whitening methods. Traditionally, we'll use tooth bleach to help whiten teeth. There's the kind we do in-office over a couple of hours, but I really like the kind you can take home, where you use trays and put gel in them for about half an hour a day. That way, you can control how much whitening you want to do. Lasers can also help eliminate some of the stains in teeth. When used with traditional whitening methods, you can achieve a great result.
Is laser gum contouring or gum removal a common cosmetic procedure?
Laser gum contouring is definitely common in dentistry. It's common for people to get overgrown gums, especially if they're on anti-rejection medications after a heart, liver, or kidney transplant, as these medications can cause gums to overgrow. Braces can also cause gums to get big and swollen. In these cases, laser recontouring is a great option. It's less painful and doesn't bleed as much as using a traditional scalpel. Absolutely, when you have overgrown gums for these reasons, it's a great time to use a laser.
What does laser dental cleaning involve, and who is a good candidate?
Using a laser during dental cleaning is a great option, especially for people with more inflamed gums that bleed when brushing or flossing. Bleeding is a sign of an active infection. Using a laser with traditional cleaning helps reduce inflammation, increase the body's ability to heal itself, and decrease the bacterial load causing gingivitis. Using a laser during regular cleanings is beneficial.
Are there benefits to choosing laser dentistry over traditional tools for certain procedures?
There are definitely advantages to using lasers over traditional tools in dentistry. Lasers help decrease bacteria, help the body use its own mechanisms to promote wound healing, and decrease bleeding. If a procedure stimulates bleeding, lasers do a great job of minimizing it. We love using lasers in dentistry because they offer many benefits.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry offers numerous benefits that make it an attractive option for patients seeking dental care in Queen Creek:
- Minimized Discomfort: Lasers can significantly reduce discomfort during and after dental procedures. Because the laser is so precise, it often eliminates the need for traditional drills and reduces the need for anesthesia.
- Faster Healing: Laser treatments are minimally invasive, which means they cause less trauma to the tissues. As a result, patients often experience faster healing times compared to traditional methods.
- Reduced Bleeding and Swelling: Laser energy seals blood vessels and nerve endings as it works, leading to less bleeding and swelling during and after procedures. This is particularly beneficial for gum treatments.
- Lower Risk of Infection: The high-energy light beam used in laser dentistry sterilizes the area being treated, reducing the risk of bacterial infections.
- Precision and Accuracy: Lasers allow for highly precise removal of diseased tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact. This precision is especially useful in cosmetic procedures like gum recontouring.
- Less Anxiety for Patients: Many patients who experience dental anxiety find laser dentistry to be less intimidating. The absence of the drill’s noise and vibration can make the experience more comfortable and less stressful.
How do you determine if a patient is a good candidate for laser dentistry?
We look at each individual patient to determine if they're a good candidate by assessing how inflamed their gums are and if they bleed when gently probed. We also check for overgrown areas. We love incorporating lasers into routine and deep cleanings for gum disease because they help promote healing, decrease bacteria, and support the body's defense systems.
Laser Dentistry Services at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center
At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, we offer a comprehensive range of laser dentistry services to meet the diverse needs of our Queen Creek patients. Our experienced team is trained in the latest laser techniques, ensuring that you receive the highest quality care. Here are some of the laser treatments available at our practice:
1. Cavity Detection and Treatment
Using laser technology, we can detect cavities at their earliest stages, often before they are visible to the naked eye or detectable by traditional methods. Once a cavity is identified, the laser can be used to remove the decayed tissue with precision, allowing for a more conservative treatment approach.
2. Gum Disease Treatment
Laser therapy is an effective treatment for periodontal (gum) disease. The laser can be used to remove infected tissue and bacteria from the gum pockets, promoting the reattachment of the gums to the teeth. This minimally invasive procedure reduces the need for more extensive gum surgery and accelerates the healing process.
3. Gum Recontouring
For patients looking to improve the appearance of their smile, laser gum recontouring is an excellent option. The laser precisely reshapes the gum line, correcting a "gummy" smile or uneven gums. This procedure is quick, with minimal discomfort and a fast recovery time.
4. Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is one of the most effective ways to brighten your smile. The laser activates a special whitening gel applied to the teeth, speeding up the whitening process and delivering dramatic results in a single visit.
5. Treatment of Oral Lesions
Lasers can be used to remove benign oral lesions, such as canker sores or fibromas, with minimal discomfort. The laser cauterizes the tissue as it removes it, reducing the risk of bleeding and infection.
Why Choose Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center for Laser Dentistry?
Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center is committed to providing our Queen Creek patients with the highest standard of care. Our investment in laser technology is part of our dedication to offering cutting-edge treatments that enhance patient comfort and outcomes. Dr. Matheson and our team are highly trained in the use of dental lasers, ensuring that you receive safe and effective treatment.
We understand that each patient has unique needs, and we take the time to develop personalized treatment plans that align with your goals and preferences. Whether you're looking for a cosmetic enhancement or need treatment for a dental condition, our laser dentistry services offer a modern solution that prioritizes your comfort and well-being.
Conveniently Located in Queen Creek
Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center is proud to serve the Queen Creek community with exceptional dental care. Our practice is conveniently located, making it easy for patients from all over the area to access our services. If you're interested in learning more about how laser dentistry can benefit you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team. We're here to answer your questions and help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with the power of laser technology.