When you think about having a cavity treated, what comes to mind? For many people, it is the sound of the drill. With laser dentistry, however, the process works a bit differently.
With traditional dentistry, getting a cavity fixed starts with having your mouth numbed. After desensitizing the affected tooth and surrounding area with an injection, the dentist rids the tooth of decay using a drill. These two steps — the shot and the drill — are the parts of the procedure that adult patients tend to dread and children tend to fear.
If you opt for laser treatment, however, you are often able to forego both steps. Your dentist may not need to numb your tooth before using a laser to remove the decay from the cavity. For children and those who have anxiety about going to the dentist, knowing they may not need the shot can greatly reduce pre-procedure stress.
During your appointment, the dentist will use a high-powered laser to target the cavity with precision. The invisible beam of light causes less pain than the drill and allows your dentist to avoid removing more of the healthy tooth than necessary.
Some lasers even use water in addition to light. This keeps the area hydrated and clean. The laser also sanitizes as it removes decay.
Once your filling is placed and you go home, you will continue to enjoy the benefits. With non-laser cavity treatment, your mouth is typically still numb — and your face puffy — for a little while as you recover. This can make eating and drinking a challenge, particularly for children who may inadvertently bite their tongue, lips, or cheeks due to the lack of feeling.
With laser dentistry, you avoid the uncomfortable numbness and puffiness during your recovery. After a morning appointment, children are usually able to return to school to finish the day and can eat lunch without discomfort or pain. (Be sure to follow your dentist's instructions about what to avoid in the 24 hours after a cavity filling.)
If you can have laser treatment for your cavity or other dental problems, it is a great choice. However, there are some limitations to keep in mind.
Firstly, your dentist cannot use a laser on teeth that already have metal amalgam fillings. You will also need more traditional methods if your cavity is between teeth or large enough to require a crown.
Sometimes, you will still need to have a numbing shot before laser treatment, though this is less likely with cavity repair than with more extensive dental work.
Not all dental offices offer laser treatment as an option. It is becoming more common, in part because the American Dental Association has expressed optimism about laser technology.
Laser dentistry is a good option for many dental procedures involving soft or hard tissue, including cavity treatment. It is approved by the Federal Drug Administration and is generally considered safe and effective.
Request an appointment here: https://drdelucia.com or call Anthony DeLucia D.D.S., P.A. at (772) 492-7045 for an appointment in our Stuart office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Laser Dentistry in Stuart, FL.
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