Laser Dentistry
Laser Dentistry in Boise, ID
Scott E. Hayhurst Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is a local, family-friendly dental office that uses modern, advanced technology and treatments to improve patient comfort, health, and long-term care. When possible, we use laser dentistry as an alternative to traditional dental tools like drills and scalpels. Dental lasers are quieter, more comfortable, and more precise, and can often help you avoid the need for local anesthesia during your procedure. Call now to learn more about the treatments we can perform with laser dentistry in Boise, ID.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is a highly advanced approach to treating complex dental conditions. We use a dental laser to provide precise, gentle, and fast-healing surgical procedures on teeth, gums, and soft tissues in the mouth. The laser delivers safe levels of concentrated energy to repair and remove damaged, injured, infected tissue as well as plaque and tartar, decay, and other issues. Some of the laser dentistry treatments we offer include:
- Dental cavity treatment
- Tooth decay treatment
- Dental infection treatment
- Gum disease therapy
- Gum reshaping
- Sensitive teeth treatment
Advantages of Laser Dentistry
Lasers can take the place of drills and scalpels, making the treatment process faster, gentler, less scary, and more precise. The laser process also encourages quick healing with less bleeding and may eliminate the need for stitches and reduce the risk of infection. Some of the biggest benefits of laser dentistry are:
- Enhanced comfort – Procedures are virtually painless with no noise or stress
- Faster healing times – Lasers minimize tissue damage, seal incisions immediately, and promote tissue regeneration
- Minimal risk of infection or other complications – The high-energy laser light sterilizes as it works
- Greater precision – We can target decay, disease, infection, and damage incredibly accurately
Laser Dentistry for Gum Disease
We often recommend laser dentistry for treating gum disease. It is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional scaling and root planing or gum disease surgery.
We can use laser energy to precisely target and remove infected tissues, kill bacteria in gum pockets, and jump start the healing and regeneration of injured or damaged gum tissue and bone. This can reduce the risk of further infection, encourage tissue to adhere to teeth, and slow or stop gum recession.
The process is gentle and comfortable, highly precise, and offers a faster recovery with minimal risk of infection.
Laser Dentistry vs Traditional Dental Treatments
Laser dentistry is performed using focused light energy from a dental laser device, rather than the scalpels and drills used in traditional dental treatments. The procedure is gentle, minimally-invasive, painless, and safe with almost no risk of infection. Traditional treatment may require incisions, sutures, and local or general anesthesia, and may carry a risk of infection. Laser dentistry causes minimal bleeding, while traditional treatment or oral surgery may cause moderate to significant bleeding. Laser dentistry promotes healing and regeneration and has a very short recovery time, while traditional treatments or oral surgery may require a longer recovery.
What to Expect During Laser Dental Treatment
Our dental treatments are designed to be gentle, comfortable, and stress-free. We will tailor treatment to each patient’s age, oral health, diagnosis, and needs. This is what you can expect when you come in for a laser dental treatment:
- Preparation – We’ll tell you exactly what to expect and answer any questions you have. We may use dental sedation if needed. You and Dr. Hayhurst will wear protective eye gear to shield you from the laser light.
- Procedure – During the procedure, Dr. Hayhurst will use the dental laser to precisely target treatment areas, which may include removing damaged, decayed, or infected tissue or material. As he works, the laser will sterilize the area and cauterize injury or incisions.
- Aftercare and Recovery – After treatment, you may experience mild swelling and some tenderness and sensitivity. However, you can typically resume your normal routine. We will give you personalized aftercare instructions and schedule your next visit.
Laser Dentistry vs Traditional Dental Treatments
Laser dentistry is performed using focused light energy from a dental laser device, rather than the scalpels and drills used in traditional dental treatments. The procedure is gentle, minimally-invasive, painless, and safe with almost no risk of infection. Traditional treatment may require incisions, sutures, and local or general anesthesia, and may carry a risk of infection. Laser dentistry causes minimal bleeding, while traditional treatment or oral surgery may cause moderate to significant bleeding. Laser dentistry promotes healing and regeneration and has a very short recovery time, while traditional treatments or oral surgery may require a longer recovery.
Call Now to Schedule Laser Dentistry Services
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, receding gums, a gummy smile, or tooth decay, you may be a good candidate for laser dentistry.
Call Scott E. Hayhurst Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today, or reach out to us online to schedule an appointment. We’ll perform a dental exam and help you decide if laser dentistry is the ideal treatment method for your specific condition.
Answers to FAQs About Laser and General Dentistry
Yes, laser dentistry is a safe, minimally-invasive, low-risk, FDA-approved non-surgical dental treatment. Additionally, our team follows strict safety protocols and standards.
Your dental insurance may cover medically necessary laser dentistry treatments like tooth decay treatment, cavity fillings, and periodontal therapy. It may not cover cosmetic laser dentistry procedures like gum contouring.
No, the process is not painful. You may feel a cooling sensation from the water spray used during treatment, or a slight warmth from the heat of the laser light.
The length of your treatment will depend on the procedure being performed and its complexity.