A dental laser makes comfortable dental treatment possible. Our office uses a soft tissue laser to aid in certain procedures. Laser dentistry in our Knoxville, TN, office is essential for painless treatment. This modern technology has many practical uses, including gingivectomy, treatment of cold sores, and desensitizing teeth. Lasers also aid in implant dentistry treatments and some periodontal procedures.
Two types of lasers in dentistry are hard and soft tissue lasers. Hard tissue lasers treat the tooth enamel, while soft tissue lasers treat the gums and other softer tissues of the mouth.
Laser Dentistry in Knoxville, TN, for Pain-free Procedures
Laser dentistry makes dental treatment more comfortable. Instead of using a scalpel like in traditional surgery, a dental laser uses a tiny, high-energy beam of light to gently remove soft tissue without touching it.
Dental lasers can treat both teeth and gums by using different types of light. At our office, we use lasers to make gum treatments easier and less painful. We also use lasers for LANAP®, a special treatment that helps heal infected gums and grow new healthy tissue.
One great benefit of laser treatment is that it’s clean and helps lower the chance of infection. It also causes less swelling and bleeding. The laser helps the blood clot quickly, so you won’t need a lot of gauze after your procedure.
Laser dentistry is also a fast and safe way to treat sensitive teeth. If cold or hot food bothers your teeth, the laser can help without needing numbing medicine. Most people feel 80% to 90% better after the treatment.
Healing time depends on your treatment and gum health. If your gums are healthy but have too much tissue, they may heal in a few days. If you have gum disease, healing might take a little longer.
It’s normal to have some swelling after laser treatment, especially if your gums were infected. But bleeding is usually very small. The laser seals the tissue, so you won’t need stitches.
Another big plus is that lasers are quiet. Dental drills can be loud and scary, but lasers make almost no sound and feel gentle.
Laser Dentistry Treatments
Our dental office in Knoxville uses laser technology for many types of treatments. One of the most advanced treatments we offer is LANAP®, which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure. This special treatment helps fight gum disease by removing harmful bacteria and encouraging the gums to heal naturally. LANAP is a gentle way to treat infected gums without cutting or stitches.
Lasers are also helpful for other types of dental procedures, especially when working with the gums. Here are some common ways we use dental lasers:
- Gingivectomy: This treatment removes unhealthy gum tissue caused by gum disease. Instead of using sharp tools, we use a soft tissue laser to gently remove the damaged tissue. The laser targets only the infected areas and keeps the healthy tissue safe. This makes the treatment more comfortable and helps you heal faster.
- Gingivoplasty: If you feel like too much of your gums show when you smile (also called a “gummy smile”), we can use a laser to shape the gum line. The laser carefully removes extra gum tissue to improve the way your smile looks. It’s a simple and gentle cosmetic treatment that can make a big difference.
- Implant Preparation: Before placing dental implants, it’s important to prepare the gums. We use a laser to shape the gum tissue around the area where the implant will go. This helps create the right space for the implant and supports healthy healing.
- After any type of laser treatment, your gums will need time to heal. Healing time depends on your oral health and the kind of treatment you had. If your gums are generally healthy, you might heal in just a few days. If you had gum disease, healing could take longer.
How to Keep Your Teeth And Gums Healthy
Most people care for their teeth and gums, and hope for a beautiful white smile. But did you know that when you brush, floss, and visit Dr. Cain, you also do your heart a favor?
Gum disease is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Inflammation caused by gum disease may be responsible for heart disease. The bacteria that occurs when gums are infected is also found in the heart and is harmful to the rest of your body.
If the gum layer is disrupted, bacteria from the mouth travel into the bloodstream and move throughout the body. The bacteria found in gum disease can contribute to strokes and heart problems.
Gum Disease Study
According to a recent study in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine, treating gum disease can improve health among people with certain conditions.
Analyzing health and dental records from 339,000 people with gum disease and these problems had lower medical costs:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cerebrovascular disease (stroke)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Pregnancy
These patients also had fewer hospitalizations within four years of treatment of gum disease than those that weren’t treated.
Specifically, those with cardiovascular disease who also had gum disease treated had medical costs 20-40% lower than those who did not have their gum disease treated.
Though more research is needed to declare a cause-and-effect relationship between gum health and heart disease, experts agree there is a link. At the very minimum, gum health can indicate heart problems. Those with poor oral health have more heart attacks than those with better hygiene and gum health.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
- Bleeding gums
- Constant bad breath
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Loose teeth
- Change in bite
- Gum and teeth separation
Though it’s not always intuitive, the body is all connected. When you treat one aspect or condition, it can only improve other parts of the body.
See a dentist regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to spot any potential heart problems. Contact our office if you’re pregnant, have heart problems, or have diabetes and notice signs of gum disease. Early dental care can prevent gum problems from worsening over time.
We may also recommend deep gum cleanings in our office to prevent gum problems. Thorough brushing and flossing can also prevent problems like gum disease at home.
Laser Dentistry FAQs
Read answers to common questions about laser dentistry in Knoxville, TN:
Is laser dentistry safe?
Yes, laser dentistry is safe when it’s done by a trained dentist. Dental lasers have been used for many years and are approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Dentists who use lasers go through special training to make sure they use the right type of laser and the right settings for each treatment.
Lasers only target the area that needs treatment and leave the healthy tissue alone. They also reduce the chance of infection because the laser light is sterile. Many people say laser treatments feel more comfortable than traditional dental tools.
Does laser treatment replace a deep cleaning?
Laser treatment doesn’t completely replace a deep cleaning, but we can use lasers with a cleaning for more effective care. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is when your dentist cleans under your gums to remove plaque and bacteria. This helps treat gum disease and prevent it from getting worse.
Laser treatment can be added to help kill bacteria, remove infected tissue, and help your gums heal faster. It also causes less bleeding and swelling than traditional tools.
How does laser treatment help reduce the chance of infection?
Laser treatment helps reduce the chance of infection because the laser beam is very clean and precise. When the laser touches your gums, it not only treats the area but also kills bacteria at the same time. This makes it harder for germs to spread or cause more problems. Also, since lasers don’t make big cuts like traditional tools, your gums stay cleaner and heal faster.
How long does a laser treatment session usually take?
A laser treatment session usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes based on your treatment. If you’re getting a small area treated, it may be quicker. It might take a little longer if we treat several spots or doing something more complex. Dr. Cain will let you know how long your visit will be before the treatment starts.
How many laser sessions will I need to treat my gum disease?
The number of laser sessions you need to treat gum disease depends on the severity of your problem. Some people only need one session for mild periodontitis. Others may need two or three sessions for advanced gum disease. Dr. Cain will check your gums and make the right plan for you. He’ll let you know how many visits you’ll need to get your gums healthy again.
Will lasers help my gums grow back after laser gum removal?
In most cases, gum tissue does not grow back after it is removed with a laser. That’s because the laser carefully removes only the extra or unhealthy tissue.
If the dentist removes only a small amount of gum tissue, there’s a small chance it could grow back a little over time. But if the dentist also reshapes the bone under the gums, the changes are more likely to be permanent. Also, everyone heals differently. Some people may see a little gum tissue grow back if their body naturally heals faster or better.
Should I get dental laser treatment if I have dental anxiety?
If you have dental anxiety, getting dental laser treatment might be a good choice for you. Laser dentistry is often less scary and less painful than regular dental tools. It usually causes less noise, less vibration, and less pressure so you feel more comfortable.
Also, laser treatments often need little or no anesthesia, so you don’t have to worry about needles. Many patients with dental anxiety find laser treatments easier to handle.
Why do treatments with lasers have shorter healing times?
Laser dentistry usually helps people heal faster than traditional dental treatments. Dental lasers are gentle and cause less damage to the healthy tissue around the treated area. With less damage, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to heal.
Call Our Office
Do you need dental care but don’t want loud or painful treatment? Our office offers comfortable soft tissue laser treatment.
In addition, if you have symptoms of gum disease or it’s been more than six months since your last dental checkup, call our Knoxville, TN, dentist’s office today to schedule a cleaning. You may also call our office today at (865) 276-7173.
If you have any questions about laser treatment, let us know at your next visit. We’re here to help.
