How Laser Dentistry Can Treat Tooth Decay
“You have a cavity.” When you hear the news from the dentist, you may panic or have a sense of dread. What if you could have a tooth filling without experiencing anxiety or discomfort? Advances in modern technology have made it possible with laser dentistry for decay. At Artistic Expressions Dentistry in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Bruce Wilderman provides safe and effective laser treatments for a variety of purposes.
How Does a Dental Laser Work?
A laser produces and amplifies light. In fact, the term laser stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”. The wavelengths in our innovative diode laser can be adjusted to a number of different settings to accomplish the task at hand. The beam of light energy that is produced by the laser travels through a special fiber optic cord, and can cauterize or vaporize hard or soft tissue. Because a dental laser can differentiate between healthy and infected tissue, it is able to target problem areas while leaving sound tissue intact.
Preparing a Tooth for a Filling with Laser Dentistry
When you have a cavity, the decay must be cleaned out before the dentist can fill the tooth. Previously, this was performed using a dental drill. However, lasers can now be used to remove the infected areas, allowing the dentist to prepare the tooth with precision.
Curing a Tooth Filling with a Dental Laser
Once the decay is gone and the tooth is prepared, the void left behind from the cavity can be filled. Most commonly, this is done with a composite resin material. Once the filling is in place, a dental laser can be used to cure, or harden, the material. When used in this way, a laser can actually help strengthen the bond between your tooth and the new filling.
Safety First
When using a dental laser as part of treatment, it is important to follow certain safety guidelines. You may be asked to wear tinted safety glasses during your procedure, to protect your eyes from the laser beam. Safety eyewear is “laser-specific”, specially made to work in conjunction with the wavelength being emitted.
Advantages of Treating Tooth Decay with Laser Dentistry
Laser technology has opened up a whole new world in the field of dentistry. When you have a cavity treated with a dental laser, some of the benefits include:
- Faster procedure time: Because of the precision lasers offer, you spend less time in the dental chair.
- Increased comfort: A laser works quickly and efficiently, and eliminates the need for drilling.
- Less anxiety: Because there is minimal discomfort involved, most patients are significantly less anxious about having a tooth filling.
- Minimally invasive: Lasers can remove infected tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact, resulting in easier healing and recovery.
- Accuracy: Dental lasers offer optimal precision over traditional methods, targeting problem areas.
- Safe and effective: Lasers are FDA-cleared, and have been used for several years in dentistry.
Schedule an Appointment with Us
If you have dental anxiety, or dread seeing your dentist, ask us how laser dentistry can help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Wilderman to determine if dental lasers can be used as part of your treatment. You can contact us online anytime, or call our office at (215) 340-1199.
