Laser Dentistry North Liberty, IA

Damaged or unhealthy gums can negatively impact your dental health and the appearance of your smile. For instance, patients with excess gum tissue often develop a gummy smile, which may cause patients to feel self-conscious about their smile.

At Design Dental in North Liberty, IA, we use laser dentistry to perform a wide range of soft tissue procedures. Dental lasers provide many benefits, including faster recovery, less discomfort, and more precise results. Dr. S. Jeremy Tu is committed to excellence in general dentistry and works with you to find the right solutions for your smile. Our team can determine if laser dentistry is right for you.

Pain-free dentistry in North Liberty Iowa

The Laser Dentistry Advantage: The Ultimate Patient Experience

Dental lasers are an advanced tool that allows dentists to perform common dental procedures more accurately and comfortably than ever before.

  • Improved Comfort: Dental lasers are a gentle yet powerful tool that provides the ultimate comfort during many common dental procedures. Lasers eliminate the need for drills and scalpels, which makes them the ideal solution for patients with dental fear.
  • Faster Treatment Times: Dental lasers can help expedite the treatment process. Lasers are a quick and effective way to eliminate diseased tissue and remove excess gum tissue while protecting the remaining tissue.
  • Quicker Recovery: As dental lasers are performing, they seal soft tissue simultaneously. This reduces the risk of infection while promoting faster, more comfortable healing.

What Can Dental Lasers Treat?

Dental lasers are commonly used for periodontal treatments. Lasers dentistry can accurately remove diseased and infected gum tissues without compromising the tooth root. In some cases, traditional gum surgery may compromise the health of the existing healthy gum tissues; however, with laser dentistry, dentists can remove gum tissues with better accuracy and precision.

In theory, dental lasers eliminate the need for incisions and scalpels, making them ideal for gum contouring, frenectomies, and removing gum tissue. In addition, dental lasers are suitable for treatments such as:

  • Gum Biopsy: Sores, ulcers, or lesions in the mouth are often a cause for concern. With dental lasers, a dentist can remove a sample to submit for testing.
  • Gum Contouring:  For patients with excess gum tissue or a gummy smile, dental lasers can be used to remove excess gum tissue safely.
  • Frenectomy: When there is excess frenulum, it restricts the range of motion for the tongue and lips. When left untreated excess frenulum can cause speech impediments and affect your oral hygiene. A dental laser can remove excess tissue while providing minimal to no bleeding.

Laser Dentistry FAQs

Laser dentistry is an innovative approach to dental care. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more.

How does laser dentistry work?

Laser dentistry uses a concentrated beam of light to target specific areas in the mouth. The laser energy either removes or shapes tissue with minimal heat or vibration. It can also treat cavities, reshape gums, and perform root canal therapy, among other treatments. The energy from the laser is absorbed by the tissues, causing them to vaporize or coagulate.

Is laser dentistry safe?

Laser dentistry is considered safe when performed by a trained and experienced dental professional. The lasers used in dentistry are specifically designed for oral care and are FDA-approved. Your dentist will ensure the correct laser type and settings for each procedure to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Does laser dentistry hurt?

Laser dentistry is generally less painful than traditional dental procedures. Many patients report feeling little to no discomfort during or after the treatment. The precision of the laser reduces damage to surrounding tissues, which leads to less pain, swelling, and bleeding. In many cases, patients may not even need anesthesia for certain procedures.

Is laser dentistry suitable for children?

Laser dentistry can be particularly beneficial for children because it often requires no stitches and has a faster healing time. Since laser procedures are typically less painful, children may find the experience more comfortable and less anxiety-inducing than traditional dental treatments. Dentists may use lasers to treat children’s cavities, gum issues, and even cold sores.

Is laser dentistry more expensive than traditional dentistry?

Laser dentistry may cost a bit more than traditional dental treatments due to the technology and training required to use the equipment. However, the overall cost can vary depending on the procedure and the dental office. Many patients find the benefits, such as reduced recovery time and less discomfort, are well worth the additional cost.

How long does recovery take after laser dental procedures?

One of the major advantages of laser dentistry is the quicker recovery time. Since the laser is minimally invasive, patients typically experience less swelling and bleeding, leading to faster healing. For most procedures, recovery takes only a few days, and patients can return to normal activities soon after treatment. In some cases, there may be no recovery time at all.

Experience the Benefits of Laser Dentistry in North Liberty, IA

Laser dentistry can help you improve your oral health more comfortably and faster than ever before. To learn more about laser dentistry or to experience its benefits, visit our North Liberty dentist office. To schedule an appointment, call (319) 284-4361 or request an appointment online.