Is Laser Dentistry Good for People with Dental Anxiety?

What Is Laser Dentistry?

It is a modern technique that uses laser technology to perform dental procedures. Lasers in dental procedures feature a highly focused beam of light for removing or reshaping teeth and gums.

Laser dentistry has increasingly become popular, and often preferred over traditional dental techniques because it can be less invasive, more precise, and may cause less pain and discomfort for the patient.

How Does It Work?

Laser dentistry near you works by focusing a highly concentrated beam of light energy on a specific area of the mouth. The light energy will selectively remove or reshape tissue with precision and accuracy while leaving surrounding tissue intact. Dentists can adjust and control the intensity and duration of the laser energy depending on the tissue and the desired outcome.

There are two main types of lasers used in dentistry:

1. Hard tissue lasers – are for procedures involving the teeth and bone, such as removing decay and shaping teeth.
2. Soft tissue lasers – are for treatments involving the gums and other soft tissues.

During a laser dentistry procedure, the dentist in Wall Township, NJ, will determine whether or not you need a local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area. Often, fewer patients need sedation and anaesthesia during procedures with lasers compared to traditional dentistry. Further, laser dentistry procedures are quicker and less invasive than traditional dental procedures, resulting in less bleeding and discomfort.

Common Treatments Performed with Laser Dentistry

Dentists may employ laser dentistry for restorative, cosmetic, or surgical procedures, depending on your underlying needs. Some of the ways dentists can use laser dentistry include:

1. Gum disease: Lasers can treat gum disease by removing the infected portion of the tissue and promoting the growth of healthy tissue through gum grafting surgery.
2. Tooth decay: Lasers can remove decay from teeth and prepare them for dental fillings without needing a drill or anaesthesia in some cases. However, it is relative to the depth of the cavity and the severity of the infection.
3. Teeth whitening: Many dentists employ laser technology in teeth whitening treatments to activate the bleaching agent and speed up the process. In this case, laser dentistry improves the efficacy and effectiveness of teeth whitening treatments.
4. Biopsies: When a dentist at Susan J. Curley DDS, has to confirm your diagnosis of diseases like oral cancer, they may use lasers to remove small pieces of tissue for biopsy.
5. Lesion removal: Lasers help remove benign lesions with great precision, such as canker sores, cold sores, or cancerous lesions.
6. Root canal treatment: Endodontists use laser technology to clean and disinfect an infected tooth canal during a root canal procedure. Using lasers will be faster and more efficient than traditional methods.
7. Gum contouring: Lasers can reshape and contour gums to improve the appearance of a gummy smile or uneven gum line.

Does Laser Dentistry Help If You Have Dental Anxiety?

Laser dentistry can be a good option for people who suffer from dental anxiety as a less intimidating alternative to traditional dental treatments.

Generally, laser dentistry offers several advantages over traditional dental treatments, including faster healing times, targeted and precise treatments, less pain and discomfort procedures, and a reduced risk of infection. Therefore, if you have dental anxiety and phobias, it is comforting that you can undergo a smooth and often pain-free experience with laser dentistry.

However, laser dentistry may not completely eliminate dental anxiety, and not all dental conditions can be treated with lasers. Therefore, liaise with your dentist about your phobias and anxiety. The dentist will help you explore other solutions for dental anxiety, including sedation dentistry. It allows you to be calm and relaxed or unconscious during dental treatments. Other solutions may include:

1. Communicate your concerns with your dentist. Your dentist can work with you to develop a plan that addresses your fears and provides a comfortable dental experience.
2. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and visualization can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm during dental procedures.
3. Distraction techniques like listening to music or watching a movie during dental procedures can help to distract from any anxiety or discomfort.
4. Gradual exposure to dental procedures over time, starting with simple cleaning and gradually progressing to more complex procedures.
5. Having a loved one accompany you to dental appointments can provide comfort and support during dental procedures.