Laser dentistry uses advanced technology to treat various oral issues, including cavities, gum disease, and tooth sensitivity. At Wellness Dental in Austin, Texas, experienced general and implant dentist Francisca Giple-Johnson, DDS, uses laser dentistry for various general and cosmetic dental services. Call the office today to request a laser dentistry consultation or book online.

What is laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry is a dental subspecialty that uses targeted light energy (lasers) to treat various oral issues. Lasers have been used in dentistry for over 30 years, but they’ve become especially popular during the last decade. That’s because they can cut through both hard and soft tissues more effectively than traditional dental tools. 

What types of issues can laser dentistry treat?

At Wellness Dental, Dr. Giple-Johnson uses laser dentistry to:

• Treat gum disease 
• Remove bacteria and infected tissue
• Prepare teeth for dental fillings
• Treat cold sores and canker sores
• Whiten stained or discolored teeth
• Recontour the gum line

You might also benefit from laser dentistry if you have sensitive teeth. 

What types of lasers does laser dentistry use?

At Wellness Dental, Dr. Giple-Johnson uses several types of lasers for laser dentistry, including:

Soft tissue lasers

Soft tissue lasers have a special wavelength absorbed by water and hemoglobin –– a protein in your red blood cells. These lasers provide a safe and effective way to treat gum disease. They kill harmful bacteria and encourage the growth of new and healthy tissue.

Hard tissue lasers

Hard tissue lasers use a wavelength absorbed by the minerals in your teeth. Dr. Giple-Johnson uses hard tissue lasers to prepare teeth for fillings, crowns, and cosmetic bonding.

The type of laser dentistry that will benefit you depends on the reason for your visit.

What happens during a laser dentistry visit?

Dr. Giple-Johnson reviews your dental records, completes an oral exam, and takes a series of digital X-rays. If she identifies an underlying issue, like cavities or gum disease, you qualify for treatment. 

During treatment, Dr. Giple-Johnson uses a hard or soft laser to remove inflamed gum tissue or damaged enamel. Laser dentistry doesn’t require anesthesia. After treatment, you can drive yourself home and return to your normal routine.

What are the benefits of laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry offers various benefits compared to traditional treatment methods, including:

• Reduced need for stitches and sutures
• Less bleeding 
• No anesthesia necessary
• Reduced risk of bacterial infections
• Faster recovery times

Laser dentistry also causes less damage to the surrounding tissues, so you’re less likely to have bruising or swelling. After treatment, most people can return to work the next day.

Call Wellness Dental to see if you can benefit from laser dentistry, or click the online booking feature today.