![\"Dental](\"https:\/\/www.mthollyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/AdobeStock_83176186__1566926987_55604-300x200.jpg\")
<\/a>Between the sounds of a dental drill and the discomfort that traditional metal tools might cause, there\u2019s little wonder why many patients have dental anxiety. Fortunately, in many cases laser dentistry can help ease some of those fears by providing a pain-free solution for gum treatments. Here\u2019s why a laser is an invaluable tool at a dental office.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
As you probably know, a laser is a highly concentrated beam of light energy. The beam is very precise and easy to control, so it won\u2019t remove any more gum tissue than what\u2019s necessary for the procedure. It can also cauterize the wound as it goes along, keeping any bleeding to a minimum. Other benefits include faster recovery time and lowering the chance of bacterial infection by sterilizing the area.<\/p>\n
One of the more common uses of lasers in dentistry is for gum disease treatment, which is sometimes called periodontal therapy. The laser can help removed infected or inflamed gum tissue while also exposing the tooth roots so that they can be scaled (that is, plaque below the gum line will be scraped away so that the gums can safely reattach to the teeth). Since the energy from the laser helps kill bacteria, it\u2019s especially useful for this procedure.<\/p>\n
For those looking to make cosmetic changes, lasers can also help treat \u201cgummy smiles.\u201d This is where the gums look disproportionately large compared to the teeth whenever you flash a grin. Your dentist can carefully remove the excess gum tissue and sculpt your gumline into a more aesthetically pleasing shape.<\/p>\n
If comfort is your concern, you might ask, “Do dental lasers hurt?” The answer is that compared to traditional surgeries that make use of metal scalpels, laser dentistry is far less invasive causes little to no pain. It also greatly reduces the need for anesthesia, although your dentist may numb your mouth anyway just to be safe. Also, you likely won\u2019t need stitches afterwards, so you won\u2019t have to deal with the itching and discomfort associated with them.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll probably experience some sensitivity in your gums for about a week after the surgery, but this discomfort will be very mild and won\u2019t stop your from speaking and eating normally. While your gums are recovering, you should avoid crunchy or spicy foods that can irritate the tissue further. Any minor pain or swelling can be controlled with pain medication like ibuprofen.<\/p>\n
If regular dental tools have made you apprehensive about getting treatment in the past, ask your dentist in Mt. Holly about the kind of treatments they can use a laser for instead. If the treatment\u2019s right for you, it can make your appointment a lot less stressful, and your gums just might thank you for it later!<\/p>\n