Laser Dentistry in Sacramento, CA
What dental procedures can be treated with lasers?
Though not commonly known, laser dentistry has been around since the 90’s. The focused beam of light energy has been found to be very useful in certain dental procedures and with significant advantages over traditional methods.
Lasers are found to be useful in a number of dental procedures. Some of our laser dentistry procedures include:
- Treating gum disease.
- Removal of inflamed gum tissue.
- Reshaping of gums.
- Elongating crowns.
- Removal of excess or unwanted tissue.
- Preparing dental cavities for fillings.
- Removal of benign tumors.
- Sealing blood vessels.
- Enabling the regeneration of nerves.
- Expose wisdom teeth.
- Teeth whitening.
How does laser dentistry work?
Lasers are light, focused in a way so that the beam produced has high energy. This high-energy beam can be used very much like a stainless steel scalpel for cutting various tissues. The wavelength of the laser can also be adjusted depending on the type of tissue being treated. Different wavelengths are used when treating teeth, gums, and infections.
Usually when a cavity needs to be cleaned and filled the dentist will first scrape out the plaque with a tool called a dental hatcher. Next, a small electrical drill is used to widen the cavity and to prepare it for filling. A laser can replace both the hatcher and drill and prepare the tooth for the filling.
Infected and inflamed gum tissue is a different color from the healthy gum tissue. Because of the difference in color, the unwanted tissue absorbs light differently from healthy gums. Taking advantage of this principle the wavelength of the laser can be adjusted so that only the unhealthy tissue gets affected and the healthy tissue is left unharmed. During gum surgery, lasers can be used to remove infected tissue and also seal blood vessels. Certain wavelengths of the laser can make gum tissue sticky which causes it to start regenerating and healing. Oral nerves can also be regenerated in this way.
What are the advantages of using lasers in dentistry?
Lasers can seal blood vessels while removing infected tissue; this is why one of the main advantages of laser dentistry is a reduction in bleeding during and after a procedure. There is no need for stitches after laser dental surgery. Patients generally heal faster after such procedures as compared to more traditional methods. The discomfort and pain that comes from drilling a tooth can be eliminated by using lasers to treat cavities. Lasers can serve the dual purpose of killing an infection as well as removing infected tissue, eliminating the need for an extra step.
Your premier provider for laser dentistry in Arden Park
Today, the lasers used in dentistry are FDA approved. Their use in treating tooth decay and gum disease, and in teeth whitening has made them a more popular choice among some dentists. Their safety lies in the experienced hands of a qualified dental practitioner. Benefits of this treatment method include, less pain, minimized swelling and bleeding, lessened anxiety for patients concerned with drilling, among others.
Lasers cannot be used on teeth with fillings already in place. Anesthesia may still be needed for some procedures and is not eliminated entirely by lasers. Some conditions may still require the use of traditional drills. As one of the top dentists, Dr. Shahnaz Formoli has over 24 years of experience and is both skilled and experienced in laser dentistry. Contact us to learn more about laser dentistry and whether you are a candidate for this precise and effective way to perform many dental procedures.
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Dr. Shahnaz L. Formoli, DDS, has over 30 years of experience in cosmetic and family dentistry, providing exceptional care since 1994. A graduate of the University of Loma Linda, she has advanced training in Laser Dentistry, Dental Implants, and Invisalign. Dr. Formoli holds memberships with the ADA, CDA, Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and ICOI. In 2012, she earned a prestigious Fellowship from the Misch Implant Institute. Her dedication to utilizing the latest dental technologies ensures her patients receive top-quality care in a warm, patient-focused environment. Dr. Formoli is also a devoted mother and active community member.
