If you’re one of the many people who dread going to the dentist, laser dentistry may be just what you need to ease your anxiety. In recent years, laser dentistry has become increasingly popular due to its precision and effectiveness in performing a variety of dental procedures. Unlike traditional dentistry practices, laser dentistry uses intense beams of light to perform soft and hard tissue treatments. The use of laser technology has revolutionized the field of dentistry and is transforming the way dental procedures are done.

State-Of-The-Art Laser Dentistry in Scottsdale

Laser dentistry includes a wide variety of dental treatments that can be used to promote your oral health. At the Scottsdale Center for Implant Dentistry, we have worked hard to stay on the leading edge of dental laser technology. Whether you want to explore laser teeth whitening, sleep apnea treatment, or TMD procedures, we have you covered.

We are passionate about positively impacting your dental health and overall well-being. Our laser dentistry procedures offer many benefits, like increased comfort and quick, effective results. We’re proud to serve Scottsdale and the surrounding communities and look forward to helping you reach your optimal oral health with our innovative treatments. Contact our practice today and see how laser dentistry can improve your quality of life!

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry uses concentrated light beams to alter hard and soft tissues in your mouth. Our office is equipped with multiple lasers at different strengths and frequencies, and we can use dental lasers in various applications. Laser dentistry is a rapidly expanding field within dental healthcare, and we pride ourselves on staying informed about effective new treatments that will benefit you.

How Laser Dentistry Can Help You

Laser dentistry is versatile and can be used for a wide range of dental procedures. It is not just limited to cosmetic treatments but is also effective for restorative and preventative purposes. Here are some of the ways that dental lasers can be used:

Prior to laser dentistry, a drill would be required to prepare the tooth for a filling. With lasers, the need for drilling can be eliminated in many cases. Lasers can also kill oral bacteria around the treatment site.

Dental lasers can be used to reshape soft tissue, such as the gums. This can be particularly effective in recontouring the gingiva to show more of the natural tooth (crown lengthening). Soft tissue reshaping can also eliminate “gummy smiles,” giving you a more attractive smile.

Lasers can be used to improve speech in adults by untying the tongue. A frenectomy is a procedure that involves cutting or releasing the frenulum, a small fold of tissue that connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth.

Laser dentistry can also be used for teeth whitening. Our laser is fantastic for the Touchwhite© tooth whitening process. The laser light heats the gel, making it far more effective than ordinary whitening procedures.

Lasers can be used to perform a soft tissue biopsy, which is the removal of a small piece of tissue for examination under a microscope. This procedure is often done to diagnose oral cancer, but it can also be used to detect other abnormalities in the mouth. Lasers offer several advantages for this procedure, including precision, speed, and minimal bleeding. With traditional biopsy methods, the use of a scalpel can result in excessive bleeding, discomfort, and a longer recovery time. Laser biopsies are much less invasive and require no stitches, which means that patients experience less pain and discomfort.

The Fotona Laser Company has developed a twin light protocol to treat ailing and failing dental implants. This procedure uses both Nd:Yag and Er:YAG lasers to remove bacteria and diseased tissue from the implant site. The lasers also stimulate the growth of healthy tissue and promote the healing process. This treatment can often save ailing implants, which may otherwise need to be removed and replaced.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

The FDA approved the use of dental lasers for public usage in 1990, and since then, many dentists have adopted this newer style of dentistry. Laser dentistry has a host of advantages over traditional dental procedures, including:

  1. More Precise Treatments – One of the primary benefits of laser dentistry is its precision. Dental lasers can target specific areas of the mouth without affecting surrounding tissues. This means that more conservative treatments can be performed, resulting in less discomfort and pain for the patient.
  2. Reduced Pain and Discomfort – Laser dentistry is less invasive than traditional dentistry, resulting in less pain and discomfort for patients. In many cases, anesthesia is not necessary during laser procedures, which can also reduce post-treatment recovery times.
  3. Faster Healing and Tissue Regeneration – The use of lasers in dental procedures promotes faster healing and tissue regeneration. This is because laser energy stimulates cells in the body to produce new tissue, which can help speed up the healing process.
  4. Reduced Bleeding During and After Treatment – Laser dentistry is less invasive than traditional dentistry, which means less bleeding during and after treatment. This also reduces the need for stitches or sutures after treatment.
  5. Reduced Risk of Bacterial Infections After Procedures – The precision of laser dentistry reduces the risk of bacterial infections after procedures. This is because the laser energy sterilizes the treatment area, killing bacteria that may be present.

Laser Teeth Whitening for a Brighter Smile

Our practice employs the TouchWhite™ teeth whitening process. This method uses a precise wavelength to enhance the effectiveness of whitening gel in less time than traditional methods and with fewer side effects. The laser’s wavelength specifically targets the gel, heating it to make the whitening process occur more quickly.

This treatment has numerous advantages over regular bleach trays, including minimal tooth sensitivity during and after the procedure. If you’re looking for effective in-office whitening, TouchWhite treatments at our practice are an effective place to start.

Our Effective Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you or your partner are experiencing the negative effects of sleep apnea and snoring, our NightLase® treatments can assist in mitigating your symptoms and help you get a more restful, comfortable sleep. NightLase® is a non-invasive procedure that can increase your sleep quality and decrease the intensity of your snoring by using laser pulses to target the tissue at the back of the throat. Our dentist can stimulate the tissue to contract and tighten it, creating a more open airway. This contraction will help reduce negative symptoms that affect restful sleep, like snoring and gasping for air.

The treatment is relatively simple to perform and boasts a high success rate among our patients. We encourage you to ask our dentist about our laser sleep apnea treatments if you are experiencing these symptoms or have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

Laser-Assisted TMD Relief

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is a low-impact treatment that uses near-infrared light pulses to stimulate healing at the cellular level. This treatment is designed to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in many areas of the body. We use PBM to relax muscles and reduce inflammation around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), providing relief for TMJ disorder. The near-infrared light pulses will:

  • Help cells store more natural fuel for activity and metabolism
  • Promote cellular repair and healing
  • Dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation

We sometimes pair our PBM treatments with customized maxillofacial prosthodontics. These devices can help maximize the lasers’ therapeutic effect, and we will consult with you about the need for dental appliances depending on your needs.

Is Laser Dentistry Safe?

One of the requirements for employing laser treatments in dentistry is extensive additional schooling and hands-on instruction. Our dentist has completed the education and training for each dental laser device we use at our practice, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in capable hands. Our skilled dentist will deliver safe and effective care.

As an added precaution during your procedure, you will also be furnished with protective eyewear. Our laser treatments provide effective results with very few side effects, and we will always be available to discuss any questions you might have so you can be confident about your care. We have helped many patients achieve positive results with laser dentistry over the years and apply that valuable experience to provide you with the excellent treatment you deserve.

How are laser procedures performed?

  • Our Laser is a twin light laser with Nd:Yag and Er:YAG lasers. The wavelengths are 1064nm and 2940nm. We can use both lasers of a single laser depending on the procedure we are doing.
  • The laser beam is invisible and special glasses must be worn throughout the procedure. We provided the necessary protective eyewear for our patients. The beam is directed at the tissue being treated. It is a very precise beam of light and has pinpoint accuracy.
  • The procedure can take less time than conventional methods, and cause less anxiety and discomfort.
  • If you have questions or concerns about laser dentistry, feel free to schedule an appointment to discuss the lasers advantages.
  • Laser dentistry has revolutionized the way dental treatments are performed. With its precision, speed, and minimal discomfort, laser dentistry offers numerous advantages over traditional methods. Laser procedures are often faster, less painful, and require less recovery time than traditional methods. From tooth preparation to soft tissue biopsy and implant treatment, laser dentistry offers a versatile and effective approach to dental care.

Your Practice for Advanced Laser Dentistry in Scottsdale

We’re passionate about staying informed about recent developments in laser dentistry. We are always looking for new techniques and technology that will benefit you. We aim to provide high-quality, low-impact treatments that address problems that can seriously disrupt your life.

Whether you’re looking for effective teeth whitening, sleep apnea, or TMJD treatments, laser dentistry can help increase the effectiveness of these procedures with fewer side effects. It also offers unique avenues of treatment that are impossible without the aid of our advanced laser technologies. Contact our practice today to learn how laser dentistry can improve your oral health and overall quality of life

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, laser dentistry has been deemed safe by the FDA since 1990. Lasers are a safe and effective alternative to traditional dental methods.

Laser dentistry is generally less painful than traditional methods. Patients may experience some discomfort during the procedure, but this is usually minimal.

Laser procedures can often be completed more quickly than traditional methods, depending on the specific treatment.

Not necessarily. Laser procedures are often less invasive than traditional methods and may not require anesthesia.

Yes, laser dentistry has been deemed safe by the FDA since 1990. Lasers are a safe and effective alternative to traditional dental methods.

The cost of laser dentistry varies depending on the specific treatment and the dentist performing the procedure. It is best to check with your dentist for a cost estimate.