Hard Tissue Lasers
The hard tissue laser is an exciting new technology that we can use to remove old fillings, repair cavities, and prepare teeth for bonding. When we use lasers, we can often avoid the use of needles, so you don't have to endure that uncomfortable "
;fat lip" feeling after your treatment.
Lasers also allow us to remove the smallest amount of tooth structure possible, saving more of your natural tooth. And frequently, we can complete your treatment in less time when we use lasers to prepare your tooth, instead of the traditional dental
handpiece (or drill).
Lasers have been used for many years in dentistry, but recent breakthroughs have allowed the use of lasers directly on teeth. Because they use coherent (concentrated) light to remove unhealthy or damaged tooth structure, they have several advantages o
ver the handpiece:
- Less heat is produced as the tooth is prepared, reducing or eliminating the need for traditional anesthetic.
- Lasers are quieter, and vibrate less.
- We can conserve a greater amount of healthy tooth structure.
- The laser provides a highly-effective bonding surface.
- Because we don't need to use anesthetic, we can work on multiple areas of your mouth.
How we use lasers to prepare your teeth
Due to the brightness of the laser, we will first provide you with special glasses to shield your eyes. Then, we carefully move the laser over the damaged or decayed portion of your tooth, while gently spraying a fine mist of water to cool the surface
as we work.
After your tooth is prepared, we will restore it with one of the new white filling materials that bond firmly, resulting in a strong, durable restoration.
Hard tissue lasers are an exciting new development in dentistry that we use as part of our commitment to your comfort.
