What Is Laser Teeth Cleaning? | All You Need to Know 

You’re here because you’re like most people who are looking to achieve a brighter and healthier smile. Laser teeth cleaning is surely the innovative solution you’ve been searching for! Imagine having a dental cleaning that is not only effective but also comfortable and efficient.

In this informative exploration, we will explore the fascinating world of teeth cleaning with laser, its procedure details, and how this modern approach to dental hygiene utilizes advanced technology for more effective plaque and tartar removal. First, we’ll define what it is.                                                                                                           

What Is Laser Teeth Cleaning

Laser teeth cleaning is a dental procedure that uses laser technology to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from teeth and gums. It involves the use of specialized equipment that combines a bleaching gel with the power of laser technology to clean the teeth.

It involves using a focused beam of light energy to precisely target and break down deposits on the tooth surface and below the gum line.  

Process of Laser Dental Cleaning 

Laser Cleaning Preparation:

The dentist will assess your oral health, checking for gum disease (periodontitis) or other dental issues that may require treatment. Before the laser procedure, your dentist will thoroughly clean your teeth to ensure optimal results. 

Depending on the severity of gum disease and your comfort level, your dentist will numb the gums and surrounding tissues with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

Laser Treatment: 

Once you’re comfortable and prepared for laser dental cleaning, the dentist will use a dental laser to remove infected gum tissue. The laser selectively destroys bacteria and infected tissue but leaves healthy tissue intact.

Root Scaling and Planing: 

In some cases, the dentist may perform root laser scaling and planing during the laser procedure. This involves smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to remove bacteria and promote healing of the gums.

Gums Sealing: 

The dentist will carefully move the laser over the gum tissue, to ensure a precise treatment of the targeted areas. By following the laser scaling, dentists will apply a sealant to promote gum healing and prevent infection.

Laser Dentistry | Pros and Cons 

Pros:

• Lasers allow dentists to perform highly precise dental work, targeting specific areas without affecting surrounding tissues.
• The use of lasers can help to cauterize blood vessels, resulting in less bleeding during and after medical procedures.
• Laser dentistry typically causes less discomfort than traditional methods.
• Lasers can selectively target diseased or damaged tissue, without harming or damaging healthy surrounding tissue.
• Laser technology has many dental applications such as removing cavities, treating gum disease, and whitening teeth. 
• They have sterilizing properties, which will reduce the risk of infection during dental procedures.

Cons:

• Protective eyewear is necessary for both patients and dental staff during laser dentistry to avoid eye damage.
• The penetration depth of some types of lasers may limit certain laser procedures.
• Lasers are not appropriate for deep cavities or extensive dental work.
• Laser equipment and treatment can be costly and result in higher expenses for patients when compared to traditional dental procedures.
• Access to laser technology is limited in some dental practices, resulting in restricted availability of laser treatments in certain areas.

Traditional Deep Cleaning Process vs Laser Dental Cleaning 

 

Traditional Deep Cleaning	Laser Dental Cleaning
Procedure: Scaling and root planing are done by a dentist using manual instruments. It is a standard treatment for patients with extensive plaque and tartar buildup or periodontal disease.	Dentists use dental lasers to remove plaque and tartar. It has gained popularity as an alternative to traditional deep cleaning due to its effectiveness and patient comfort.
Anesthesia: Anesthesia is commonly used during traditional deep teeth cleaning to manage discomfort and pain associated with the procedure.	Deep teeth cleaning with laser on the other hand requires less or no anesthesia, as it is generally less painful.
Effectiveness: Traditional deep cleaning slowly reduces periodontal pocket depths and improves gum health over time.	It can effectively reduce periodontal pocket depths and improve gum health, comparable to traditional methods.
Discomfort: It can cause discomfort during and after the procedure, including soreness, sensitivity, and bleeding gums.	It feels less discomfort during and after the procedure, with reduced post-operative soreness and bleeding.
Cost: The cost of traditional deep cleaning is generally covered by dental insurance plans, although out-of-pocket expenses may apply.	The cost of laser dental cleaning is typically higher than traditional deep cleaning due to the technology involved and the specialized training required.

 

Why Choose Teeth Laser Cleaning Process  

Laser teeth cleaning presents a modern alternative to traditional dental cleaning methods, offering numerous benefits that make it an attractive choice. Some of the benefits are;

• Minimum damage around healthy tissue.
• Laser cleaning is gentle on tooth structure. 
• Preserves more of the natural tooth.
• Faster healing by cauterizing blood vessels.
• Stimulates tissue regeneration. 
• The high-energy beam kills bacteria on contact.
• Less risk of infection. 
• Eliminate noise and vibration.

In addition to teeth cleaning, lasers can be used for several dental procedures such as gum disease treatment, cavity preparation, and teeth whitening. Lasers are a versatile tool that can improve the dental experience for many patients.

Laser Deep Cleaning Applications 

Laser deep cleaning is also known as laser-assisted periodontal therapy or laser periodontal laser cleaning treatment. It offers various applications in dentistry which primarily focuses on the treatment of gum disease (periodontitis). Here are some of the key functions:

Disinfection: 

Deep teeth cleaning with laser energy can disinfect the treatment area by killing bacteria and sterilizing the surgical site. It ultimately reduces the risk of post-operative infections.

Frenectomy: 

Laser frenectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to release a tight or overgrown frenulum. This will help you improve your speech and prevent oral health issues.

Laser Plaque Removal:

Periodontal laser cleaning is an effective tool to disintegrate plaque, making it easier to remove from the tooth’s surface. The precision of the laser ensures minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tooth structure, making it a gentle and minimally invasive method of removing plaque.

Laser Gum Cleaning:

Laser gum cleaning is a procedure that targets and eliminates harmful bacteria to reduce inflammation, promote gum tissue regeneration, and facilitate the healing process. This technique also helps promote gum reattachment to the tooth surface, which reduces pocket depths and prevents further progression of gum disease.

 

Biopsy: 

Soft tissue biopsies for the diagnosis of oral lesions or growths can be performed with lasers. The precision of laser technology allows for targeted tissue removal while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Is Laser Dental Cleaning Worth It?      

Yes, laser dental cleaning can be a great option for those who are looking for a more comfortable and effective alternative to traditional dental cleaning methods.

However, its effectiveness and worthiness depend on several factors, such as your specific oral health needs, personal preferences, and the particular dental conditions that are being treated.

 

FAQs

 

What are the disadvantages of laser dentistry? 

Here are some disadvantages of laser dentistry:

• You may experience increased sensitivity to heat during laser procedures, which can cause discomfort despite the use of anesthesia.
• Lasers may not be suitable for all dental treatments, such as removing large amounts of tartar buildup or certain types of oral surgery.
• Laser equipment and training for dentists result in higher costs for you as compared to traditional methods due to their expense.

Is laser cleaning painful?   

Laser dental cleaning is a less painful method as compared to traditional techniques. This is because it is more precise and can seal the nerve endings. However, in cases where there is extensive gum disease present, some patients may still experience slight discomfort. Generally, laser dental cleaning is more comfortable for most patients.

Is laser dentistry expensive?

Yes, laser dentistry is expensive compared to traditional methods due to the cost of equipment and specialized training required for dentists.

What percentage of dentists use lasers in the USA?

Almost 55% of dentists in the USA use lasers in their practice. 

Do gums grow back after laser surgery? 

Yes, after laser surgery gum regrowth can occur to some extent, particularly in gum disease treatment and promotion of tissue regeneration.