Laser Dentistry

Laser treatment for dental work may sound a bit futuristic, and while laser dentistry is the way of the future, it is also an amazing advancement used today in modern dentistry. Though lasers were first used in dentistry back in 1960, many people are still unaware of what exactly laser treatment is and how it can benefit them. At Willow Springs Dental, we’ve been utilizing dental laser treatment since first opening our practice, so let us teach you a little bit about it!

What is Dental Laser Treatment?

Let’s start off with what a laser is. Many people aren’t aware it’s an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The first instance of lasers being used in dentistry was by MIaman in 1960, but it wasn’t until the 1990’s that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved of lasers for treating gum disease and to be used on teeth. Since then, there has been a substantial amount of research studies done on laser use and application in dentistry. Most often we classify lasers based on their tissue applicability; hard tissue lasers and soft tissue lasers (National Library of Medicine - National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2023).

Hard Tissue Applications

Hard tissue lasers are typically used when treating the actual teeth themselves, as well as the associated tissues. This may include reshaping bone to uncover the healthier parts of a tooth’s structure or to treat sensitive teeth. When an individual is experiencing sensitivity in their teeth from either hot or cold food or beverages, it is due to open tubules on the root of the tooth or teeth. A hard tissue laser is used to seal the tubules closed, thus decreasing, or even eliminating sensitivity. A more common procedure hard tissue lasers are used for is that of preparing dental fillings, where the laser can kill any bacteria within the cavity before the filling is placed.

Soft Tissue Applications

Soft tissue lasers are used on the other ‘softer’ tissues within the oral cavity. Procedures that may utilize soft tissue lasers include those that are done to remove soft tissue folds that have formed from a patient wearing dentures that have not been fitted properly. They are also used to help reshape gum tissue which is done when fixing a smile for a patient who is unhappy with the ‘gummy’ look of their smile, or as a step in a crown lengthening procedure.

The Benefits to Dental Laser Treatments

We often have patients who feel hesitant about laser dentistry without even knowing much about it. Don’t get us wrong, we completely understand that the thought of lasers being used in your mouth can be a bit intimidating, but we promise it’s a tool we use for the benefit of you! Let’s look at just some of the benefits laser dentistry offers:

  1. It’s one of the best treatment options for gingivitis. When a patient is suffering from gingivitis it’s critical for the dentist to remove the infected tissue, but it is also important to preserve the healthy tissue surrounding it. Laser treatment provides dentists the accuracy to do just that.
  2. It decreases the need for sutures to close wounds. Dental lasers help encourage the blood in the tissue being worked on to clot on its own. If an appropriate amount of clotting happens naturally, there is no need for sutures!
  3. Dental lasers can be used for teeth whitening. Who doesn’t want a whiter, brighter smile?
  4. It creates a more peaceful, less anxiety provoking environment. We know dental anxiety is a problem for patients of all ages, and many times this is due to the intense sounds and feelings (sometimes pain) from the dental tools being used. Lasers on the other hand are extremely quiet and less painful than traditional dental tools such as drills.
  5. Less pain and a decreased need for anesthetics. As we mentioned above, laser treatments make the use of more ‘painful’ tools such as dental drills unnecessary. And since dental laser treatment is so painless, it is a lot less likely a patient will need to be administered anesthetic, allowing them to go on with their typical day immediately after their appointment without any down time.
  6. Decreased likelihood of infection. Not only does the use of lasers minimize the amount of bleeding which can lead to infection, the lasers also sterilize the area they are directed at and working on, essentially eliminating bacteria and the potential spread of it. 
  7. It speeds up the healing process. With lasers promoting the clotting of the blood and helping to reduce the chance of infection, the result is a much quicker and easier healing process.

Dental Treatment in Las Vegas

Now that you know a bit more about dental laser treatments, you may be asking yourself ‘what about my other dental needs?’. Well, great news! Not only do we offer laser dentistry at Willow Springs Dental, but we provide services for almost any dental concern you may have. Check out some of the most popular services we offer our patients:

Cosmetic Dentistry: Is your smile negatively affecting your self-confidence? There is a wide range of services we can provide to help give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of and the confidence you deserve.

Dental Implants: Millions of Americans suffer from tooth loss, and though it’s common and nothing to be ashamed of, it is critical to get treatment. If you have a missing tooth and do not seek treatment, it can lead to further issues, additional teeth falling out, decrease in bone density, and even a dramatic change to your facial structure and the way you look!

Dental Cleanings: One of the most important aspects of any dental visit! It is recommended that dental patients have a checkup and dental cleaning every six months to maintain proper oral health and avoid larger dental problems down the line.

Whether you’re looking for dental laser treatments or a general family dentist to help prioritize your oral health, the team at Willow Springs Dental has your back. Give us a call at (702)867-2745 or schedule an appointment today!