Laser Dentistry
Portland, OR
 Learn About Our Laser Dentistry Services
Dentistry has been around for a long time, since the early civilization, and has been instrumental in helping to greatly improve oral health. Conventional dentistry techniques of using needles, scalpels, drills, and other invasive techniques are, not very comfortable and can be painful during and after a dental procedure. This tends to make many people anxious about dental visits, and it can even cause fear in young kids. Luckily, there is an alternative solution in the form of laser dentistry, a modern approach that is less invasive. At Portland City Dental we offer several advanced dental solutions, including laser dentistry services. Read on to find out more about these services.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry involves the use of laser light, an intense beam of focused light energy that is directed towards the tissues of the oral cavity. The beam reacts when it hits the tissues, allowing for the alteration of the tissue depending on the treatment being offered. Asides from dentistry, laser technology is used in several other medical applications, for example, laser surgery as opposed to traditional surgical procedures.
How Is the Laser Technology Used in Dentistry?
Laser technology can be used in several ways when it comes to dentistry. Below is a look at some of its applications:
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Hard tissue treatments. Laser light beam is intense enough to cut through hard tissues such as bone. As a result, it is used in dental treatment focusing on the hard tissues of the oral cavity, specifically the teeth. The laser beam can be focused on the teeth and used to cut away small amounts of the tooth surface. It can thus be used when treating dental cavities or preparing a damaged tooth for dental fillings.
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Soft tissue treatments. Laser light cut into soft tissues with minimal invasiveness and bleeding due to the flesh being cauterized by the light energy. Therefore, laser technology is applied in various dental procedures such as gum tissue grafting, gum lift procedure, pocket reduction surgery, treatment of cold sores, removal of abscess, biopsy procedures, removal of cysts and lesions, and other soft tissue surgical procedures.
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Light-activated treatment. Aside from cutting into hard and soft tissues, laser technology is used in dentistry for light activation purposes. Examples include light activation of teeth whitening agents and dental bonding materials. |
Advantages of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry offers several advantages over conventional dentistry:
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Minimal invasiveness. The laser only targets the specific part of the tissue that needs treating. This helps to preserve as much of the undamaged tissues as possible.
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Reduced bleeding. In the case of soft tissues, the wounds are cauterized instantly by the laser energy, thus sealing the blood vessels. This helps to reduce or completely stop the bleeding.
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Less or no pain. With minimal invasiveness and little or no bleeding, laser procedures are very comfortable and involve very little if any pain.
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Accelerated healing. The minimal invasion and cauterization of the wounds help to accelerate the healing process. There are also minimal side effects during the recovery period after a laser (surgery) procedure, with minimal or no bruising, swelling, irritation of the tissues, or redness. |
Laser dentistry is a convenient solution for a wide range of dental problems you may be facing. If you want to learn more about it, call us, Portland City Dental, at (503) 256-7917 today. |
