There’s nothing sexy about gum disease. It can cause chronic bad breath, result in permanent tooth loss and, as current research suggests, lead to an increased risk of other systemic diseases, like arthritis, diabetes, and some cardiovascular diseases. Conventional treatments for gum disease, like surgery and antibiotic therapy, have serious drawbacks but advances in dental technology have yielded a new treatment option: lasers. Lake Orion, MI dentist, Dr. Brad Greenfield, discusses how laser gum therapy is changing the game and helping Americans enjoy better oral health.
read more »
January 8, 2014
Bright Ideas in the Fight Against Gum Disease
August 26, 2013
Your Lake Orion, MI Laser Dentist Explains How Dental Lasers Work
Have you heard about laser dentistry? The use of dental lasers has continued to gain popularity for almost two decades. With an introduction to some dental offices in 1995, laser technology has changed the way dentistry functions. To teach his patients about this handy tool, your Lake Orion, MI laser dentist, Dr. Brad Greenfield, explains how dental lasers function.
How Does Laser Technology Work?
Dental lasers use a form of highly energized light that can provide cleaner, more effective results. For example, gum contouring (or crown lengthening) is a procedure that used to require a scalpel, which made the recovery period much longer and uncomfortable. However, when the procedure is completed with a dental laser, patients can control the discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. Furthermore, within a few days, their smiles have fully recovered. This is due to the lasers ability to remove the excess tissue and seal the gums at the same time.
Furthermore, alongside gum contouring, dentists use lasers for teeth whitening procedures for more brilliant results. For white fillings, a blue curing laser light allows the composite resin to bond more securely to the hard dental tissue. Overall, the dental laser has significantly improved the way dental work is completed.
Uses for Dental Lasers
- Tooth decay removal. Alongside hardening the filling material, lasers can also remove tooth decay. Using a laser is much gentler on the enamel and the decay is removed much faster.
- Gum disease treatments. For the more advanced stages of gum disease, a dentist may have to perform a root canal procedure. Many dentists prefer to use a laser for this treatments because of the increased accuracy.
- Biopsy completion. When patients require oral biopsies to analyze sores for oral cancer, dentists tend to use a laser rather than a scalpel. The laser can remove just the sore without affecting the surrounding tissue. Additionally, should you need canker sore treatment, your Lake Orion, MI laser dentist uses a laser to relieve the associated pain.
Lake Orion Family Dentist Provides Patients with Effective Laser Dentistry
Laser technology has only begun to improve the field of dentistry. If you would like more information on laser dentistry, ask Dr. Greenfield. He can explain which procedures can and can’t utilize dental lasers. At Lake Orion Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves in providing the most effective and convenient dentistry. To schedule an appointment with your Lake Orion, MI laser dentist, call (248) 693-6213. Also, visit our website for services, patient forms, and smile gallery. We happily serve patients in Clarkston, Auburn Hills, Oxford, Lake Orion, and neighboring communities.
