A No-Frills (and No-Drills) Rundown of Laser Dentistry

Lasers aren’t just for blasting stormtroopers. With advanced technologies, lasers work wonders in healthcare — including at your dentist’s office. 

So, what are the pros and cons of laser dentistry? More importantly, how does laser dentistry work and is it better than traditional methods? We’ll guide you through the basics. You might find yourself seeking dental laser treatment at your next appointment.

[Related: 3 Tips To Track, Reschedule and Cancel Your Dentist Appointment With Finesse]

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry involves using clinical lasers to perform a variety of oral and dental procedures. In a dental laser, super-concentrated light energy acts as a substitute for scalpels and drills. In fact, advanced procedures like gum depigmentation (also known as gum bleaching or whitening) offer a precise cosmetic solution for hyperpigmented gums.

While over-the-counter products like teeth whitening gum can offer mild surface results, laser treatments provide more targeted and long-lasting whitening effects for both teeth and gum tissue.

A dental laser system may be for:

• Soft tissue lasers treat the gums, cheeks, palate and tongue
• Hard tissue lasers treat teeth and bone.

Both types of dental lasers can whiten your gums and teeth.

For the curious, “laser” stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” The word’s become so ingrained in our vocabulary that it’s easy to forget it’s an acronym.

Note. If you’ve ever wondered, “how does laser dentistry work?” the answer is simple: the laser energy replaces drills and scalpels to cut, clean, and disinfect with incredible precision. Check Healthline‘s smart summary.

[Related: Gum Bleaching, Whitening and Lightening: What You Need To Know]

The Pros and Cons of Laser Dentistry

Here’s what you need to know about a laser used in dentistry. You can better determine whether its advantages outweigh its disadvantages in your unique situation.

Pros of Dental Laser Treatment

Using a laser on teeth and gums offers distinct benefits over using drills and scalpels.

1. Less Anxiety and Pain

When the whir of a drill makes you anxious, laser dentistry is a godsend. Dental lasers are quiet, and that can ease stress in any patient — adults and children alike. 

You’re also far less likely to feel discomfort during treatment. You generally don’t need anesthesia. 

But does laser dentistry hurt? The consensus is that it’s mostly painless. Your dentist can administer anesthesia if necessary, and you may take over-the-counter medication for soreness after your procedure. 

[Related: Get Over the Hurdles That Keep You From Seeing Your Dentist]

2. Faster Healing

Laser treatments are much less invasive than traditional treatments, so stitches and scalpel incisions are out of the picture. In turn, that noninvasiveness decreases your risk of bacterial infection.

Faster healing is especially apt in the treatment of soft tissues, like a gingivectomy for gum disease and pocket reduction surgery. Laser dentistry for cavities is swifter and more sterile than drills for fillings, which also leads to shorter recovery times.

[Related: How To Deal With Minor and Major Tooth Pain]

3. Reduced Bleeding and Swelling

Dental lasers cauterize blood vessels as they cut, immediately decreasing bleeding. You also experience less swelling before and after treatment because your dentist doesn’t make scalpel incisions during your procedure. 

That mechanism makes dental laser treatment an excellent choice for periodontal surgery, gum biopsy and other soft tissue surgery. Vaporizing mouth sores (like cold sores) is yet another low-swelling, low-bleeding use for dental lasers.

[Related: How To Treat a Swollen Gum Around One Tooth]

4. Greater Accuracy

A dental laser light is extremely effective at targeting areas with pinpoint precision. Its concentrated power helps your dentist better control where they cut, disinfect and shape gum tissue and bone. 

This accuracy also lets your dentist meticulously disinfect around root canals and dental implants. Additionally, laser dental cleaning and gum whitening procedures are more focused and effective. It’s one of the biggest advantages of laser dentistry compared to traditional tools.

[Related: Stop Suffering From Recurring Swollen Gums]

Cons of Dental Laser Treatment

Like all medical tools, laser dentistry has a couple disadvantages.

1. Treatment Limitations

Although the uses of laser in dentistry are many and varied, your dentist can’t opt for one under a few conditions:

• Advanced tooth decay 
• Teeth with preexisting fillings
• Interdental cavities (cavities between teeth)
• Damaged bridge or crown removal

These circumstances still need standard treatments, although a trusted clinical dental practice always ensures you’re as comfortable as possible.

Note. Are you looking for that trusted dental practice? Check out our testimonials.

[Related: The Dental Implant Process, Step by Step]

2. Higher Expense

The plain fact is that laser dentistry is pricier than traditional dentistry. 

A dental drill is cheaper than a state-of-the-art dental laser — a single laser can cost $100,000. Part of that cost contributes to your service payment. 

Note. Cascadia Dental offers payment options for our services, including laser dental treatments. Your dental insurance may cover laser treatment, too (ask your provider).

[Related: How Much Is a Root Canal?]

Is Laser Dentistry Better?

So, is laser dentistry better than traditional treatment? In many cases, yes — especially if you value less pain, faster recovery, and greater precision. But it may not be the best solution for every dental condition.

That’s why it’s essential to consult with a trusted expert who can explain whether the benefits of laser dentistry apply to your specific needs.

Find Expert Laser Dentistry at Cascadia Dental

At Cascadia Dental Specialists in Bellevue, WA, we’re proud to offer an array of advanced dental laser treatments. Our technology of choice is the DEKA CO2 laser, which gives our highly trained doctors astounding accuracy and versatility in both cosmetic and restorative dental procedures.

Contact us to ask about our laser treatment services, or book an appointment today.

Discover how the advantages of laser dentistry can make your next visit more comfortable and effective.

Featured image via Freepik