When was the last time you went to the dentist? Can you say that you take pretty good care of your teeth, or would you have to admit that you could do better in that department? If you’re like most people, you likely could do better when it comes to your oral health, and the reason many people allow their dental health to suffer is that they have a fear of the dentist, also known as dentophobia. This notorious fear of the dentist stems from many things, but for most adults, it stems from having a bad past experience at the dentist.
The Cleveland Clinic reports that approximately 36% of persons in the United States have a fear of dental treatment, with 12% having a severe phobia of getting dental care. It’s estimated that approximately 3% of adults in developed countries suffer from dentophobia, which causes them to avoid going to the dentist altogether.
Women are more likely than men to experience anxiety when seeing the dentist. According to the findings of several studies, dentophobia affects approximately 3% of males and approximately 5% of women.
The good news is that if you consider yourself as someone who suffers from dentophobia, there has been several advancements in technology in the world of dentistry, and the specific fears you had of the dentist may have been resolved since you last went, especially in terms of pain.
If you haven’t heard of laser dentistry, then you’re in for a treat! Smile Dental Group offers laser dentistry in Palmdale & Lancaster, CA.
What is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is the use of lasers to conduct dental procedures that previously required metal instruments, such as drills. As expected, this method provides a more comfortable treatment choice for a variety of ailments.
How does laser dentistry work? Your dentist will use laser equipment to generate a concentrated and narrow beam of light energy. When this light strikes the hard or soft tissue of your teeth, a certain reaction occurs. This gives your dentist the ability to remove or reshape the tissue as necessary.
There are two types of laser dentistry: hard tissue and soft tissue. Let’s take a closer look at what these two types of laser dentistry focuses on and the types of treatments they’re used for
Hard Tissue Laser Dentistry:
- Tooth sensitivity improvements
- Dental fillings
- Tooth preparations
- Tooth sensitivity improvements
Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry:
- Correcting tongue frenulum attachment (tongue tie)
- Gum surgery
- Muscle attachment improvements
- Gum reshaping
- Removing soft tissue folds (from ill-fitting dentures)
Now that you know what laser dentistry is and what dental issues it treats, it is now time to look at how it has not only revolutionized the world of dentistry, but it has transformed the patient experience. Here’s how laser dentistry helps patients have a better dental visit, especially when suffering from a vere fear of the dentist.
1. Fewer Surgical Sutures
Using a laser will encourage the blood in your tissue to coagulate on its own. As a result, the requirement for dental sutures is diminished. This is good news for everyone who has ever had to cope with these bulky, frequently painful, dissolvable stitches. In addition to saving you money and reducing your discomfort, eliminating the use of sutures shortens your treatment time and expedites your recovery.
2. Lower Infection Risk
Traditional metal dental instruments can cause minor abrasions in the gums during cleanings, fillings, and other dental treatments. The resulting microscopic open wound can raise the risk of infection. Laser dentistry does not irritate your hard or soft tissue in the same manner as conventional methods. Instead, they sanitize the specific area they are concentrating on. This eliminates the majority of microorganisms in the area. As a result, the risk of infection is reduced.
3. Reduced Discomfort
While your dentist will make every effort to ensure that your visit is as painless as possible, certain procedures may cause you some discomfort. In this regard, laser dentistry truly shines. Without the use of sharp, abrasive dental instruments, your treatment will be considerably more comfortable. In fact, you might not need any anesthetic at all!
4. Quieter Procedures
Many people worldwide suffer from some sort of dental phobia, according to research. This dread is frequently evoked by the familiar humming of the dreaded drill. These patients will be especially pleased with laser dentistry’s gentleness and quietness. Instead of vibrating plaque off of your teeth, the laser will instantly evaporate it, all without the pain or noise associated with conventional treatments.
5. Incredible Accuracy
One key advantage of using a laser to manage your dental issues? There is a greatly reduced danger of causing damage to the surrounding tissues. This is due to the extreme precision of these procedures. In addition to reducing your discomfort, this guarantees that the surrounding tissue remains undisturbed.
6. Ideal for Individuals with Sensitive Teeth
Are you particularly sensitive to even the most fundamental and normal dental procedures? Approximately 1 in 8 adults have sensitive teeth. Some people’s teeth are so sensitive that it actually hurts to brush them! In this case, laser dentistry is essential. Not only does it alleviate pain for all patients, but it is especially useful for people with high dental sensitivity.
7. Reduced Bleeding
After a soft tissue dental procedure, you do not have to experience bleeding, inflamed gums. Instead of dreading an upcoming gum procedure, inquire about laser dentistry with your doctor. The laser will stimulate blood clotting and significantly lessen the amount of bleeding you feel following the surgery.
8. Speedier Healing and Recovery
Traditional dental instruments are efficient, but some can lengthen the healing process. In contrast, laser dentistry accelerates the healing process, allowing you to return to your normal life sooner and with less pain than you may expect.
Turn to Smile Dental Group
Whether you undergo laser gum surgery or work on hard tissue, you can anticipate a simpler operation and a quicker recovery period. Laser dentistry is a convenient treatment for many oral and dental issues, whether they are of a serious or cosmetic character. Contact Smile Dental Group for laser dentistry in Palmdale & Lancaster, CA the next time you need dental work.