Laser Dentistry Orange County, Anaheim, Laguna Woods & Mission Viejo
Laser Dentistry
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry works by delivering energy in the form of light. The laser instrument acts as a cutting tool or a vaporizer of tissue. It is also used to “cure” or harden composite fillings. When used in teeth- whitening procedures, the laser acts as a heat source and enhances the effect of tooth-bleaching agents.
At 7 Day Dental, we use a type of laser designed specifically for oral surgery and other dental procedures.
Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1994 to treat a number of dental problems. Some of the uses include:
Tooth decay: Lasers are used to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for receipt of the filling. Lasers are also used to “cure” or harden a composite filling.
Gum disease: Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria during root canal procedures. This can eliminate the need for a scalpel.
Biopsy or lesion removal: Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer. Lasers are also used to remove lesions in the mouth and relieve the pain of canker sores.
Teeth whitening: Lasers are used to speed up in-office teeth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching solution, applied to the tooth surface, is ”activated” by laser energy, which speeds up of the whitening process.
Laser Gum Therapy
Laser gum treatment is an alternative to the other non-surgical and surgical gum disease treatments. It uses laser technology to get rid of the harmful bacteria enveloped in the tissues around the teeth. The laser energy is directed from an optical fiber that moves along the gum wall of the pocket. The bacteria are removed, and the laser helps to decontaminate the area. This treatment can usually be completed without the use of anesthesia. In addition, this procedure causes less bleeding and swelling compared to the other treatments, allowing for a quick recovery.
Advantages of laser dentistry over traditional procedures:
- Causes less pain in some instances, reducing the need for anesthesia.
- May reduce anxiety in patients uncomfortable with the use of the dental drill.
- Minimizes bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments.
- May preserve more healthy tooth during cavity removal.
Disadvantages of laser treatments:
- Lasers can’t be used on teeth with fillings already in place.
- Lasers can’t be used in many commonly performed dental procedures. For example, lasers can’t be used to fill cavities located between teeth, around old fillings, and large cavities that need to be prepared for a crown. In addition, lasers cannot be used to remove defective crowns or silver fillings, or prepare teeth for bridges.
- Traditional drills may still be needed to shape the filling, adjust the bite, and polish the filling even when a laser is used.
- While they may reduce the need for anesthesia, lasers do not entirely eliminate it.
- Laser treatment tends to be more expensive because the cost of the instrument is much higher than that of a dental drill, scalpel, or scaling instrumen
FAQs for Baby’s Teeth During Pregnancy
Although baby teeth take a few months to appear, the development starts in the prenatal stage when the baby is still in his mother’s belly. The primary teeth start developing in the second month of pregnancy while the first molars kick development a few weeks later.
It’s important to note that although tooth development starts in prenatal stage, the tooth enamel takes the time to form.
When pregnant women have gum disease, they have a special bacteria residing in their mouth. From there, these bacteria can easily travel to the bloodstream and affect the development of the fetus in the prenatal stage. Sometimes, this could result in premature birth. Baby born in such situation might have low birth weight.
Stress, whether pregnant or not, can cause major issues when it comes to oral health. Many people grind their teeth when they are stressed, which can easily lead to TMJ. It can also cause broken, cracked, or worn tooth.
Additionally, stress can cause mayhem for bacteria (healthy and unhealthy) in the mouth by causing hormonal imbalance in the body.
When a pregnant woman has dental problems, they can affect the baby indirectly, but it cannot infect unborn babies. Poor oral health can cause a plethora of other health issues, which would affect the prenatal development of the baby. It could also result in premature birth and low birth weight.
It’s important that you inform your dentist if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. When you are pregnant, your dentist will take special care while treating your dental problems. You shouldn’t be exposed to x-rays, and other radiations and your dentist will suggest medication after consideration the prenatal development of your baby and your health.
Dental procedures are safe as they don’t cause premature delivery. However, patients with gum disease can often deliver the baby prematurely.
It’s not true. If you don’t consume enough calcium needed for prenatal development of your baby, your body will take out calcium from your bones, not the teeth.
While the primary (baby) teeth start forming during the first month of pregnancy, first permanent teeth (molars) start their initial development during the fifth month of pregnancy. The tooth enamel starts forming later.
Taking additional fluoride supplements during pregnancy will not affect baby’s teeth. To support proper tooth development in the fetus, pregnant women should try to eat a nutrient-rich diet and live a healthy lifestyle. If you want to take supplements, consult with your doctor. Only take supplements when recommended by your doctor.
Breastfeeding plays a vital role in the healthy development of muscle and bones. Babies fed with breast milk usually have a stronger immune system. When it comes to tooth development, breastfeeding doesn’t offer any advantage over the bottle-fed babies.
Prolonged breastfeeding doesn’t cause any oral health issues in babies. It doesn’t give rise to cavities. However, it’s important that mothers clean their baby’s gums with a soft cloth after breastfeeding or bottle-feeding them to remove sugars and discourage bacteria growth.
Dental Emergency?
Emergency Dental Care
"*" indicates required fields
866-989-1335
to serve you.