Five Laser Dentistry Treatments That You Have Not Heard About

Laser dentistry is gaining popularity as a treatment for gum disease, but there are several other highly useful purposes for this technology. Not only is it versatile, but it is less painful, safer, and there are fewer risks involved than when compared with more traditional surgical methods. Healing times are also often accelerated due to the less invasive nature of the procedures. Here are five treatments that are more easily performed by lasers than scalpels.

Tongue Tied

More commonly used as an expression for someone who can’t seem to find the words to speak, it actually has a basis in medicine. A person who is literally tongue tied has a short or tightened oral tissue called the lingual frenulum. Doctors call it ankyloglossia, and in severe cases it can make eating, speaking, and manipulating the tongue difficult. While some individuals can learn to work around this problem, others find the inconveniences too great to overcome. Laser dentistry can be used to shorten the membrane, thus freeing the tongue and allowing for greater movement, meaning having ice cream or a pleasant kiss is no longer an obstacle.

Gummy Smile

Beauty has a basis in mathematics, which is clearly reflected within the ideal aesthetics of the smile. The ratio of visible gum line to teeth when the lips are drawn upwards should be minimal. Even a few extra millimeters can result in a dreaded gummy or horsey smile. In some cases the gums have simply overgrown, but it can also be a genetic trait. Laser dentistry can help reshape and remove excess visible tissue to even out and balance the smile. A toothier grin is considered more youthful and won’t distract from other facial features.

Cold Sores

Some people suffer from chronic cold sores that cause a painful and highly visible blister to emerge on the corner of the mouth. If treated with topical and over-the-counter medications, cold sores can take over two weeks to heal completely. In addition to being used on cankers within the mouth, laser dentistry can also provide pain relief and expedited healing of exterior cold sores. Following treatment, the lesion should disappear within two to three days.

Sensitive Teeth

Regardless of age or health, tooth sensitivity can strike almost anyone, and it can make once enjoyable activities induce misery. Sensations such as hot, cold, sweet, and dry can cause mild to intense pain, making consuming certain food and drinks difficult or impossible. Toothpaste geared for sensitivity can help in the short term, but lasers can help permanently seal the exposed tubules that are at the root of the problem, relieving pain once and for all.

Tumors

Sometimes benign tumors will develop within the oral cavity. While non-threatening, their position can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty maintaining hygiene, eating, or speaking properly. Lasers are a better option than surgery due to lack of incisions, stitches, and bleeding. Tumors can be zapped away with little trace of the procedure left behind. In many cases, local anesthesia is not even required.