How do I know if Laser Dentistry is right for me?        

We are committed to your health at Whole Dental Wellness and work to provide all of the latest technology available. Once you receive a complete dental exam and consultation, our specialist-led team of Birmingham and Roseville dentists can determine if laser dentistry is your best option.

Ask your dentist if laser dentistry is an option for you. Laser dentistry has been in use since 1994 and is FDA-approved for surgical and dental procedures. The laser is used as a cutting tool or can reshape and remove gum tissue, or used as a heat source in teeth-whitening procedures. It is important to note that lasers cannot be used on teeth that already contain a filling.

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What is Laser Dentistry?      

Laser dentistry is an FDA-approved dental option which is used to treat various dental concerns and offers patients less pain during procedures with a reduction in recovery time.

Using a laser instead of traditional dental tools minimizes the need for sutures, promotes blood coagulation, and stimulates healing within the gums. Our specialist-led Birmingham dental team uses two types of lasers:

Hard Tissue Laser          

Hard tissue laser dentistry procedures include:

           
• Preparing teeth for dental fillings.
           
• Locating early formation of cavities by finding evidence of tooth decay.
           
• Sealing teeth and treating tooth sensitivity by targeting the tubules on the tooth’s root.
         

Hard tissue lasers focus on treating the teeth, whereas soft tissue lasers treat gum-related issues.

Soft Tissue Lasers          

Soft tissue lasers are designed to kill bacteria and stimulate tissue growth. Often used to treat periodontitis, soft tissue lasers penetrate tissue while sealing nerve endings and blood vessels. Soft tissue lasers absorb through water and hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells. Soft tissue laser dentistry procedures include:

           
• Reshaping gum tissue for "gummy smile" dental concerns.
           
• Relieves the pain or irritation from ill-fitting dentures by removing soft tissue folds for a better fit.
           
• Lengthening the crown by reshaping both the gum tissue and bone structure to prepare the tooth for a restorative device, such as a veneer or bonding.
           
• Laser frenectomy procedure minimizes the frenulum (fold under the tongue attached to the mouth's floor). The procedure is often used for children to help with speech issues or for babies with breastfeeding issues.
         

Laser Dentistry Procedure      

Your laser dentistry procedure is designed to apply a direct beam of light to treat your dental issue.

Unlike traditional dental tools, you won’t hear a dental drill or feel a scraping sensation. Your treatment may take from ten minutes to a few hours, depending on the procedure. At our Birmingham location, our patients can receive the following laser dentistry treatments:

LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure)          

LANAP is a small laser that eliminates bacteria beneath the gum line to protect your teeth and restore bone loss.

LAPIP (Laser-Assisted Peri-implantitis Procedure)          

The LAPIP procedure destroys bacteria that are built up under the gumline around dental implants. If left untreated, the bacteria would cause issues with bone density. The LAPIP procedure reduces inflammation in the gums and protects the surrounding bone and gums around the dental implant. The laser treatments are effective in treating periodontitis because it destroys bacteria and activates new growth of tissue.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry        

Laser dentistry is FDA-approved to treat multiple dental conditions. During your consultation, your dentist will assess your dental issue and explain your options with laser dentistry. In addition to being painless, laser dentistry offers many benefits, such as:

           
• Faster healing
           
• Reduction in sutures
           
• Reduction in infection
           
• Reduction in bleeding
           
• No anesthesia is needed (depending on the procedure)
         

Laser Dentistry Recovery & Results        

Depending on the type of procedure, recovery from laser dentistry often takes less time than traditional treatments.

It is recommended that you eat only soft foods for the next 7 to 10 days to avoid inflammation of the gums. It is essential you follow any post-operative instructions to ensure optimal healing.

Schedule Your Laser Dentistry Consultation With Whole Dental Wellness Today.        

Our goal is to provide you and your family excellent oral care, and the best laser dentistry Birmingham and Roseville can offer. Routine office visits, regular cleanings, and keeping oral disease and gum inflammation in check is paramount to your overall health. We care about treating the whole person, hence our name Whole Dental Wellness. Visit us in our Birmingham or Roseville location and receive the dental care you need. Call for a consultation or appointment today.

Laser Dentistry  FAQs

Will it hurt?                            

Most patients say their laser dentistry procedure was painless.

What are the risks?                            

Complications with laser dentistry are rare, but some risks include damage to your gums, teeth surface, and mouth. Infections are rare, but there is a risk. It is crucial to have only a specialist dentist perform laser dentistry because using the incorrect wavelength level could cause damage to your gums.

How much does it cost?                            

Laser dentistry costs will vary and depend on the type of treatment received. Laser treatments are more cost-effective than traditional dental treatments because there are fewer repeated sessions needed.        

Does my insurance cover it?                            

Our dental staff will work with your insurance provider to obtain coverage for your procedure. If there is a difference between what is covered and the remaining balance, you will have all of the information prior to your treatment.