Laser dentistry is the future of dental treatments and is far ahead of most traditional cleaning methods. The experience is painless and causes almost no swelling. These are just some of the benefits that make laser cleaning worth it.
Laser teeth cleaning causes little to no swelling or bleeding like traditional cleaning does, and the lasers are able to stop any bleeding that does occur. This also means that there’s no need to use anesthesia. However, if you have fillings, you can’t do laser teeth cleaning.
Laser treatment can also be expensive due to the high-powered lasers being used. This is another point to keep in mind before moving forward with this option. That said, there are some great reasons to opt for this method of teeth cleaning. Let’s look at the pros and cons in a little more detail so you can make an informed decision!
How Dental Lasers Work
Lasers have been in use in the dental industry for a while now. However, they’ve recently been implemented in teeth cleaning specifically.
Advanced lasers project powerful beams of light which then help to break down any plaque and unwanted materials. What’s more, these lasers have also been shown to work against gum disease and tooth decay.
However, dental lasers even go a step further. They can also sterilize and seal blood vessels to help reduce bleeding and infections.
Laser teeth cleaning is also painless, which means that typically no local anesthesia is administered. Dental lasers have proved to be far more efficient than other methods when it comes to removing debris and overall cleaning.
The laser beams used are incredibly precise and can be directed to specific areas for removing debris. This incredible level of precision enables perfect cleansing, without bothering surrounding areas of the gum or teeth.
These factors make the entire process painless, convenient, and efficient. This is all possible because of the incredible accuracy and strength of the laser beams.
Pros and Cons of Laser Dentistry
While laser dentistry may be an incredible addition in the field, like any other technology, it comes with its own sets of pros and cons. Here are some:
Pros:
- Laser cleaning is less painful than other methods of cleaning.
- Lasers also cause significantly less bleeding during the procedure, saving the patient from blood loss.
- Dental lasers prevent swelling more than conventional methods and tools do. Should there be any swelling, it’s very minor.
- Dentists can be much more precise with their work when it comes to lasers, ensuring an overall better experience.
- The recovery periods are a lot shorter than they are with conventional methods, saving time and inconvenience.
- When compared to traditional methods and tools, lasers are a lot less invasive.
Cons:
- If you have fillings in your teeth, lasers are not an option. Laser cleaning cannot be performed on teeth with fillings.
- Lasers cannot be used on any interdental cavities.
- Dental lasers can only treat so much tooth decay, and they can’t handle excessive amounts of it.
- Lasers cannot be used to remove any damaged restorations, including bridges or crowns.
Is Laser Dentistry Expensive?
When compared to traditional ways of cleaning, laser cleaning can indeed come across as more expensive. The higher prices are usually due to the more expensive equipment that’s used, such as the high-powered laser itself.
While a traditional dental drill can cost around $1,000, a dental laser starts at around $6,000 and can go up to $100,000. However, with its non-invasive procedure, precision, and lack of bleeding, it’s definitely worth it.
Is Laser Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
In most cases, it will be covered because although laser cleaning is different than traditional dental cleaning methods, it still falls under “dental care.” Therefore, whether you use lasers or traditional methods, they should all be covered.
However, just to be sure, you can always double check with your insurance company.
Is Laser Dentistry Painful?
Absolutely not! Lack of pain is one of the main advantages of getting a laser treatment, as compared to traditional drilling methods. You don’t even hear any sounds which might scare you or feel any vibrations.
Dental lasers are painless to the point that most of the producers don’t even require anesthesia.
