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Laser dentistry is a gentle alternative to traditional oral surgery or tooth removal. It’s especially effective for patients who have fears about the dentist or need to undergo minor procedures that won’t require stitches afterward. When a patient has cavities or other dental issues that can be treated with lasers, we’ll often recommend this option over traditional drill-based treatment because it’s less traumatic and more comfortable for the patient.

The dentist first administers an anesthetic to numb the gums and minimize pain during the procedure. Then, we remove the diseased part of the tooth with an ultra-thin fiber-optic wand. The entire process is completely pain-free and blood-free, which means no sutures are needed to treat the area after the procedure. We may recommend sedation to help you feel more comfortable throughout the procedure. Afterward, patients can return to work right away and avoid a long recovery period with swelling and bleeding control.

What Kinds of Dental Problems Can it Treat?

Here are some of the most common reasons patients choose laser dentistry over traditional treatments.

Tooth decay

This is one of the most common reasons for needing fillings or restorations. Lasers can drill away the decayed portions of a tooth to prepare it for filling material. Instead of requiring a local anesthetic and drilling away healthy parts of the tooth, laser treatments leave all portions of the tooth intact, so you don’t have to worry about sensitivity and pain like you might with more traditional treatment.

Gum disease

Untreated gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and other serious health problems, which is why it’s so important to seek treatment for it as soon as possible. With laser treatment, we can help reduce bacteria and plaque buildup in your gums without causing unnecessary discomfort. We can also kill bacteria that is hiding in pockets between your teeth and under your gum line to keep it from spreading further.

Pain management

Many people also turn to lasers to manage pain caused by TMJ disorders, abscessed teeth, or other painful conditions. We can use the laser to numb the area being treated to provide immediate relief. This is often more comfortable for patients than other forms of pain management because it doesn’t involve needles or injections. Instead, we use a small handheld tool to direct laser energy at problem areas to instantly reduce pain and swelling.

These are just a few examples of how we can use lasers to help our patients improve the health of their smile. During a consultation at our office, we can talk with you about the other procedures that laser technology can benefit from so we can recommend the best treatment options based on your specific goals and dental health needs.

Rivermark Dental at Santa Clara is happy to educate and provide exceptional dental treatments to the community. Please schedule an appointment online or call us at 408-988-7788 to have a consultation with our dentist in Santa Clara, and we will be happy to assist you further.