5 Benefits of Non-Invasive Laser Surgery

While a visit to the dentist likely tops few people’s “fun to do” lists, some procedures can shake the hardiest souls, usually when there are needles, drills, and cutting involved. Contemporary dental technology, though, harnesses the power of laser energy to eliminate many of the traditional techniques that cause both physical and mental discomfort.

The dentists at Livonia Family Smiles recommend Biolase® dental laser systems, their non-invasive choice for patients needing dental surgery. Biolase has applications in procedures and treatments such as:

• Crown lengthening
• Periodontal surgery
• Restorative dentistry
• Dental implants

In fact, there are plenty of conventional dental treatments that benefit from an assist with the Biolase system. Here are five key benefits you may soon enjoy.

1.Treating gum disease

One of the challenges of treating gum disease is the aggressive way bacteria burrow into spaces between teeth and gums, setting up pockets that are perfect bacterial breeding grounds, which is bad news for your oral health. Once gum disease takes hold, it can be difficult to destroy.

Periodontal surgery, necessary for advanced cases, requires cutting the gums to access the pockets of bacteria below the gumline. Open flap techniques allow access to dental tools for cleaning, but they require stitches to close. Through and after the procedure, you experience bleeding, bruising, and swelling.

Biolase systems create a minimally invasive treatment protocol without incisions and stitches. The narrow probe penetrates below the gumline and clears away bacteria and calculus, the food source that supports bacterial growth.

2. Reduced discomfort

As well as shorter recovery times due to less procedural damage to gum tissue, Biolase treatments often require less in the way of anesthetics. Open flap gum surgery often requires general anesthesia, while the laser approach typically needs only local numbing. There’s less need for post-procedure observation, and you may even be able to drive yourself home. The best part is that you’ll feel less pain both during and after your treatment.

3. Lower infection risk

Skipping the incisions for traditional gum surgery reduces the risk of infection, a common complication for any surgical procedure. A natural side effect of using dental lasers is the sterilizing ability of light energy, so you’re at less risk of post-procedure infection. In fact, dental lasers can play a role in aiding the cleaning and debridement steps in root canals, a testament to the versatility of lasers.

4. Patient safety

Traditional oral surgery techniques are sometimes at odds with other medical conditions. Certain electrosurgery techniques may interfere with pacemaker operation, for example. Dental lasers have no electromagnetic field, and they don’t create much heat, so they’re safe for use around dental implants and braces.

5. No vibration

If the sound and feel of mechanical dental drills have you grabbing the arms of your chair even when you’re completely numb, you’ll be happy to know that dental lasers create neither of these effects. Some procedures don’t even require anesthetics.

Laser dental surgery is a game-changer. Call Livonia Family Smiles at 734-203-0335 today to learn more about what Biolase can offer you, or schedule a consultation online.