Laser Dentistry in Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, Main Line, and Ardmore, Pennsylvania Cosmetic Dentistry.
Lasers have become more and more common in surgical and other medical applications and recently have become more commonly used in dentistry as well. The flexibility of laser technology allows laser dentistry to be less invasive, more comfortable and often less stressful for patients. Dr. Marshall uses the latest technology in hard and soft tissue dental laser systems, the Lightwalker Laser.
Cosmetic dentist Lindsey Marshall, DMD … Click to go to the page of Dr Lindsey Marshall … , provides laser dentistry services to patients throughout the Philadelphia area, giving her patients the best and most up-to-date dental care available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your common questions answered by the experts.
- How Are Lasers Used to Remove Tooth Decay?Dental lasers have been developed to target both hard and soft tissues in the mouth. Teeth are considered hard tissue. Using a particular laser, Dr. Marshall can deliver specific wavelengths of light that destroy bacteria on contact while also carefully removing enamel that has been softened by decay. The process is fast and can often be done without anesthetic.
- Who Is a Candidate for Laser Dentistry?Lasers are appropriate for many common dental procedures. Because laser devices are not heat-based and do not create pressure or vibration on a tooth or the gums, most people can be good candidates for laser procedures. Lasers allow the dentist to be more conservative with tissue removal. They allow patients to feel more comfortable and at ease during visits because there is no sound or sensation from the small device.
People who need soft tissue treatment for gum disease or gum reshaping may be great candidates for laser dentistry. This service can also be advantageous for early cavity detection, resulting in a decreased need for large dental fillings.
- How Is Laser Dentistry Used for Teeth Whitening Treatments?Laser teeth whitening is a professional treatment that is overseen by a dentist to achieve beautiful, uniform results. The process is similar to standard teeth whitening in that it involves the application of a medical-grade peroxide to the front of teeth. After the dentist applies this whitening solution, laser light is used to activate the gel and accelerate stain lifting. Laser teeth whitening takes about an hour and achieves dramatic improvement in a single session.
- How Is Laser Dentistry Used to Prepare Teeth for Fillings?The Lightwalker Laser can be used to remove decay from teeth and create the ideal circumstances for a tooth-colored filling to bond to the prepared area. The light from the laser device vaporizes tissue quickly and painlessly, minimizing the amount of enamel that is removed before the filling is placed. Less tissue removal means smaller fillings!
- What Are the Disadvantages of Laser Dentistry?There are few disadvantages to laser dentistry considering they have such significant benefits in the area of comfort and conservativeness. Some that patients should be aware of include:
- Lasers may not be used to remove amalgam fillings.
- It may not be possible to use lasers to repair cavities in between teeth or around old fillings.
- Lasers may not be suitable for crown or bridge preparation due to the amount of reduction that is necessary.
- Using a laser device may not eliminate the need for dental drilling in some instances.
- Some patients or procedures may need anesthetic injections, though this is typically minimal.
- Laser dentistry may cost more than conventional techniques but is gentler and more precise.
- Is Laser Dentistry Painful?Laser dental devices do not generate vibration, heat, or pressure, which makes many treatments much easier and more comfortable. Dr. Marshall administers a local anesthetic before many laser procedures, just as she would for conventional techniques, but there is often less need for this. Fewer injections and, in some instances, no injections at all! Patient comfort is a high priority in our office regardless of the extent of care a patient is receiving. We offer several options to make your visit as comfortable as can be.
- Regina J.
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