Laser Dentistry

Dental lasers at Smilex

Dental Lasers

Research suggests that the use of lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP)may improve the effectiveness of this procedure. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical therapy used to treat periodontal diseases. Dental laser treatment during periodontal therapy can lead to less bleeding, swelling and discomfort to the patient during surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • May cause less pain in some instances, so reduces the need for anesthesia.
  • May reduce anxiety in patients uncomfortable with the use of the dental drill.
  • Minimize bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments.
  • May preserve more healthy tooth during cavity removal.

  • Tooth decay: Lasers are used to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for receipt of the filling. Lasers are also used to “cure” or harden a filling.
  • Gum disease: Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria during root canal procedures.
  • Biopsy or lesion removal: Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer. Lasers are also used to remove lesions in the mouth and relieve the pain.
  • Teeth whitening: Lasers are used to speed up in-office teeth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching solution, applied to the tooth surface, is ”activated” by laser energy, which speeds up the whitening process.