Brushing and flossing are a major part of cavity prevention, but cleaning the surfaces of your teeth is only part of the plan. Laser dentistry is an incredible advancement in the field that allows Dr. Ania to use diode laser energy to deep clean and remove gum tissue that has been diseased by bacteria. Laser dentistry is just one way we use technology to improve results for our patients, and to make treatments safer and more comfortable.
How Lasers Work
Soft tissue lasers (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) use pulsed beams of concentrated energy that help Dr. Ania accomplish her gum enhancement goals. The laser performs two primary functions: laser decontamination (cleaning) and laser therapy (vaporization of diseased tissue). The first mode is used even on healthy patients to reduce bacteria, while laser therapy is most often used on patients with periodontal disease.
Remember that even the healthiest patients have millions of bacteria present at any given time.
Use of the incredible soft tissue laser results in dramatic bacteria reduction previously not possible with handheld instruments. Lasers also helps keep bacteria from settling, a benefit called “delayed recolonization.” This means that after bacteria removal, your gums have more of a chance to heal because the tissue is not as vulnerable to new bacteria settling in.
Uses of the Soft Tissue Laser
Dr. Ania often applies the use of lasers in her dentistry practice to offer a speedy and more pain-free treatment for certain procedures, and for treatment that may not have been possible in the past. Dr. Ania can treat unsightly cold sores with low intensity dental lasers that reduce irritation and minimize healing time. These lasers are also used to detect and treat cavities, enhance a smile by reshaping the patients gums, eliminate benign tumors, whiten teeth and more.
Dr. Ania uses lasers in her practice for:
- • Deep cleaning of gingival pockets (laser decontamination)
- • Diseased tissue removal (laser-assisted periodontal therapy)
- • Sterilization of root canals
- • Gum recontouring (reshaping the gums for cosmetic purposes)
- • Crown lengthening
- • Dental implant exposure
- • Cold sore treatment
- • Laser tooth whitening
Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Dentistry?
The ideal candidates for laser dental procedures are people who are in good health and looking to improve the appearance of their smile, gums, crowns, and teeth. Laser dentistry may also target deep cleaning, so it’s important that candidates do not have gum disease or active infections.
Laser treatment will not work on people who have deep cavities in their teeth or those who have fillings. Because there are so many factors to consider for eligibility for laser dentistry, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Ania Mohelicki is the first step toward your new and improved smile.
Dr. Mohelicki draws from her expertise of over 20 years in practice to provide both high-quality dental care and in-depth consultations to consider each patient’s dental history, needs, and goals. Consulting with her will help determine if you are a candidate for laser dentistry.
Click here to schedule your first consultation.
Are There Any Side Effects of Laser Dentistry?
Although laser dentistry is a safe method of achieving a brighter, more radiant smile, there are a few side effects that patients may experience following their treatment. This can include the following:
- • Burning or itching sensation after treatment
- • Inflammation or swelling of the gums
- • Soreness or tenderness from open-mouth wounds
- • Increased tooth sensitivity
- • Soreness in the jaw
After two to seven days, most of these side effects will subside. By following the proper aftercare guidelines as recommended by Dr. Mohelicki during your recovery, many of these side effects will disappear on their own without complication.
Do I Need to Avoid Certain Foods After My Laser Dentistry Treatment?
Because we use our mouths daily, it is easy for the results from laser dentistry to become eroded or damaged from everyday eating and drinking. Without the proper care, a patient’s eating and drinking habits can quickly undo the results of your laser dental treatment. While each patient’s recovery process following their procedure will vary, in general, most patients are encouraged to avoid the following foods and drinks to prevent damaging their laser dental treatment results:
- • Hard foods such as raw apples or hard candies
- • Crunchy food such as peanut brittle or chips
- • Chewy foods such as gum or caramel
- • Alcohol and spicy foods for the first 48 hours after treatment
- • Limit caffeine
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
The benefits of choosing laser dentistry over handheld instruments include extreme precision, which allows Dr. Ania to remove only diseased tissue without disturbing surrounding tissue. Laser treatment is also notorious for quick healing due to the laser’s ability to instantaneously seal the blood vessels. Light energy sessions usually do not cause bleeding and patients can return to their normal activities immediately.
Schedule Your Laser Dentistry Consultation in Boulder Today!
Please contact Dr. Ania today to schedule your semi-annual teeth cleaning and see for yourself how dental lasers make a difference. Our practice serves Boulder, CO and the surrounding areas. To find out if you are a candidate for our laser dentistry service, call (303) 443-0998 today.