Laser Dentistry Marietta

Laser Dentistry in Marietta & Decatur involves the use of lasers to treat various dental conditions. Introduced for dental procedures involving tooth tissue in 1989, laser dentistry offers a more comfortable alternative for numerous dental treatments involving both hard and soft tissue compared to traditional drills and other non-laser tools.

LASER stands for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.” This instrument generates a concentrated beam of light energy. When this laser light interacts with tissue, it enables the precise removal or shaping of the tissue.

Laser treatments can make dental procedures more efficient, cost-effective, and comfortable. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved laser dentistry for several dental conditions. While the American Dental Association (ADA) has not yet fully endorsed it, they recognize the promising potential of this technology.

Laser dentistry procedures can be categorized into two main types: hard tissue and soft tissue procedures. Hard tissue refers to the teeth, while soft tissue refers to the gums.

Common Hard Tissue Procedures:

• Cavity Detection: Lasers can identify cavities early by detecting signs of tooth decay.
• Tooth Preparations and Dental Fillings: Laser treatments often eliminate the need for local anesthesia and traditional drills. Lasers can also kill bacteria in a cavity, promoting long-term tooth health.
• Treating Tooth Sensitivity: Dental lasers can seal tubules on the tooth’s root, reducing sensitivity to hot and cold.

Common Soft Tissue Procedures:

• Treating a “Gummy Smile”: Lasers reshape gum tissue associated with a “gummy smile,” where gums cover a significant portion of the teeth.
• Crown Lengthening: This procedure reshapes gum tissue and bone to create a healthier tooth structure, aiding in the placement of restorations.
• Treating Tongue Frenulum Attachment: A laser frenectomy can benefit individuals with a thick or tight frenulum, addressing issues like being tongue-tied, breastfeeding difficulties, or speech impediments.
• Removing Soft Tissue Folds: Lasers can remove soft tissue folds from ill-fitting dentures without pain or sutures.

Other Laser Procedures:

• Viewing Tissues: Optical coherence tomography allows for safe visualization inside a tooth or gum tissue.
• Removing Benign Tumors: Lasers can painlessly and suture-free remove tumors from the palate, gums, and the sides of the lips and cheeks.
• Treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Lasers reshape the throat to alleviate breathing problems associated with sleep apnea caused by tissue overgrowth.
• TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Treatment: Lasers help reduce pain and inflammation in the joint.
• Nerve Regeneration: Lasers assist in regenerating damaged blood vessels, nerves, and scars.
• Treating Cold Sores: Lasers can minimize healing time and reduce pain from cold sores.
• Teeth Whitening: Lasers expedite the bleaching process during teeth-whitening sessions.

The cost of Laser Dentistry in Marietta & Decatur varies depending on the procedure and the laser equipment used. Laser treatments may be more cost-effective than non-laser treatments due to fewer sessions being required. Dental insurance typically bases reimbursement on the treatment itself, not the method used. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider for specifics about your coverage.

At Cobb Center for Advanced Dentistry, we are committed to providing advanced, comfortable, and efficient dental care using the latest laser technology. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at (770) 578-1331.