Laser Dentistry

Modern dentistry utilizes lasers to provide our patients with safe, quick, and bloodless procedures. Lasers clot the blood as it cuts, killing germs as it goes. Dr. Dipika Shah, D.D.S., of Holmdel, NJ., uses laser dentistry at her practice.

 

Laser dentistry is used to treat hypersensitivity, tooth decay, gum disease, and teeth whitening. There are two types of laser treatments, depending on the area of the mouth. Hard tissue treatments are used on the teeth, while soft tissue is for the gums.

 

There are three common hard tissue procedures. For cavities, the lasers can locate signs of tooth decay. The lasers also destroy bacteria within the cavity. They are also used for tooth preparations and fillings. Lasers work for teeth sensitivity, sealing tubules on the tooth’s roots.

 

There are also three common soft tissue procedures. If you have a “gummy smile,” where the gums cover a large number of your teeth, the lasers can reshape your gum tissue. It also can reshape your gums and bone in preparation for restorations, essentially acting as a crown lengthening. Laser frenectomies are also performed. The frenulum is the fold of skin located under the tongue, attaching it to the mouth floor. If you have a thick or tight frenulum, you might experience problems speaking. Lastly, lasers can remove soft tissue surrounding ill-fitting dentures.

 

There are many benefits to laser dentistry: it reduces the need for sutures and stitches, it makes anesthesia unnecessary, and it lowers the chance of infection while increasing the speed of healing.

 

Dr. Dipika Shah, D.D.S. is located in Holmdel, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 732-264-8180.