At Flax Dental, there’s no need to “grin and bear it.” Our team is here to provide the most cutting-edge, high-quality treatments in the Atlanta area. Laser dentistry in our Sandy Springs and Atlanta, GA office is just one way we help you get comfortable dental treatment and incredible results.
We can combine science and technology for comfortable care. Lasers allow our team to provide cosmetic, restorative, and general dental procedures with minimal discomfort.
How We Use Dental Lasers
Dental lasers are helpful tools in dentistry with many uses that make treatments easier and more comfortable for patients. Dentists often use them to remove tooth decay and old fillings. Compared to traditional tools, lasers are more accurate and less invasive. They also save more of the natural tooth.
In cosmetic dentistry, lasers can shape the gums and other tissues to improve the look of a smile. They can also reduce tooth sensitivity, which is a great option for patients who already have sensitive teeth.
Dental lasers play an essential role in more complicated treatments. They are useful for cleaning out infected root canals, which helps make root canal therapy more successful by effectively killing bacteria. Lasers can also be used to shape bones and lengthen crowns, making these procedures more precise and helping you heal faster.
In surgeries like apicoectomy, where the end of a tooth’s root is removed, and in gum treatments that aim to improve gum health, lasers provide a gentle option that lessens discomfort and helps patients recover faster. Dentists also use lasers for oral surgery. Lasers help when dentists remove teeth or place dental implants. They make these procedures smoother and more efficient.
Discover the Benefits of Dental Lasers
With lasers, we can greatly improve your experience at our dental office. Talk to Dr. Flax about how we can use dental lasers to help with your oral health. With laser treatment, you can:
- Feel More Relaxed: One of the best things about laser treatment is that it usually involves little to no discomfort. Lasers can numb a tooth without the need for needles. This makes filling treatment more comfortable and even painless.
- Heal Faster with Less Treatment: You’re less likely to need stitches after a laser procedure. This means you can enjoy shorter visits and heal more quickly. Plus, because laser treatments cause less bleeding, you can return to your normal activities sooner.
- Get Accurate Results: Dental lasers are high-tech tools that are very precise. They allow us to treat your teeth and gums gently and cleanly. This precision not only helps achieve better results but also lowers the risk of infection.
Gum Contouring with Dental Lasers
With advanced dental lasers, we can reshape your gums to improve your smile. Gum contouring is a cosmetic treatment that adjusts the gum line to give your smile a more balanced and attractive look.
Using dental lasers makes this procedure precise and comfortable. The laser removes excess gum tissue without the need for traditional cuts or stitches. Compared to other treatment methods, lasers provide less discomfort and a faster healing time.
The laser is precise enough for a smooth and natural result. It improves the overall appearance of your teeth and gums and ensures a quicker and more comfortable recovery.
Am I a candidate for gum contouring?
Good candidates for gum contouring have small to moderate gumline issues that we can improve with reshaping. You might be a good fit if you have:
- A gummy smile with too much gum showing
- Uneven gum lines
- Misshapen or uneven gum contours
- Teeth that look distorted by an irregular gum line
- Healthy gums and teeth
- Realistic cosmetic goals for slight improvements
At your consultation, Dr. Flax will check your mouth to see if gum contouring is a good option for you. He will look at how your teeth and gums are shaped and talk about what you want to achieve. Thanks to modern techniques, we can reshape your gums with great accuracy to give you the smile you want.
Why Choose Flax Dental?
Your smile deserves the best care. Flax Dental is dedicated to using the latest dental technology to ensure our patients receive top-notch comfort, experience, and results. Our office features advanced laser dentistry tools like the Fotona Lightwalker and Light Instrument Lite Touch lasers. Dr. Flax is also a respected leader in teaching laser dentistry to dentists worldwide.
We understand that our patients may have questions about laser dentistry and how it works. That’s why our practice focuses on educating patients about their dental care options.
Laser Dentistry FAQs
We asked Dr. Flax to answer a few common questions about laser dentistry in his Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA, office:
What are soft tissue lasers?
Soft tissue lasers are a type of dental laser that can treat the soft parts of the mouth. They are precise and gentle, which make them a great tool for the gum tissues. They can contour the gums and remove diseased gum tissue.
How do dental lasers work?
Dental lasers use light energy to perform various tasks. The laser can act as a heat source, a cutting tool, or a vaporizer of the tissue it touches. This makes lasers an excellent tool to comfortably and efficiently remove decay, reshape the gums, and alter bone.
How does laser dentistry reduce pain?
Laser dentistry makes many dental procedures more comfortable. Lasers:
- Make teeth less sensitive during treatment
- Don’t create heat or vibration
- Can be used instead of a drill for many procedures
- Eliminate the sound of the drill, which often causes anxiety
Do dentists need special training to use dental lasers?
Yes, dentists need special training to offer dental laser treatments. Dr. Flax has completed advanced training courses and earned certifications in laser dentistry. He also regularly lectures and writes about this topic for audiences around the world. Dr. Flax has trained with top experts in laser dentistry, including the Academy of Laser Dentistry and the World Clinical Laser Institute.
Is laser dentistry safe?
Yes, laser dentistry is safe when performed by a trained and experienced dentist. Lasers have been used in dentistry for decades and are approved by organizations like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Because lasers are accurate, they can target problem areas without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
Lasers also seal blood vessels as they work, so there’s usually less bleeding during and after procedures. They sterilize the area and reduce the chance of bacteria causing an infection.
How long does it take to heal after laser gum treatment?
Healing after laser gum treatment is usually faster and easier compared to traditional gum surgery. Most people feel back to normal after one to two days. Your gums will fully heal in about one to two weeks based on the procedure and how well you take care of your teeth and gums.
What should I avoid after laser gum treatment?
To help your gums heal faster and reduce side effects:
- Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions carefully.
- Avoid spicy, crunchy, or hard foods for a few days.
- Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution or an antibacterial mouthwash as recommended.
- Be gentle when brushing your teeth and gums.
Most side effects are mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, or signs of infection (like fever or pus), contact our dentist right away.
When can I brush and floss after laser treatment?
You can usually start brushing your teeth the day after your laser treatment, but you need to be very gentle. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and avoid brushing directly on the treated area for the first few days. Brush the rest of your teeth as normal to keep them clean.
Wait at least 24-48 hours before flossing around the treated area. Flossing too soon can irritate your gums and slow down the healing process. When you do start flossing again, be very careful and gentle around the treated area.
In the meantime, use a saltwater rinse to clean your mouth.
Get Comfortable Treatment with Lasers
Learn more about laser dentistry in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA. Call Flax Dental for treatment today at 470-635-3604 or request an appointment with us online. If you have questions for us, please let us know at your next visit. We will be happy to help you.