“Laser dentistry” might sound like a treatment from the future, but it’s actually been used in dentistry since 1994 to treat a variety of dental problems. Lasers treatments are often used to remove tooth decay, gum disease, and pre-cancerous lesions. They are also sometimes for teeth whitening and other applications.
At PGA Dentistry in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, we primarily use the advanced laser technology, Biolase® ezlase™ diode laser, to implement soft-tissue surgeries, relieve muscle and joint pain, as well as perform teeth whitening. Laser technology allows us to perform cosmetic dental treatments with minimal pain, quicker healing, less medication, and less bleeding.
How Does Laser Dentistry Work?
Laser technology delivers isolated energy to an area in the form of light. In surgical and dental applications, the laser works as an instrument to cut or vaporize any tissue the laser touches. For instance, when a laser is used for cavity fillings, it heats the surface of the filling and the tooth, which strengthens the bonding of the filling with the tooth.
In other dental applications, laser technology can be used as a source of heat. For instance, lasers are often used in tooth bleaching systems by activating the bleaching agent with the application of direct heat.
At PGA Dentistry, we use laser technology in cosmetic dentistry to reduce the appearance of a “gummy smile.” Gummy smiles are a common cosmetic issue, in which the gums cover too much of the teeth, making your teeth and the overall smile appear too small.
Causes of Gummy Smile
Gummy smiles occur when you have too much visible gum tissue when smiling. Typically, gummy smiles are caused by extraneous gum tissue in the upper jaw, resulting from issues with the eruption of the teeth. The resulting eruption makes the teeth appear too short, even if they are at the proper length.
In some cases, gummy smiles are caused by too much muscle movement in your upper lip. In this case, the lip raises higher than it should, exposing too much of the gum tissue when you smile.
Sometimes gummy smiles can occur when the upper jaw bone over develops. In this context, the protrusions of the upper jaw can occur in the gum tissue, giving your smile a gummy appearance.
In most cases, gummy smiles are primarily a cosmetic dental problem. The cosmetic beauty of your smile is determined by a lot of things, like the size and shape of your teeth, the color of your teeth, the size and shape of your lips, and of course, the size and color of your gum tissue.
Cosmetic defects in your gums can make your smile unattractive, leaving you less inclined to smile big and wide when you’re happy. Unfortunately, sometimes a gummy smile is more than cosmetic. In cases when a gummy smile is caused by improperly erupted teeth and jaw development, these issues will need to be treated to promote your dental health in the long run.
Treating a Gummy Smile with Laser Dentistry
Gummy smiles can be treated with a variety of cosmetic dental treatments. At PGAAdvanced Dentistry, we use advanced laser technology to treat gummy smiles. With Biolase® technology, we are able to sculpt the gum area and reveal the underlying tooth structure.
Before beginning treatment, you will need to attend a consultation, so we can take x-rays of the tooth root and jaw area and plan your treatment. We might also recommend laser technology to remove any bacteria under the gumline, then reshape the area. Laser technology helps to sterilize the area that is infected.
Treating Gum Disease with Laser Dentistry
In some cases, the gum area might appear abnormally puffy, due to gum disease. Laser dentistry can be one of the most pain-free and effective treatments for gum disease. We use ezlase™ technology to pinpoint and remove debris and bacteria trapped under the gumline. When gum disease goes on treated, it can lead to severe dental problems, like gum recession and tooth loss.
Are Dental Lasers Safe?
Laser dentistry is safe when performed by a dentist who is trained in laser dental treatments. Dr. Ajmo at PGA Dentistry is educated and experienced in laser dentistry and uses best-in-class laser technology for effective treatments. During your laser treatment, we will ensure your safety by requiring you to wear protective eyewear to ensure that your eyes do not become damaged from the powerful light. Unless otherwise requested, laser technology only requires topical anesthesia, making it significantly less stressful and uncomfortable than traditional treatments.
Want to learn more about laser dental treatments at PGA Dentistry? Call us today at 561-627-8666.