Laser Dentistry in Vicksburg, MS

What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry refers to all dental procedures that use laser energy rather than mechanical tools like drills or scalpels. Lasers emit a narrow, concentrated beam of light that interacts precisely with oral soft and hard tissues. The laser’s light energy essentially numbs and sterilizes as it cuts, resulting in cleaner, minimally invasive treatments without excessive bleeding or the need for sutures.

Today lasers are used to treat gum disease, tooth decay, dental implants, canker sores, tooth sensitivity, TMJ issues, tongue ties, cold sores, aesthetic procedures like gum contouring, and more.

The many wavelengths and laser types each have specific functions related to interacting with tissues. Your Vicksburg dentist chooses the appropriate laser based on its ability to target diseased tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy areas.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Compared to traditional dental methods, laser dentistry often provides these benefits:

• Increased precision
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Reduced inflammation and discomfort
• Less bleeding and faster healing times
• Better clinical outcomes
• No stitches or scalpels required
• Quick, comfortable in-office treatments
• Less risk of infection

Our Laser Treatments

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects over 50% of adults. If left untreated it can lead to receding gums, bone loss, tooth loss, and other complications. Laser-assisted periodontal therapy from Drs. Nash utilizes light energy to remove bacteria and diseased gum tissue, killing the infection at its source while leaving healthy tissue intact. This enhances the results of deep cleanings and leads to faster healing without stitches or scalpels. Follow-up periodic maintenance helps sustain results.

Periodontal Maintenance

After completing active gum disease treatment, periodic maintenance is crucial to sustaining your results long-term. Our dentists in Vicksburg provide laser gum therapy during maintenance visits to manage bacterial growth and reduce inflammation. This enhances your gum health between visits. Laser energy removes bacteria deep within gum pockets, disinfecting areas are difficult to reach with traditional scalers. Treatments are comfortable, take less time, and help you heal faster.

TMJ Maintenance

TMJ disorders affect the temporomandibular joint connecting your lower jaw to your skull. Symptoms include jaw pain, headaches, ear pain, and tooth grinding, among others. Lasers relieve TMJ inflammation and pain through a completely non-invasive procedure. By directing photons into joint tissues, laser therapy reduces swelling and speeds healing. Treatments take only minutes and can be performed during routine visits with Drs. Nash. This enhances results between appointments with your TMJ specialist.

Soft Tissue Recontouring

Lasers provide controlled ablation of oral soft tissues, meaning they can reshape gum tissues and remove growths with extreme precision. During cosmetic procedures, laser energy is used to uncover more tooth structure by removing excess gum tissue. This gives you a brighter, more balanced smile. The wavelength of light used cauterizes as it cuts, preventing bleeding and discomfort. Treatments are fast, results are immediately seen, and healing is quick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What oral health issues can be treated with lasers?

In addition to the procedures covered above, lasers help treat tooth sensitivity, dental cavities, biopsy procedures, cold sores, other oral lesions, and more. The many wavelengths available are each suited to specific uses. Ask your dentist which laser is right for your needs.

How long does it take to recover from laser dentistry?

Most procedures have no downtime at all. However, you may experience slight sensitivity to temperature changes or minor swelling for a couple of days afterward. Any discomfort is mild and manageable without interrupting your regular activities.

Are results from laser dentistry as effective as conventional treatments?

Laser dentistry is as effective or more effective than traditional approaches for certain indications. Lasers enhance efficiency, improve outcomes, quicken healing times, and reduce complications. Bacteria is reduced more consistently, gum recession is minimized, and recovery happens faster.

Is laser treatment painful?

Most patients not only tolerate laser therapy without any anesthesia, but they also report a comfortable, often painless experience. The laser’s light energy essentially numbs tissues as it interacts with them. Precision also limits damage to surrounding areas. Your dentist takes every precaution to keep you comfortable.