Laser Dentistry in Markham, ON

For almost 30 years, lasers have been increasingly used in dentistry. They can cut through tissue or teeth using light or heat for a variety of treatments. Lasers help our Markham dentists remove tooth decay, overgrown tissue, gum inflammation, throat tissue associated with sleep apnea, and even a lesion or benign oral tumour.

They can also prepare enamel for a filling, reshape the gums, expose wisdom teeth, and activate the bleaching agent to help whiten teeth. Besides, lasers can treat root canal infections, gum disease, and pain associated with canker sores and cold sores. What’s more, we use lasers to take biopsies or regenerate damaged nerves.

What are the effects of laser dentistry in Markham?

Like most technological advancements, laser dentistry is not foolproof. However, at 7 Days Dental, we appreciate the improvements to patient care that it has made, regardless. Patients can truly experience a difference during and after treatment, as the lasers can significantly reduce pain and shorten recovery time.

There are many benefits to using laser dentistry at our Markham dental office, including:

Less discomfort
Less need for sutures
Less or lower need for anesthesia
Shorter healing time
Less bleeding and swelling
Lower risk of infection
Less impact on healthy teeth
Minimally invasive
Lower patient anxiety

Although there are some limitations to laser dentistry, our Markham dentist can compensate as needed by incorporating more traditional techniques. We often find that our field’s progress does not replace older methods but complements them.

Some of the drawbacks include:

Unable to use on teeth with fillings or to fill cavities between teeth
Unable to use around old fillings or on large cavities that require a crown
Unable to remove defective crowns or silver fillings or prepare teeth for bridges
It may still require a traditional drill to shape or polish a filling or to adjust your bite
It does not eliminate the need for anesthesia
Typically more expensive

What are the types of lasers?

Laser dentistry can involve two different types of lasers that require different wavelengths of light to cut into teeth or tissue, respectively.

Hard tissue lasers: These are primarily used to cut into and remove small amounts of tooth tissue during shaping or preparation for dental treatments such as cavity fillings. They can also help detect cavities in the first place and manage sensitive teeth.
Soft tissue lasers: These can simultaneously cut tissue and seal blood vessels exposed by the cuts, thereby helping reduce bleeding and accelerate recovery. They also work to reshape your gums, lengthen crowns, and more.

See how laser dentistry in Markham can help you

Whether you have already undergone a procedure using laser dentistry or not, you will likely experience this technique at some point in the future.

That is because modern methods like this are slowly replacing or being used alongside traditional dental treatments. We find that our dental team and patients typically prefer laser dentistry to drilling.

To learn more about laser dentistry in Markham and how we can help you, please feel free to contact us at 7 Days Dental. We look forward to your visit.

Frequently asked questions about laser dentistry

1. What types of dental treatments can lasers be used for?
Laser dentistry can be applied to procedures like gum contouring, treating cavities, reducing tooth sensitivity, cold sore treatment, and certain oral surgeries.

2. Is laser dentistry more expensive than traditional methods?
The cost can be slightly higher due to the technology involved. However, many patients find the benefits, such as faster healing and reduced discomfort, worth the investment.

3. Does dental insurance cover laser treatments?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. In most cases, insurance providers reimburse based on the procedure performed (like a filling or gum treatment), not the method or tool used. It’s best to check with your provider for details.

4. Is laser dentistry less painful than traditional drills?
Yes, many patients experience less discomfort. Lasers often reduce the need for anesthesia and minimize bleeding and swelling, making recovery smoother.

5. Is laser dentistry safe?
Yes, when performed by trained professionals. Lasers are carefully designed for dental use, and protective eyewear is provided during treatment for safety.

6. Who is a good candidate for laser dentistry?
Most patients, including those with dental anxiety or sensitivity, benefit from laser dentistry. However, some conditions may still require traditional tools.

7. What are the limitations of laser dentistry?
Not every dental issue can be treated with lasers. For example, large cavities or existing restorations may still need conventional techniques.