Can a Laser Dentist Fill My Cavities?

You are not a fan of the dentist’s drill, so you want to know if a laser dentist can fill cavities. You would prefer to have a drill-free process, so you will be happy to know that you can get your cavities filled with a laser. Learn more about the process and the benefits.

Getting a filling at a laser dentist

Patients who have tooth decay can get treated with lasers. Lasers are used for a variety of procedures, including dental fillings.

The procedure

With traditional dentistry, patients must receive numbing shots before getting cavities filled. Shots are typically not needed when lasers are used. The pulses of light numb the tooth, making the procedure painless. Dentists train the laser on the infected portion of the tooth and remove the decay. The laser cuts through the enamel and essentially causes the decay to vaporize on contact. The laser then prepares the tooth to accept the filling.

The laser is used to bond the filling to the tooth. This is also different from traditional dental fillings. Silver amalgam fillings cover a hole. On the other hand, the filling material used with laser dentistry bonds to it, providing additional strength and making the tooth less likely to crack.

Keep more of the natural tooth structure

Dental drills do not provide the same amount of control as lasers do. Because of that, dentists who use drills must remove a good portion of healthy tooth structure when taking out the decay. This weakens the tooth and makes it more difficult to handle future restorations. Depending on the amount of healthy tooth structure removed, patients might require a dental crown if the tooth becomes decayed once again. Lasers are much easier to control. The accuracy allows dentists to remove decay without taking much, if any, of the healthy tooth structure.

Less stress

Patients often get stressed out when receiving a dental filling. From the shots to the loud and powerful drill, some nerves are normal. Those who have dental anxiety benefit from laser dentistry treatments, including fillings. It is much easier to relax in the dental chair when a laser is used.

Minimize trauma

Dental drills can also cause trauma to the surrounding teeth. The vibrations can cause teeth to crack on occasion. Patients might go in for a routine filling and leave with additional dental damage when drills are used. Lasers reduce the degree of trauma in the mouth. This lowers the risk of experiencing any additional dental issues during the treatment.

Recovering after getting a filling at a laser dentist

Laser dentistry procedures are painless and the recovery is painless as well. Patients can return to normal activities immediately following a filling. Patients do not have numb mouths or pain after the filling.

Get a filling at a laser dentist

Fillings do not have to be frightening anymore. When your dentist uses a laser, you will not need a shot and the dentist can maintain more of the tooth’s natural structure. You will feel less stressed and the laser will minimize the trauma to the tooth. The recovery is a breeze as well.

Request an appointment here: https://www.drelloway.com or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.

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