Laser dentistry involves the use of lasers for a wide range of dental procedures, including root canals. Lasers are supplementing and, in some cases, even replacing drills as well as other traditional tools for certain procedures. Many teeth are treated and saved annually with root canal treatment. This is usually necessary when the dental pulp becomes infected and/or inflamed. Read on to find out how you can benefit from laser-assisted root canal therapy.
Laser dentistry and root canal treatment
Laser therapy uses light beams to modify or remove hard and soft tissues in the mouth. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of particular lasers as a supplement in root canal procedures. Lasers produce an intense beam of light energy. Its properties can interact with biologic tissues. Laser dentistry is being used to assist in root canal procedures.
Root cavities
The cementum is the thin layer that covers roots that is much softer than enamel. Root cementum does not offer the same protection level that enamel does from decay-causing acids as well as erosive acids in the diet. Gum tissue usually covers and protects tooth roots but this is not always the case. Many individuals, especially seniors, experience receding gums. This is when the pink, smooth tissue surrounding the roots of the tooth is positioned lower down the roots. This ends up exposing parts of the surfaces of the root.
Some common causes of gum recession include poor tooth position, aggressive tooth brushing and gum disease and the related bone loss. Exposed tooth roots can be a cosmetic problem. More importantly, root exposure can also become a health issue. This is when the unprotected root surface eventually develops a hole (cavity) that can worsen in a short time period.
Cavities can form when acids in a person’s mouth begin to dissolve or demineralize the tooth structure. As a cavity forms, the bacteria usually move further inside a person’s tooth. This leads to more rapid demineralization. If an individual does not seek treatment, the decay can end up spreading all the way into the inner pulp tissue of the tooth. If this happens, a person will most likely need a root canal treatment. Another option may be the extraction of the tooth.
Laser-assisted root canal therapy
Lasers are now used by some dental practitioners to access the root canal and help remove diseased tissue. Laser technology also helps to clean, disinfect and shape the canal and then fill it. In some cases, the use of lasers can be more beneficial in assisting in root canal disinfection than in root canal preparation. They can remove the dental pulp as well as organic debris and even modify the dentinal walls of the root canals. After preparation is complete and the root canal is sealed, the laser can be used not only to soften but also to mold the sealant for the root canal system.
Bottom line
You can benefit from laser dentistry when it comes to root canal treatment. Lasers can be used to target bacteria as well as the infected material with more accuracy. At times, lasers preserve more of the healthy tooth structure. In many cases, the use of lasers limits the need for local anesthesia. Laser technology also minimizes bleeding during root canal procedures and reduces post-operative discomfort and infection.
Are you considering laser dentistry in the Red Bluff area? Get more information at https://www.drelloway.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
You may not be aware that you need dental implants. But your dentist can tell you that you do, especially if you have regular checkups. Knowing if you need these restorations can motivate you to see your dentist about getting these dental replacements. Here are the three signs that you may need dental implants.Tooth loss…
A tooth replacement procedure is vital if you are missing teeth. You will be happy to know that there are multiple options available to restore your smile. If you are missing a few or many teeth but have healthy natural teeth remaining, partial dentures make a lot of sense. This solution can improve your appearance…
Getting dental implants as a replacement for removable dentures can be a rewarding move. These restorations are stable and lasting. You can smile, laugh, eat, and speak without worrying that they will slip out of your mouth. Here are the benefits of getting dental implants over removable dentures.Dental implants are effective in restoring teeth. Unlike…
Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can result in a stable and strong bite. It restores the crown and the root. Knowing how this dental replacement system replaces a missing tooth can convince you to set an appointment with your dentist about it. Here are the details about how dental implants can make this happen.Tooth…