44 Everett St., Southbridge, MA 01550
(508) 764-4600
Open Mon-Thurs: 8am-5pm, Every Other Fri: 8am-5pm, Every Other Sat: 8am-1pm
The idea of a dentist using lasers sounds like something that would happen in the distant future. But the truth is that dentists are using lasers right now to deliver the most accurate care possible. And lasers are here to stay!
What is a Laser?
Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers produce a narrow light beam that is very different from other sources of light. Laser light stays focused instead of spreading out like a lightbulb or flashlight. The light beams can travel long distances but they can also direct energy on a very small area. This allows a laser to be used to precisely cut through materials or gently heat them up.
Why Are Lasers Effective in Dentistry?
There are lots of different tools in your dentist’s arsenal, including picks, scalpels, and sutures. In fact, these tools are often the reason why people fear visiting the dentist in the first place. They’re afraid of the pain that they might experience during their procedures. A soft tissue laser is not invasive or intimidating to the patient, and it can be used in a variety of different procedures. Lasers are used to remove tooth decay, prep a tooth for a filling, reshape gums, collect tissue samples, and can even assist in whitening teeth. Best of all, patients get to enjoy expedited healing times and decreased bleeding with lasers!
Are Lasers Unsafe?
No! Lasers are completely safe, but the only drawback is that they can’t be used on teeth that have fillings. You will still need anesthesia when undergoing treatments with a laser, but we offer a variety of sedation options to make the process easier and stress-free! At Southbridge Dental Care, we offer laser gum treatment to help with periodontal disease treatment. Lasers help us remove infected gum tissue in order to help properly clean plaque and calculus buildup around the tooth, thereby preventing the patient’s periodontal disease from getting worse.
The Future is Here at Southbridge Dental Care
Interested in experiencing the future of dentistry right in our office? We’d love to take care of your oral healthcare needs here at Southbridge Dental Care! We’re an insurance-friendly office and we also accept CareCredit®, which means that even those on a tight budget are welcome and accommodated at our office. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!