Laser Dentistry

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry refers to the use of focused light energy — a dental laser — to perform a variety of dental procedures. The word "laser" stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In dentistry, lasers are used as a precise tool to interact with oral tissues, and they have been part of clinical dental practice since the 1990s. Dental lasers are approved by Health Canada and are used in dental offices across the country.

At Orion Dental, we use dental laser technology at our Scarborough and Milton offices to provide patients with a comfortable alternative for certain procedures. Dr. Fahimay Naqvi and our dental team may recommend laser treatment when it can offer practical benefits such as reduced bleeding, less post-operative discomfort, or a shorter healing period.

How Do Dental Lasers Work?

A dental laser emits a concentrated beam of light energy at a specific wavelength. Different wavelengths interact with different types of tissue — some are designed primarily for soft tissue (gums, tongue, and other oral soft tissues), while others can interact with hard tissue (tooth enamel and bone). When the laser energy contacts the target tissue, it can cut, reshape, or remove tissue with a high degree of precision.

One of the notable characteristics of dental lasers is that they can seal blood vessels and nerve endings as they work. This is why many laser procedures result in less bleeding and reduced post-operative discomfort compared to procedures performed with a traditional scalpel or dental drill. The precision of the laser also means that surrounding healthy tissue is less likely to be affected during treatment.

Laser Dentistry Applications at Orion Dental

Our team uses dental lasers across a range of soft tissue and diagnostic procedures. Below are the most common applications available at our Scarborough and Milton offices.

What Soft Tissue Procedures Use a Dental Laser?

Soft tissue lasers are among the most commonly used dental lasers. They interact with the soft tissues of the mouth — the gums, cheeks, tongue, and lips. At Orion Dental, we offer several soft tissue laser procedures.

Gum Recontouring

Some patients have a "gummy smile," where excess gum tissue covers a significant portion of the teeth, making the teeth appear shorter. Gum recontouring, also called gum reshaping or a gingivectomy, involves carefully removing or reshaping excess gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth surface. When performed with a dental laser, this procedure typically involves less bleeding, reduced swelling, and a more comfortable recovery compared to traditional surgical methods. The laser seals the tissue as it works, which promotes faster healing.

Frenectomy

A frenum is a small fold of tissue that connects the lips, cheeks, or tongue to the gum area. When a frenum is too tight or short, it can restrict movement and cause problems. In infants, a tight lingual frenum — commonly known as a tongue-tie — can interfere with breastfeeding. In older children and adults, a restrictive frenum can affect speech, contribute to gum recession, or create gaps between the front teeth.

A frenectomy is a procedure to release or remove the restrictive frenum. When performed with a laser, a frenectomy is typically quick, involves minimal bleeding, and often requires little or no suturing. Many patients, including young children, experience a comfortable recovery with minimal downtime.

Treatment of Gum Disease

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection of the gum tissues that, if left untreated, can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. Dental lasers can be used as part of periodontal therapy to help manage gum disease. The laser energy can target and reduce bacteria within periodontal pockets — the spaces that form between the gums and teeth when gum disease is present. Laser-assisted periodontal therapy may be used alongside traditional scaling and root planing to improve treatment outcomes.

The laser can also help remove diseased or infected soft tissue lining the periodontal pockets, allowing healthy tissue to reattach to the tooth root. This approach may reduce the depth of periodontal pockets over time and support the overall healing of the gum tissues.

Treatment of Oral Lesions and Ulcers

Dental lasers can be used to treat canker sores (aphthous ulcers), cold sores, and other soft tissue lesions in the mouth. Low-level laser therapy can help reduce pain and promote faster healing of these lesions. Many patients report immediate relief from discomfort following laser treatment of a canker sore.

Crown Lengthening

When a tooth requires a crown but there is not enough visible tooth structure above the gumline to support it, a crown lengthening procedure may be needed. This involves removing a small amount of gum tissue — and sometimes a small amount of bone — to expose more of the tooth. Lasers can be used for the soft tissue portion of this procedure, offering precision and reduced healing time.

Laser-Assisted Cavity Detection

In addition to treatment, lasers can be used as a diagnostic tool. Laser-based cavity detection systems use a low-power laser to scan the tooth surface and detect changes in the tooth structure that may indicate early decay. These systems can identify cavities at very early stages — sometimes before they would be visible on an X-ray or during a visual examination. Early detection allows for earlier intervention, which can help preserve more of the natural tooth structure.

Laser cavity detection is comfortable and does not involve radiation. It is a helpful supplementary tool that your dentist may use during your routine dental checkup in addition to traditional examination methods.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?

While laser treatment is not appropriate for every dental procedure, it offers several potential advantages when it is indicated:

• Reduced bleeding: Lasers seal blood vessels as they cut, which typically results in less bleeding during and after the procedure.
• Less post-operative discomfort: Many patients report less pain and swelling after laser procedures compared to traditional surgical methods.
• Faster healing: Because lasers cause less trauma to surrounding tissues, healing times are often shorter.
• Reduced need for anaesthesia: Some soft tissue laser procedures can be performed with little or no local anaesthesia, which is particularly beneficial for patients who are apprehensive about injections.
• Lower risk of infection: The laser sterilizes the treatment area as it works, which can reduce the risk of bacterial infection.
• Greater precision: Lasers allow the dentist to target specific tissue with minimal impact on the surrounding area.
• Quieter than a drill: For patients with dental anxiety, the absence of the drill sound can make the experience more comfortable.

What Happens During a Laser Dental Procedure?

If your dentist recommends a laser procedure, you will receive a thorough explanation of what the procedure involves and what you can expect. Here is a general overview of the process from consultation through to aftercare.

Who Is a Candidate for Laser Dentistry?

Most patients are candidates for laser dental procedures. Laser treatments can be particularly beneficial for patients who experience dental anxiety, as they are typically quieter and may require fewer injections. They are also well-suited for children, especially for procedures like frenectomy.

However, not all dental conditions can be treated with a laser. Your dentist will evaluate your specific needs and recommend laser treatment when it is clinically appropriate. In some cases, a combination of laser and traditional methods may be the more suitable approach.

Is Laser Dentistry Used for Children?

Children can benefit significantly from laser dentistry. The reduced noise, vibration, and need for injections can make dental visits less stressful for younger patients. Common paediatric laser procedures include frenectomy for tongue-tie or lip-tie, treatment of canker sores, and soft tissue procedures. Our children's dentistry team is experienced in working with young patients and creating a comfortable environment for laser treatments.

Laser Dentistry and Sedation

While many laser procedures require less anaesthesia than their traditional counterparts, sedation options remain available for patients who prefer additional comfort. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can be used in combination with laser procedures to help patients feel more relaxed during treatment. Your dentist will discuss sedation options with you during your consultation.

Laser Dentistry at Orion Dental

At Orion Dental, we incorporate dental laser technology into our practice to give patients access to comfortable, precise treatment options. Dr. Fahimay Naqvi and our team use lasers where they can provide a clinical advantage, and we take the time to explain the benefits and limitations of laser treatment for each individual case.

If you have questions about laser dentistry or would like to find out whether a laser procedure may be appropriate for your dental needs, book a consultation online or contact our Scarborough office at 416-291-0306 or our Milton office at 905-636-9770.