Laser Dentistry
San Carlos, CA

San Carlos dentist holding laser dentistry tool at Frank Hsu, D.D.S. in San Carlos, CA

Laser dentistry involves the use of laser beams in various dental procedures. Laser technology is not new in dentistry, although it has undergone tremendous improvements over the past couple of decades. The laser beams are used to either remove or alter various tissues in your mouth as needed during a dental procedure. Here at Frank Hsu, D.D.S., our laser dentist uses lasers in dental cleanings and other restorative dental procedures.

The laser beams used in dentistry are divided into two categories. There are soft tissue and hard tissue lasers. All of the laser beams used have to be approved and certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is important that you understand how these laser beams work, and the specific dental procedures in which you can expect lasers to be used.

Hard Tissue Lasers

Hard tissue laser beams aid in cutting and making incisions through hard dental tissues such as the teeth and the jawbone. These are powerful lasers with high amounts of energy. They are used in the treatment of tooth decay, root canal, and bone regeneration.

These procedures involve drilling or cutting into hard tissue. The lasers are used as alternatives for drills, scalpels, and blades. Lasers are preferred in such circumstances because they cause less discomfort, and the healing rate is faster. They are also very precise, reducing the risk of cutting or drilling in the wrong spot.

These treatment procedures tend to take a little bit longer when hard tissue lasers are used to cut through. When the laser beam is shone off the hard tissue, it takes longer to cut as compared to when a blade or drill is used.

Soft Tissue Lasers

Soft tissue laser beams are used to cut through soft tissues such as the gums. These are less powerful and gentle, as compared to hard tissue lasers.

These lasers are used when cutting through the gums to access the dental structures underneath. They are also used to remove excess gum tissue or to reshape the gum line. They can be used in the treatment of oral cancer and mouth sores.

Soft tissue lasers are commonly used to treat periodontal disease as well. The laser is used to cut and remove the infected part of the gum. Healthy gum tissue is then regenerated on the parts left bare. One of the main advantages of using lasers in soft tissue procedures is that they reduce bleeding. At times, there is no bleeding at all, especially if the cut is small. It also causes minimal to no swelling, and hence less discomfort for the patient.