Many dental professionals nowadays use laser dentistry to assist in more intensive procedures such as root canals. One of the primary reasons patients typically dread root canal therapy is the potential amount of pain involved with both the procedure and the recovery process. Combining lasers with traditional tools can reduce the amount of discomfort patients experience and speed up healing time. Continue reading to learn more about how root canal therapy can be improved with laser dentistry.
Using lasers to help repair diseased teeth can make a big difference in the ease and success of the procedure.
The first step in root canal therapy is usually to access the infected areas. To accomplish this, traditional metal tools and hand drills are used to remove portions of the tooth. In many cases, significant healthy parts of the tooth are extracted to allow the tools to reach the infection. Using these metal tools can also involve scraping, ripping and tearing of tissue, resulting in the pain patients can experience during the procedure.
Lasers have different effects on healthy tissue versus infected tissue and can destroy infected tissue without killing the healthy surrounding tissue. This means many times, less of the healthy tooth and tissue needs removal to repair a tooth. The focused light also does not damage tissue like metal tools can. However, because laser beams are straight and root canals rarely are, some traditional curved instruments may still be necessary to guarantee the success of the procedure.
Once the infected tissue has been removed, the hollow area must be sterilized. Allowing even small particles of bacteria and debris to remain can result in tissue becoming diseased again. Laser dentistry can be used to remove any remaining contaminants to stop the infection from coming back.
Lasers can be used not only on the tooth but also on the filling material to help ensure the success of the procedure.
After the infected tissue is removed, the canals and pulp chamber are filled with a natural polymer and sealing cement. These materials are firm and can be difficult to work with. While metal instruments can be used to manipulate the materials, lasers can make the process easier. Using a laser heats up the polymer, making it more pliable.
Lasers are extremely precise, so can allow dental professionals to more easily form the filling material to the unique shape of each root. When the filling material is softer and more exact, it can be placed more accurately in the root. This is important, as correct placement is a significant factor in whether the infection returns.
When laser dentistry is used during root canal therapy, the procedure can be performed without much of the pain people expect when undergoing this treatment. Using lasers both in the tooth and on the filling material can make the process easier and allow patients to heal faster.
Are you considering laser dentistry in the St George area? Get more information at https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
At St. George Dental Care, we are committed to providing quality healthcare to families in Southern Utah. A crucial part of our mission is educating patients on how lifestyle choices impact their oral health. One of the most significant factors is smoking. Did you know that smokers are twice as likely to have periodontal disease…
A healthy smile is a vital part of your overall well-being, no matter your age. For seniors, maintaining good oral health can significantly impact quality of life, from enjoying your favorite foods to speaking and smiling with confidence. However, aging can bring unique dental challenges that require specific attention and care.Understanding these common issues is…
Vaping has surged in popularity over the last decade, often viewed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking. With their vibrant colors and enticing flavors, e-cigarettes have attracted millions of users. But as their use becomes more widespread, important questions about their long-term health effects arise. One of the most common concerns we hear as…
Winter brings crisp air, cozy sweaters, and for many, an unexpected jolt of pain when sipping hot cocoa or stepping outside. If you've ever winced from a sudden zing in your teeth during the colder months, you're not alone. Winter tooth sensitivity affects millions of people and can turn simple pleasures into uncomfortable experiences.The good…
At St. George Dental Care, we are committed to providing quality healthcare to families in Southern Utah. A crucial part of our mission is educating patients on how lifestyle choices impact their oral health. One of the most significant factors is smoking. Did you know that smokers are twice as likely to have periodontal disease…
A healthy smile is a vital part of your overall well-being, no matter your age. For seniors, maintaining good oral health can significantly impact quality of life, from enjoying your favorite foods to speaking and smiling with confidence. However, aging can bring unique dental challenges that require specific attention and care.Understanding these common issues is…