Laser Dentistry in Garland, TX

Advanced Tools for Quality Care with Minimal Discomfort

With our advanced laser technology, Dr. Dooley and his team offer precise treatments that will minimize your discomfort and time in the dental chair. We use several types of dental lasers, and will thoroughly explain their application before beginning treatment.

Understanding Laser Dentistry

We use two types of laser technology:

DIAGNOdent® laser cavity detection: DIAGNOdent® will measure the amount of fluorescence in your teeth. A high level of fluorescence will indicate decay. Dr. Dooley will shine the laser in the tiny crevices of your teeth to look for the smallest hidden cavities.
BIOLASE WaterLase® laser: WaterLase® combines laser light with a powerful stream of water to reshape your teeth or gums with minimal impact to the nearby tissues. Thanks to this technology, you can enjoy efficient, minimal discomfort root canal therapy, tooth contouring, cosmetic gum contouring, cold sore treatment, and oral cancer biopsies.

The Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Lasers are quickly revolutionizing the field of dental treatment. Dental lasers are highly accurate. Therefore, Dr. Dooley can perform diagnostic tests and restorative treatments much more precisely than he could with manual techniques. With DIAGNOdent®, Dr. Dooley can discover cavities in the earliest stages before they manifest symptoms or are visible to the naked eye. In most cases, he can treat these small cavities with a dental filling, rather than a more extensive restorative procedure. Additionally, thanks to laser technology, Dr. Dooley can often find cavities before they cause you any discomfort.

WaterLase® is also highly precise, and will enable your dentist to remove the smallest amounts of tissue to achieve stunning cosmetic results. You will also experience little discomfort with these advanced tools. Lasers do not produce disagreeable vibrations or noises. They will also seal off your tissues during treatment, so you should have negligible bleeding or inflammation after your procedure. Finally, lasers will actually kill bacteria during treatment, meaning your risk for infection is virtually non-existent.

How Laser Dentistry Can Improve Your Smile

Laser dentistry has revolutionized many dental procedures, offering more precise, less invasive, and often more comfortable alternatives to traditional methods. Dr. Dooley’s use of the WaterLase® and DIAGNOdent® lasers at our Garland dental office exemplifies this advancement. Here’s how these lasers can be utilized in various dental treatments:

1. Gum Disease Treatment

Procedure: Lasers like the WaterLase® are used to target and remove inflamed gum tissue surrounding the root of the tooth. After the infected tissue is removed, and the root is exposed, the root scaling begins. This involves scraping off the calculus and plaque built up below the gumline and around the root. The laser facilitates cleaning by killing bacteria and promoting reattachment of the gums to the tooth root.
Advantages: Reduced bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional surgery. It also allows for more precision in removing diseased tissue without affecting healthy tissue.

2. Fillings

Procedure: Lasers can be used to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for receipt of the filling. DIAGNOdent® is particularly useful for detecting cavities early on. The WaterLase® laser can then be used to prepare the tooth without the need for a drill or anesthesia in some cases.
Advantages: Often painless, reducing the need for anesthesia. It also preserves more of the healthy tooth during cavity removal.

3. Root Canals

Procedure: Lasers are used to clean and shape the root canal more efficiently than traditional drills. The laser energy effectively removes debris and bacteria, thus disinfecting the area.
Advantages: Increases the effectiveness of root canal therapy by thoroughly cleaning the canals and reducing bacteria. It can also shorten treatment time and decrease discomfort.

4. Dental Implant Placement

Procedure: Lasers assist in reshaping gums and removing bacteria during the implant procedure. While the laser doesn’t place the implant itself, it prepares the area, ensuring a cleaner and more precise site for dental implant placement.
Advantages: Reduces the risk of infection, minimizes bleeding, and allows for quicker tissue healing.

5. Gum Contouring

Procedure: For cosmetic or health reasons, gum contouring reshapes the gum line. The laser trims and seals excess gum tissue to improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile or uneven gum lines.
Advantages: Less invasive than cutting, reduces bleeding, speeds up recovery, and provides more predictable results.

Additional Procedures:

Tooth Whitening: Lasers can speed up in-office tooth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching solution applied to the tooth surface is activated by laser energy, speeding up the whitening process.
Biopsy or Lesion Removal: Lasers can remove a small piece of tissue (a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer. They are also used to remove lesions in the mouth and relieve the pain of canker sores.
Desensitizing Teeth: Lasers can be used to seal tubules on the tooth’s root that are responsible for hot and cold tooth sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is laser dentistry safe?

A: Yes, laser dentistry is extremely safe when performed by a trained Garland dentist like Dr. Dooley. The precision of laser technology minimizes the risk of injury to surrounding tissues. Safety glasses are worn during the procedure to protect the eyes from laser light. Additionally, lasers can often reduce the risk of infection by sterilizing the treatment area.

Q: Does laser dentistry hurt?

A: One of the major benefits of laser dentistry is the reduction in discomfort. Many patients experience little to no pain during laser procedures, which often eliminates the need for anesthesia. The laser’s precision and the gentle nature of the treatment also reduce post-operative pain and swelling, making the recovery process smoother and quicker.

Q: What are the advantages of using lasers for dental treatments?

A: Lasers provide a host of advantages, including increased precision in treatment, reduced need for anesthesia, less bleeding and swelling during and after procedures, and a lower risk of infection. They also allow for quicker and more comfortable recovery times. In procedures like cavity detection and gum disease treatment, lasers offer more effective and less invasive options compared to traditional methods.

Q: How long does recovery take after a laser dental procedure?

A: Recovery times after laser dental procedures are generally shorter than traditional dental procedures. Since lasers are less invasive and cause less trauma to the gums and teeth, patients typically experience less discomfort and faster healing. However, the exact recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure and the individual patient.

Q: Are there any limitations or risks with laser dentistry?

A: While laser dentistry is highly versatile, it’s not suitable for all dental procedures. For instance, lasers cannot be used on teeth with certain types of fillings or for procedures that require drilling into the tooth enamel. As for risks, they are minimal but may include potential damage to surrounding tissues if not properly managed. It’s important to have laser dental procedures performed by a skilled and experienced dentist.

Q: Can laser dentistry be used on children?

A: Yes, laser dentistry can be safely used on children and is often a preferable option due to its less intimidating and more comfortable nature. It’s particularly beneficial for children who are anxious about dental procedures, as it reduces noise and discomfort.

Q: Why is no-shots dentistry becoming so popular?
A: No-shots dentistry, also known as needle-free dentistry, is gaining popularity for several compelling reasons:

Reduced Anxiety and Fear: Dental anxiety is a significant barrier for many people when it comes to seeking dental care. The fear of needles and injections is a common aspect of this anxiety. No-shots dentistry eliminates this fear, making dental visits less daunting and more comfortable for patients, especially those with needle phobia.
Pain-Free Experience: Injections can be painful, and the discomfort can linger even after the procedure. Needle-free techniques offer a pain-free alternative, which is particularly appealing to patients who are sensitive to pain.
Faster Recovery: Traditional methods often lead to numbness that can last for hours after the procedure, affecting speech and eating. No-shots dentistry typically doesn’t cause prolonged numbness, allowing patients to return to their normal activities immediately.
Advanced Technology: The rise in no-shots dentistry is also due to advancements in dental technology. Tools like lasers can perform certain dental procedures without the need for anesthesia injections. This technology not only reduces discomfort but also increases precision and effectiveness.
Child-Friendly: Getting children to the dentist can be challenging, and the fear of shots makes it harder. No-shots dentistry is more child-friendly, reducing the fear and trauma associated with dental visits, and promoting better oral health habits from a young age.
Increased Accessibility: For patients with medical conditions that make anesthesia risky, such as allergies to local anesthetics or bleeding disorders, no-shots dentistry provides a safer alternative.
Time Efficiency: Procedures without shots can often be quicker, as there’s no need to wait for anesthesia to take effect. This efficiency is beneficial for both Dr. Dooley and the patient, allowing for shorter and more streamlined appointments.
Holistic Approach: There’s a growing trend towards more holistic and less invasive medical treatments. No-shots dentistry aligns with this approach, focusing on patient comfort and reducing the invasiveness of dental procedures.

As dental technology continues to evolve, it’s likely that no-shots dentistry will become even more prevalent, offering patients a more comfortable, less anxiety-inducing dental care experience.

Book Your Laser Dentistry Treatment in Garland, TX

If you need restorative or cosmetic care, and you want to enjoy safe, efficient treatment with minimal discomfort, then you may be a candidate for laser dentistry. Dental lasers benefit children and adults of all ages. To learn more, call Scott Dooley Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-495-8100. We also proudly serve the residents of Dallas, Richardson, Wylie, Sachse, and all surrounding communities.