Laser Dentistry – Waco, TX
Gentle & Precise Technology
Laser dentistry in Waco takes advantage of gentle and precise technology to comfortably remove gum disease bacteria from your smile. Our laser eliminates infected tissue while leaving healthy tissue untouched, and cauterizes the area to promote a swift recovery. During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether laser dentistry is right for you. If it is, don’t worry – there are many benefits to this treatment method!
Why Choose Heart of Texas Smiles General & Cosmetic Dentistry for Laser Dentistry?
- 3 Different Lasers Allow Us to Personalize Treatments
- In-Network with The Majority of PPO Plans
- Comfortably Treat Gum Disease
What are Dental Lasers?
Dental lasers are more or less what they sound like. The device looks like a long, thin wand. When in use, there will be a very small, concentrated beam of light. The light generates enough heat to remove infected gum tissue, but is also precise enough that a skilled dentist can avoid damaging any healthy tissue.
Rest assured, laser dentistry is considered to be far gentler and less invasive than a traditional scalpel. In fact, you can expect virtually nonexistent recovery times after treatment, since the laser instantly cauterizes tissue.
Types of Laser Dental Treatments
We use the Gemini 2 Diode Laser, Biolase Diode laser, and Fotona Lightwalker laser, which are best suited for treating gum disease. Not everyone with gum disease necessarily needs a soft tissue laser – in minor cases, increased oral hygiene efforts at home are often enough to address the issue. You can read the information provided below to learn more about what treatment looks like when laser dentistry is needed.
Gum Disease Treatment
Treating gum disease with laser dentistry is quick, efficient, and virtually painless. One of our skilled dentists will simply aim the laser at diseased tissue to eliminate the harmful bacteria irritating your gums. Most sessions can be completed in just one appointment, and the vast majority of our patients experience very little bleeding or soreness afterwards. You can reasonably expect to be able to continue about your day without being distracted by discomfort.
The Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Overall, laser dentistry is a more comfortable, less invasive alternative to traditional gum disease treatment methods. Because a dental laser is gentle on the gums, recovery timelines are generally short and post-treatment discomfort is minimal. Your gums should heal quickly, and you’ll soon be able to enjoy a healthy, bright smile!
Laser Dentistry FAQs
Is Laser Dentistry Safe?
Yes! Laser dentistry is a well-established and widely used technology that's considered safe when performed by a trained dental team. At Heart of Texas Smiles, we use three different dental lasers, each carefully selected for specific treatment needs. This allows us to customize the tool to the treatment and increase your safety.
One of the key safety advantages of laser dentistry is its precision—the laser targets only infected or damaged areas, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue untouched. The site is also cauterized during treatment, which significantly reduces bleeding and the risk of bacterial infection compared to traditional methods.
Does Laser Dentistry Hurt?
Dental lasers work without the pressure, vibration, and heat associated with traditional dental instruments, so many patients find them far more comfortable. In fact, many procedures require little to no anesthesia when a laser is the instrument of choice.
The laser also seals nerve endings as it works, which further minimizes discomfort during and after treatment. So, if you've put off gum disease treatment because you're worried about pain, laser dentistry in Waco may be the gentler alternative you've been looking for.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Laser Dentistry?
One of the biggest advantages of laser gum disease treatment is how quickly patients bounce back. Because the laser cauterizes tissue as it goes, there's minimal bleeding and very little post-treatment soreness.
Many times, we find that patients can return to their normal routine the same day, with only minor sensitivity in the treated area. Even then, the discomfort only lasts for a short time. Compare that to traditional gum surgery, with sutures and days of recovery, and it's easy to see why so many patients prefer the laser approach.
Is Laser Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Coverage depends on your specific provider and the procedure being performed, but many PPO dental insurance plans cover laser gum disease treatment when it's deemed medically necessary.
At Heart of Texas Smiles, we're in-network with the majority of PPO providers, which helps keep your out-of-pocket costs as low as possible. That said, every plan is different, so we always recommend checking your benefits before your appointment. Need help finding details or making a plan? Our team is happy to walk you through your coverage and work through the details, so you can focus on your health instead of the red tape.