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Laser in Dentistry

Lasers in Dentistry in New Braunfels, TX

Lasers are used in a variety of medical procedures. Effectively used to treat the eyes, veins, skin, and even in general surgery procedures, laser therapy has reached mainstream levels of use in today’s treatment protocols. The field of dentistry is no exception and can be used to treat diseases of hard and soft tissues. Gum disease has been proven to positively respond to dental laser therapy, reducing the need for more aggressive, periodontal procedures that are generally less conservative than that which can be achieved through laser treatment for gum disease. Dr. Todd Smith and Dr. Michael Cole are laser-certified dentists who provide laser gum surgery in New Braunfels, TX.The lasers used in dentistry are very thin, but are highly specialized and tissue specific. The Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP®) utilizes a laser that is approximately the width of three hairs yet is highly effective at treating soft tissue infections, such as gum disease. LANAP® enables Dr. Smith and Dr. Cole to only treat the affected areas, those specifically located within deep periodontal pockets. In this treatment for gum disease, involvement of otherwise healthy tissues is not necessary, as the slim laser is inserted into the spaces between the teeth and gums to remove the infected gum tissue. This presents a significant advantage over traditional gum surgery, which does necessitate incisions and sutures. As a result, patients typically experience less post-operative discomfort and faster healing following their treatment for gum disease.

Dental lasers were first used intra-orally on hard tissues in 1964. Soft tissue laser treatments originated in 1985 and continue to become more widely utilized as the field of dentistry progresses. They have certainly found a place in the treatment of gum disease, as evidenced by an increase in the use of LANAP® by laser-certified dentists. If you have gum disease and are in need of laser gum surgery in New Braunfels, TX, contact Dr. Smith and Dr. Cole today to schedule your consultation for the treatment of gum disease.