Laser-Assisted Dentistry

Exploring the Future of Dentistry: Laser Technology at DiBartola Dental

Curious about the future of dentistry? Wondering how dental laser treatments are changing the game? At DiBartola Dental, our Bridgeville dental team has the answers. With Dr. Wayne DiBartola leading the way, we’re embracing laser-assisted dentistry to provide you with cutting-edge, precise, and comfortable dental

care. Call us at (412) 221-9440 to learn how this innovative technology can revolutionize your dental experience, or keep reading to learn more.

What is Laser-Assisted Dentistry?

Laser-assisted dentistry, also known as laser treatment and laser therapy, is a cutting-edge dental practice that utilizes advanced laser technology to perform various dental procedures with enhanced precision and reduced discomfort for patients. Dental lasers work by emitting focused beams of concentrated light energy.

When the laser light comes into contact with dental tissues, it interacts with the water and pigments in the tissues. This interaction can either cut away or vaporize the tissue, seal blood vessels, sterilize the area, and promote faster healing, all with a high degree of precision.  

Benefits of Laser-Assisted Dentistry

Benefits of laser-assisted dentistry include the following:

• Precision: Laser treatments allow for precise tissue removal and dental work, minimizing damage to surrounding areas.
• Minimized Discomfort: Patients often experience less pain and discomfort during and after laser procedures compared to traditional methods.
• Reduced Need for Anesthesia: In some cases, local anesthesia may not be required during a laser dentistry procedure due to the minimized pain associated with laser dental treatment.
• Faster Healing: Laser dentistry can promote speedier tissue regeneration and reduce the healing time for various dental procedures.
• Reduced Bleeding: The laser’s precision cauterizes blood vessels as it cuts, leading to minimal bleeding.
• Minimal Swelling: Laser dentistry procedures generally result in less postoperative swelling.
• Reduced Risk of Infection: The high-energy beam used for laser treatment sterilizes the area being treated, reducing the risk of infection.
• Preservation of Healthy Tissue: Lasers are precise, allowing dentists to preserve healthier tooth structures and preserve your dental health.
• Improved Gum Health: Dental lasers can effectively treat gum disease, promoting better oral health.
• Enhanced Patient Comfort: Reduced noise, vibration, and discomfort associated with traditional dental tools make the experience with dental lasers more comfortable for patients.
• Versatility: Dental lasers can be used for a wide range of dental procedures, from cavity removal to gum reshaping and teeth whitening.
• Less Need for Sutures: Many laser procedures do not require sutures due to their precision and ability to promote natural healing.
• Reduced Recovery Time: Patients often experience quicker recovery times with dental lasers, allowing them to return to normal activities sooner.

Biolase Dental Lasers at DiBartola Dental

At our Bridgeville dental office, we’re proud to utilize BIOLASE dental lasers in our laser-assisted procedures. Developed by BIOLASE, the world’s leading innovator in laser dental products, these cutting-edge tools are highly regarded for their safety and effectiveness in sterilizing treated areas, further minimizing the risk of infection.

We use BIOLASE laser technology to treat dental issues utilizing numerous procedures, including crown lengthening, gum disease treatment, and more! BIOLASE features soft-tissue lasers like the Epic Hygiene™ and all-tissue lasers such as the Waterlase iPlus®.The type of laser we’ll utilize during your laser dentistry treatment depends on the specifics of your case.

Soft-Tissue Lasers vs. Hard Tissue Lasers vs. All-Tissue Lasers

Soft Tissue Lasers

Soft tissue lasers are designed for procedures involving oral soft tissues. They operate at lower wavelengths, around 810-980 nanometers, which are absorbed by the pigments in soft tissues. These lasers are used for gum contouring, treating periodontal disease, performing frenectomies, and removing oral lesions.

Hard Tissue Lasers

Hard tissue lasers work at higher wavelengths, typically around 9.3-9.6 micrometers, and are employed for procedures involving hard dental tissues, like enamel and dentin. Hard tissue lasers are ideal for tasks such as cavity preparation and tooth reshaping, offering precision and minimal damage to surrounding tooth structure.

All Tissue Lasers

All-tissue lasers, also known as dual-wavelength or versatile lasers, are designed for both hard and soft tissue applications in dentistry. These lasers have the unique ability to operate at a range of wavelengths that allow them to effectively handle a wide spectrum of dental procedures. The versatility of all-tissue lasers makes them a valuable tool in modern dentistry, offering precise, minimally invasive procedures for both hard and soft oral tissues, ultimately enhancing patient comfort and oral health outcomes.

Laser Assisted Dentistry Services at DiBartola Dental

Crown Lengthening (“Gummy Smile” Treatments)

Crown lengthening using dental lasers is a minimally invasive procedure that precisely reshapes the gum line, revealing more of the tooth’s surface. Crown lengthening is ideal for patients with a “gummy smile,” helping to create a harmonious balance between the teeth and gums, enhancing the aesthetics of their smile. Crown lengthening with laser treatment can also be used as part of periodontal therapy, helping to cut away diseased and infected tissue.

Frenectomy and Tongue-Tie Release

Laser frenectomy is a quick and painless laser dentistry procedure that corrects conditions like tongue-tie or lip-tie by safely cutting the restrictive tissue using a laser beam. Laser frenectomy treatment improves tongue and lip mobility, making it easier for patients, particularly infants, to nurse, speak, or prevent orthodontic issues caused by these conditions.

Ulcer Reduction

Dental lasers are used to reduce the discomfort and speed up the healing process of oral ulcers, such as canker sores. The laser targets the ulcer, reducing pain and inflammation while promoting faster tissue repair.

Root Planing and Scaling

Laser root planing and scaling is a non-surgical laser dentistry approach to treat periodontal disease. Laser treatment removes tartar and infected gum tissue back from the tooth root, effectively eliminating bacteria and promoting gum reattachment to the tooth surface. This method reduces the need for traditional scraping and results in less discomfort and faster recovery for patients.

Who Qualifies For Laser Dentistry Services?

You might qualify for a laser dental treatment at DiBartola Dental if any of the following apply to you:

• Anxious or Phobic Patients: Laser treatment is often less invasive and can cause less discomfort, making it a good option for patients with dental anxiety.

• Pediatric Patients: Children may benefit from laser treatment as it can be less intimidating and less painful than traditional dental procedures.
• Patients with Bleeding Gums: Laser treatments are effective for addressing gum disease and reducing gum bleeding.
• Patients with Dental Hypersensitivity: Laser treatment can be gentler on sensitive teeth and gums.
• Patients with Medical Conditions: Some patients with certain medical conditions that contraindicate traditional treatments may still be eligible for laser treatments.
• Patients Seeking Fast Recovery: Laser dentistry procedures often result in quicker healing and reduced postoperative discomfort.
• Patients with Special Needs: Laser dentistry treatment can be beneficial for patients with special needs who may have difficulty with traditional dental procedures.
• Patients with Implants: Laser dentistry treatment can assist in maintaining the health of dental implants and the surrounding tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is laser dentistry less painful?

Laser dentistry is often less painful due to its precision, reduced heat, and vibration. The cauterization of blood vessels, faster healing, and improved patient comfort further contribute to its reputation for minimizing pain. Laser-assisted dentistry may require less anesthesia or none at all, resulting in reduced numbness and post-operative discomfort. 

Are there any risks with laser dentistry?

Inexperience or improper use of the laser can inadvertently damage surrounding tissues in the eyes and face. Some patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity to heat during laser procedures. Additionally, while lasers are effective for many dental procedures, they may not be the best option for all conditions or patients. 

Is laser-assisted dentistry suitable for children?

Laser-assisted dentistry can be a suitable option for children, especially for procedures like frenectomies and cavity treatments. It’s often less intimidating for young patients due to reduced noise and discomfort.

Are laser-assisted dental treatments covered by insurance?

Coverage for laser treatments can vary by your dental insurance provider and the specific procedure. It’s advisable to check with your insurance company and your dentist’s office to determine if your treatment is covered.

Discover the Future of Dentistry with Laser-Assisted Technology at DiBartola Dental!

Curious about laser dentistry and its benefits? Embrace cutting-edge, precise, and comfortable dental care at DiBartola Dental in Bridgeville, PA. Call us at (412) 221-9440 to schedule your appointment and learn how this innovative technology can revolutionize your dental experience. 

DiBartola Dental provides laser dentistry services to patients in Bridgeville and surrounding areas such as Heidelberg, Carnegie, & Upper Saint Clair, PA.  Don’t miss out on the future of dentistry – contact us today!