Technology and Imaging
Laser dentistry
Laser dentistry uses focused light energy to treat teeth or gum tissue. Dentists use different lasers for soft tissue work and for some hard tissue tasks.
A dental laser delivers a narrow beam of light. LASER stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers have been studied in dentistry since the 1960s.
A review lists hard tissue uses such as caries prevention, bleaching, cavity preparation, and diagnosis. Soft tissue uses include wound care, removing excess gum tissue, and uncovering a tooth that is partly through the gum. Some uses, like gingivectomy and frenectomy, work on gum tissue.
Different lasers fit different jobs, and none replaces every traditional tool. Costs and a small risk of heat damage to the tooth are noted for some types. This entry is general and does not say that Town Center Dental uses lasers.