Laser Dentistry: Outsourced Treatment with Faster Healing Times

Dental lasers have transformed how many procedures are performed, reducing discomfort and speeding up recovery for countless patients. These precision tools can target specific areas without affecting surrounding tissue, which means less swelling, minimal bleeding, and a smoother healing process overall!

At Imagine Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, we work with trusted specialists who provide laser dentistry services to meet your needs. Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs has over 20 years of experience and has received a Charlotte Magazine Top Dentists Award every year since 2016. Dr. Shelli Boucher, her colleague, brings over 15 years of experience, including extensive continuing education at The Dawson Academy, to understand complex dental issues. Together, they ensure you receive comprehensive care tailored to your unique situation.

How Laser Dentistry Works

Dental lasers use focused light energy to perform various treatments with remarkable precision. The laser beam can remove or reshape tissue, eliminate bacteria, and even prepare teeth for fillings without the need for traditional drills in some cases. Different wavelengths of light are used depending on the procedure, whether it involves soft tissue like gums or hard tissue like tooth enamel.

The technology allows dental professionals to work with incredible accuracy. For soft tissue procedures, lasers can seal blood vessels as they cut, which significantly reduces bleeding during and after treatment. This same sealing action also minimizes the risk of infection because the laser sterilizes the area it touches. Many patients report feeling less anxious about dental visits when they know lasers may be used instead of traditional tools.

Common Laser Dentistry Procedures

Lasers can address a wide range of dental concerns. For gum-related issues, specialists use lasers to reshape gum tissue, remove excess tissue, or treat gum disease. The precision of lasers makes them particularly useful for removing infected tissue while preserving healthy gums.

Other applications include:

• Treating canker sores and cold sores to reduce pain and healing time
• Removing small amounts of tooth structure to prepare for fillings
• Whitening teeth by activating bleaching solutions
• Exposing partially erupted wisdom teeth for easier removal
• Performing biopsies or removing lesions for testing

Laser technology continues to evolve, and specialists who focus on these treatments stay current with the latest techniques. When we refer you to a laser dentistry specialist, you can feel confident you’re receiving care from someone with the training and equipment to deliver excellent results.

Benefits of Faster Healing

One of the most significant advantages of laser dentistry is how quickly you can recover. Traditional procedures often require stitches, which take time to dissolve or need removal. Lasers typically eliminate the need for sutures because they cauterize tissue as they work. This means less post-procedure discomfort and a lower chance of infection at the treatment site.

Patients who undergo laser procedures often experience less swelling and bleeding compared to conventional methods. The laser’s precision means less trauma to surrounding tissues, so your body doesn’t have to work as hard to heal. Many people return to their normal activities much sooner after laser treatment, whether that involves eating comfortably or speaking without irritation.

Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure, but laser treatments generally allow you to get back to your routine faster than traditional approaches. This can be especially important if you have a busy schedule or simply want to minimize disruption to your daily life. The reduced need for pain medication is another benefit many patients appreciate during their recovery period.

What to Expect with Laser Treatment

If we refer you to a specialist for laser dentistry, they’ll explain exactly what your treatment involves. Most laser procedures require little to no anesthesia because the laser causes minimal discomfort. You might feel a slight warming sensation or gentle pressure, but the experience is typically much more comfortable than you might expect.

The specialist will use protective eyewear for everyone in the room during the procedure, as the laser light can be harmful to your eyes. The actual treatment time often takes less than conventional methods because lasers work so efficiently. After your procedure, you’ll receive specific instructions for caring for the treated area. Most patients find these instructions simple to follow, with minimal restrictions on eating or drinking.

Follow-up appointments help ensure you’re healing as expected. The specialist will monitor your progress and address any concerns you might have. Our team at Imagine Dentistry stays in communication with the specialists we refer to, so we’re always informed about your treatment and ready to support your ongoing dental health.

Finding the Right Specialist for You at Imagine Dentistry

When you need specialized dental care, we connect you with professionals who have the skills and technology to provide the treatment you deserve. Our referral network includes specialists who use the latest laser dentistry techniques to deliver comfortable, effective results. Dr. Coambs and Dr. Boucher carefully evaluate your needs and work with you to determine if laser treatment is the right option for your situation.

We believe in a collaborative approach to dental care, which means staying involved in your treatment journey even when specialists are performing specific procedures. Our practice serves as your dental home, coordinating your care and ensuring all aspects of your oral health receive attention. If you’re curious about whether laser dentistry might benefit you, contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options!