Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry provides a safe, minimally invasive, and pain-free treatment option for cavities, gum disease, and other common oral health problems. At Whole Body Dental in Bellevue, Washington, general, cosmetic, and implant dentist Anthony Nguyen, DDS, AFAAID, and his team offer laser dentistry with the Fotona Dental Laser. Laser dentistry can remove decay, improve the appearance of your gum line, and eliminate tooth sensitivity. To request a laser dentistry consultation, call the office or book online today. 

What is laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry uses targeted light energy (lasers) to treat various oral health problems. Laser treatments may sound futuristic, but dentists have employed them since the late 1980s. Since the treatment relies on amplified light instead of handheld tools, the process is typically quicker, safer, and more comfortable.

What types of treatments does laser dentistry provide?

At Whole Body Dental, the team uses the Fotona Laser for various types of laser dentistry, including:

• Removing tooth decay
• Treating gum disease
• Detecting cavities
• Teeth whitening
• Treating tooth sensitivity
• Removing excess gum tissue
• Treating cold sores and/or benign growths

The team also uses laser dentistry to treat sleep apnea. For example, if you have obstructive sleep apnea, your provider might perform laser dentistry to remove the excess tissue at the back of your throat. That opens up your airways, making it easier to breathe during sleep.

What types of lasers does laser dentistry use?

At Whole Body Dental, the team offers laser dentistry with two types of lasers, including:

Soft tissue lasers

Soft tissue lasers are absorbed through water and hemoglobin –– a protein in your red blood cells. The team uses soft tissue lasers to treat gum disease, sleep apnea, and excess gum tissue.

Hard tissue lasers

Hard tissue lasers are more powerful than soft tissue lasers and can cut through your tooth enamel. The water and minerals in your teeth absorb the light, allowing your provider to prepare your teeth for dental fillings or composite bonding.

What are the benefits of laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry offers various benefits over other methods of treatment, including:

• No need for stitches or sutures
• Less bleeding
• No anesthesia necessary
• Reduced risk of infection
• Faster recovery times

What’s more, laser dentistry causes minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. As a result, there’s little risk of complications.

Am I a candidate for laser dentistry?

To see if you’re a candidate for laser dentistry, make an appointment at Whole Body Dental. After a review of your dental records, a series of digital X-rays, and an oral exam, the team can determine if you qualify and make treatment recommendations.

To explore the benefits of laser dentistry, call Whole Body Dental or book online today.