Feelings of anxiety are common when visiting the dentist, but these feelings subside once the appointment starts for many people. Others, however, can face a condition known as dental anxiety, a mental health condition that causes fear, stress, and anxiety when in a dental setting, or even imagine being at the dentist for a checkup. In severe cases, dental anxiety can lead to a dental phobia, causing avoidance, panic attacks, and, worst of all, poor dental health. To combat this issue, dentists have begun implementing new technology in their offices to reduce its symptoms and help patients achieve healthier smiles, known as laser dentistry.
How Laser Dentistry Helps With Feelings of Anxiety
Out of all the fields of dentistry out there, laser dentistry is a lesser-known hidden gem that combines the use of laser technology with normal dental treatments. The lasers work to deliver waves of light energy to the mouth through this technology, destroying bacteria cells and food particles to clean the teeth. As a subsect of many common dental practices, laser dentistry is becoming more popular due to the rise in dental anxiety among patients. Patients with difficulties being at the dentist due to traumatic experiences, unresolved feelings of fear, and underlying mental health conditions can find peace of mind with laser-adjusted dental treatments because of how lasers work to produce a quiet, pain-free experience.
Because of the impact of laser dentistry, there have been a rising number of dental practices incorporating lasers into their procedures. These procedures include:
- Tooth Decay Removal: Patients faced with both severe tooth decay and cavities can have a pain-free experience with laser dentistry, as the lasers used can remove damaged enamel, built-up plaque, and signs of bacterial infection along with the teeth without impacting the patient’s fears or anxieties during the procedure.
- Root Canal Procedures: Root canals are often the most feared procedure due to their steps in removing the tooth’s pulp and cleaning out the inside canals. However, laser dentistry provides better precision, removes the use of traditional scalpels and drills, and helps remove infected pulp for an easier cleaning experience.
- Gum and Tissue Treatment: Patients with severely infected gums and other soft tissues that need to be removed can have an overall better experience with laser-guided treatments. Laser-guided gum treatment and soft tissue treatment can help remove the risk of gum sensitivity and help prepare the patient for future restorative treatments through their ability to fight off bacteria easily.
- Enamel Treatment: Alongside tooth decay, gum, and root canal treatment, any signs of enamel discoloration or chipped enamel can be removed and reshaped through laser technology and provide the patient with an overall easier experience at the dentist.
Learn More About Laser Dentistry Today!
Most of all, laser dentistry can provide a more accurate method for cavity preparation, meaning if you need a filling or crown done, then your dentist’s lasers can do the job perfectly. Because of their gentle touch and silent activation, lasers can have a wide range of uses for all cases, especially for those with dental anxiety or dental phobia, and can be combined with other treatments such as sedation for a more soothing effect. For more information about laser-guided treatments, make sure to schedule a visit with your dentist soon to learn more.
