Do you get cold feet whenever you imagine going to the dentist? You’re not alone. Yet, thanks to today’s technological and medical breakthroughs, dental operations are completely painless and risk-free. One such development is laser dentistry, a technique used by dentists to address a wide range of problems affecting the mouth and teeth.
However, many individuals don’t take advantage of a more effective and painless dental treatment because of widespread myths regarding this technology. This blog will dispel common laser dentistry myths so you no longer need to fear going to the dentist.
Common laser dentistry myths
There are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding laser dentistry since it is such a novel field of study. Laser dentistry was initially used in the late 80s and gained popularity in the 90s. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about laser dentistry, so you can benefit from this technology without worry:
Laser dentistry is very painful
Given that dentists use lasers to cut away tissue, take biopsies, and get rid of cold sores, it’s understandable if you’d worry that laser dentistry might hurt. However, even though it’s slicing away at tissue, it’s not painful.
When compared to traditional dentistry methods like the drill, laser dentistry significantly improves patient comfort. There is no unsettling vibration or strange noise. In many cases, no anesthesia or sedative is necessary for a dental laser operation. In other instances, even sutures won’t be needed.
Another plus of laser dentistry is that it “cauterizes” the tissue, which means less blood loss and a cleaner environment. This helps the body heal more quickly and facilitates a smoother recovery period.
Laser dental procedures are painfully slow
This false belief originated when dental lasers were first used. In the earlier stages of laser development, dental lasers were noticeably slower than a regular drill. Nevertheless, this is no longer the case. Quite a bit of time has passed since then, and we have progressed considerably in terms of speed and efficiency. Modern dental lasers use more efficient wavelengths that allow them to cut as fast as a traditional drill.
It’s not worth the expensive cost
There may be some truth to this myth. However, for most people, the difference in price between two similarly easy procedures like gum contouring or filling a cavity is negligible at best. Laser dental equipment is more costly than conventional dental treatment tools, but the process itself is less painful and more efficient.
Dentists who have invested in laser dental equipment will normally charge a premium for their services. A further advantage of laser therapy is that it is a non-invasive treatment option. For this reason, the surgery is well worth the additional cost since the patient will recover more swiftly, experience less bleeding, and feel less pain as a result.
You risk being exposed to cancer-causing radiation
This is among the most widespread misunderstandings about laser dentistry, yet it couldn’t be further from the truth. Laser dentistry does less damage than direct sunlight.
Since dental lasers use magnified light rather than potentially harmful radiation, they have the same effect on the body as regular light. Plus, the use of photo-thermolysis for precise heating eliminates the risk of injury.
Laser dentistry is not covered by dental insurance
This is nearly always totally untrue. When deciding whether to pay for a dental operation, your insurance company will not consider the type of treatments performed. When it comes to cavities, for instance, dental insurance will pay for treatment regardless of whether it’s done with a standard dental drill or a laser dental drill.
This misperception exists since laser procedures are typically associated with cosmetic procedures like gum reshaping, which are not reimbursed under insurance coverage unless they are demonstrated to be essential for reasons other than aesthetics. It’s likely that laser therapy will be covered by your insurance, but you should verify this with our staff just to be safe.
Top dentists offering laser dentistry treatments in Mission Viejo
Despite these myths, Laser dentistry treatments are becoming increasingly popular. As more people get the opportunity to check it out for themselves, they see firsthand how safe and effective it is.
The development of new technologies is unavoidable. Given its numerous benefits and effectiveness, laser dentistry is poised to overtake traditional methods as the most popular method of dental care. This is why clinics like Mission Implant Center provide laser dentistry treatments in Mission Viejo. We’ve got top dentists and oral surgeons on board, and they use the latest equipment to offer you comfortable laser dental care.
Other dental services we offer include laser gum surgery, dental implants, pinhole surgery, and cosmetic crown lengthening.
Get rid of your dental issues once and for all by scheduling a visit right away. For any questions or inquiries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
