What are laser fillings, and how do they work?
Laser fillings are fillings where we use a dental laser to help prepare the tooth. There's a specific type of laser that can work on hard tissues such as tooth structure. We can use the laser to remove certain areas of decay and then restore the tooth with filling material.
How are laser fillings different from traditional fillings?
One of the major differences is how we prepare the tooth. With a traditional filling, we commonly use a dental handpiece, or drill, to remove the decayed tooth structure. With certain laser fillings, we can use laser energy to remove decay without the same vibration associated with a traditional handpiece.
Another potential difference is anesthesia. Depending on the cavity, tooth, and individual patient's sensitivity, some laser procedures may be completed with little or no local anesthetic. Other patients and procedures still require numbing. We determine that based on what we're treating and what you need to remain comfortable.
What does getting a laser filling feel like?
The experience is different from having a tooth prepared with a traditional dental handpiece. With the laser, you don't have the same direct contact and vibration that you normally associate with drilling. You may hear sounds from the equipment and feel water, air, or a cool sensation while we're working.
How much sensation or discomfort you experience varies from person to person. If you need local anesthetic to remain comfortable, we can use it.
How long does a laser filling appointment take?
The length of a laser filling appointment depends on how many cavities you have, where they're located, and how extensive they are. Some laser preparations can be completed relatively quickly, while larger or more complicated restorations take longer.
If local anesthetic isn't needed, you also won't have to wait for numbness to wear off afterward. We'll let you know when it's appropriate to eat and return to your normal activities based on the filling material and treatment you received.
Are laser fillings an option for anxious patients or children?
Laser dentistry can be a helpful option for some patients who are anxious about dental treatment or don't like the sound and vibration of a traditional dental handpiece. Some children may also find the experience easier to tolerate.
However, every patient and every cavity is different. We'll evaluate the tooth and determine whether laser treatment is appropriate and what comfort measures may still be needed.
Can every cavity be treated with a laser?
No. Dental lasers can be useful for many procedures, but they aren't appropriate for every cavity or every part of a restorative procedure. The location and depth of the decay, the existing restoration, the type of tooth preparation needed, and other clinical factors can determine whether we use a laser, a traditional handpiece, or a combination of both.
If a tooth needs more extensive treatment, such as a crown or root canal, other instruments and local anesthetic may also be necessary.
How can laser fillings help preserve tooth structure?
One potential advantage of using a dental laser is that it can allow us to selectively remove certain areas of tooth structure. Depending on the cavity and treatment, that may help us take a conservative approach to preparing the tooth.
Our goal with any filling, whether we use a laser or traditional instruments, is to remove the decay appropriately while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as we reasonably can.
Are laser fillings more expensive than traditional fillings?
At our office, we don't charge anything extra simply because we use the laser. The laser itself is an additional technology that we've invested in, but for our patients, we don't add a separate laser fee to the filling just because that technology is used.
What should you ask when considering laser fillings?
If you're interested in laser fillings, ask whether the dental office has a laser designed for hard-tissue procedures and whether your particular cavity can appropriately be treated with it. Not every dental laser is designed to prepare teeth for fillings.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (929) 238-9944 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.