Convenient Locations Serving Allston & Brighton, MA
Lasers are now a part of everyday life. It’s no different at Soft-Touch Dentistry. Dr. Bidabadi has always been at the cutting edge of the dental technology and has invested in Biolase hard- and soft-tissue lasers to improve patient care and outcomes.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
Dr. Bidabadi believes in staying at the forefront of emerging dental technology for her procedural options, but, more importantly, for her patients.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Dr. Bidabadi believes in staying at the forefront of emerging dental technology for her procedural options, but, more importantly, for her patients. Here are some of the benefits of our use of laser dentistry:
- Soft tissue work, such as gum contouring or addressing gum disease, often doesn’t require sutures.
- Certain procedures don’t require anesthesia.
- Patients unnerved by the sound of a dental drill can relax.
- Lasers instantly sterilize the treatment areas.
- Damage to surrounding tissue is minimized.
- Wounds heal faster.
- Tissue regenerates more efficiently.
- Procedures can be done more quickly.
How Can Lasers Be Used in Dental Treatments?
Dr. Bidabadi continues to expand her use of Biolase lasers. Here are some areas she has incorporated this technology:
- Periodontal disease — When cleaning periodontal pockets, the laser vaporizes infected tissue, disinfecting the area and triggering tissue re-growth at the same time. As the laser energy penetrates the gum tissue, it instantly seals blood vessels and nerve endings. This dramatically reduces post-procedure pain, and encourages faster healing. Here’s where we use the laser for periodontal disease:
- Root planing and scaling
- Removal of bacteria and infected tissue from periodontal pockets
- Surgical reshaping of the gums to reduce periodontal pockets
- To enhance reattachment of the gums back to the tooth root
- Gum contouring — Lasers are excellent for addressing gummy smiles, creating a more symmetrical gumline, and for preparing the gumline when readying a tooth for a crown.
- Other soft tissue uses — From exposing unerupted permanent teeth in children to freeing the tongue in a frenectomy, from removing tissue from partially exposed wisdom teeth to treating canker sores and other lesions, we keep expanding our soft-tissue laser uses.
- Hard tissue uses — We use our lasers to remove tooth decay without needing to drill. We also use the laser to prepare the surrounding enamel for the composite resin filling of the cavity. Lasers are very effective for excavating deep pits and fissures in the molars prior to filling them with sealants. Laser energy effectively etches the tooth enamel, making it a better surface when bonding or applying sealants.
Can Laser Dentistry Be Combined With Other Dental Procedures?
Yes. Laser dentistry is actually an ancillary technology that is used to elevate the efficiency of traditional dental procedures. For example, we use laser devices during deep dental cleanings as an option to destroy infection-causing bacteria on contact. Laser dentistry helps Dr. Bidabadi quickly eliminate decayed enamel without having to use a dental drill. Using laser devices allows us to move through your treatment more quickly and with a great deal of precision. It minimizes bleeding and post-treatment recovery time so you can get back to your normal routine right away.
Is There Any Necessary Recovery Time after Laser Dentistry?
You might experience some side effects after your laser dentistry treatment. The amount of time you may want to or need to take off work or just change what you eat and drink will vary. If you receive a deep dental cleaning utilizing laser technology, you probably won't need to take time off work. If you prefer to rest and recuperate for a few days at home, you might schedule your laser treatment just before the weekend. While you may feel well enough to engage in your normal activities, there are certain foods and beverages that you may need to avoid for up to a few weeks. Dr. Bidabadi will discuss what to expect after undergoing laser dentistry treatment so you can schedule and plan accordingly.
How Many Laser Dentistry Treatments Are Needed to Get the Best Results?
Just one laser dentistry service may be all that you need to address the dental or periodontal concern that has occurred. If you require laser treatment for advanced gum disease, we may schedule a series of treatments. Each of which will treat one area of the mouth at a time. Each are should need only one laser treatment to achieve remarkable improvement in gum health. Other treatments, such as laser dentistry for cavity repair, need only one use to fully address the problem. Keep in mind that undergoing laser dentistry does not eliminate the risk of future decay and infection. It is necessary to take very good care of your teeth and gums in between your office visits.
Does Insurance Usually Cover Laser Dentistry?
Some insurance companies do cover at least part of the laser dentistry service, and some offer no coverage at all. Each insurance company develops its scope of coverage independently. For this reason, it is advisable to contact your insurance company directly. You may find that you have more coverage for laser dentistry treatments than you had thought.
How Effective Is Laser Dentistry Compared to Other Dental Procedures?
Your dentist is fully trained in the performance of all necessary dental procedures. Each is performed with the utmost care regardless of the inclusion of laser technology. That said, laser dentistry does offer benefits over traditional drill dentistry. The precision of the beam of light has been found as accurate, if not more so, than a scalpel. Furthermore, effectiveness can be increased in laser procedures because the thermal energy of the laser beam immediately cauterizes blood vessels as it "cuts." Less bleeding means better visualization of the surgical site, which can mean less downtime and discomfort after the procedure.
Read What Our Patients have to say!
"Every time I come here, I Have a wonderful experience. The staff here are so friendly and talk me through the procedures. Dr. Bidabadi is fantastic and very practical in terms of the treatments she recommends. I would 100% recommend coming here."
Dental Laser Options Available at Soft-Touch Dentistry
We have invested in Biolase lasers, both the Waterlase Express, and the Epic 10.
Waterlase Express — This is an all-tissue laser, giving us the widest range of possible applications. The Waterlase system uses a combination of laser energy, air, and water spray. Since human teeth are partially made of water, when the laser energy contacts the tooth it excites the water molecules to cut through the tooth. This makes hard-tissue work such as the removal of decay a drill-free experience. Plus, it dramatically reduces the need for anesthetic.
Epic 10 — The Epic 10 is one of the world’s most widely used diode lasers specifically for soft-tissue use. It provides three distinct treatment modes: surgery, pain relief, and teeth whitening.
Is Laser Dentistry Painful?
The power of lasers can make some patients believe they must also be painful. The opposite is actually true. Because the laser wavelengths are absorbable by water and hemoglobin, the laser energy can instantly vaporize infected gum tissue without the need for a scalpel. And because the energy instantly coagulates the blood vessels and seals nerve endings, there is dramatically less pain and usually, the incisions don’t require sutures.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Laser Dentistry?
Ideal candidates for laser dentistry are adults who have moderate to severe periodontal disease, tooth decay, or stained teeth. This treatment is especially beneficial to patients who have tooth or gum sensitivity, as the laser technology allows for less swelling, bleeding, and bruising during treatment.
Patients who have mild periodontal disease may not qualify as a candidate for laser dentistry treatment. Patients who currently have metal amalgam fillings should also avoid laser dentistry. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, we recommend avoiding laser treatments until after childbirth and breastfeeding has completed.
Can My Child Get Laser Dental Treatment?
Yes. Laser dentistry is safe for children. It is often recommended as the treatment reduces swelling, bleeding, and bruising in comparison to traditional dental techniques, which can lead to a faster recovery time. Because laser technology is also designed to strengthen tooth enamel, your child’s teeth will be better protected against future decay. Laser dentistry can also be a great option for children who experience dental anxiety, as lasers do not make noise compared to traditional dental tools.
Are There Any Risks with Laser Dentistry?
Just like any other dental treatment, laser dentistry does involve a few risks that patients should be aware of. These risks can include burning and tissue damage. However, under the care of Dr. Bidabadi, patients can expect to manage their side effects and avoid these risks easily. With patient safety and comfort in mind, Dr. Bidabadi will always provide patients with protective glasses to protect their eyes from the laser treatment.
Is Laser Dentistry Safe?
Laser dentistry is extremely safe and approved by the FDA to effectively treat a number of dental conditions.
How Does Laser Dentistry Reduce the Risk of Infection?
Traditional dental tools can cause micro-abrasions on teeth and gums. This creates potential entry points for bacteria.
In contrast, dental lasers sterilize the treatment area by emitting concentrated light energy that kills bacteria and pathogens on contact. This sterilization process minimizes the risk of post-procedural infections.
Furthermore, laser procedures often result in less bleeding and swelling. This further reduces the risk of complications and promotes faster healing.
Is Laser Dentistry Suitable for Patients With Dental Anxiety?
Yes, laser dentistry is particularly suitable for patients with dental anxiety.
The use of lasers often eliminates the need for drills and other traditional tools that patients may find intimidating or uncomfortable. Laser treatments are also typically quieter and cause fewer vibrations. This can be soothing for anxious patients.
Additionally, laser procedures are generally less invasive. They cause minimal discomfort and reduce the need for anesthesia.
Are There Any Special Preparations Needed Before a Laser Dentistry Procedure?
Preparing for a laser dentistry procedure at Soft Touch Dentistry is straightforward. It usually requires no special steps beyond standard dental hygiene practices.Â
Patients should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly to keep the treatment area clean. They should also discuss their medical history and any current medications with Dr. Bidabadi. This will help her create a safe and effective care plan.
How Does Laser Dentistry Improve the Precision of Dental Procedures?
Laser dentistry enhances the precision of dental procedures by providing greater control and accuracy.
The focused light energy of lasers allows for targeted care and minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This precision is particularly beneficial for procedures like cavity removal, gum reshaping, and soft tissue surgeries, where accuracy is crucial.
Lasers can also effectively remove decayed tissue and bacteria from cavities without affecting adjacent teeth. This level of precision results in more efficient treatments, less discomfort, and faster recovery.
How Does Laser Dentistry Benefit Patients With Sensitive Teeth?
Traditional dental treatments can sometimes exacerbate sensitivity by exposing dentin (the tissue below the enamel) or causing irritation. However, laser dentistry is less invasive and can target problem areas without affecting the surrounding sensitive tissues.
Additionally, lasers can seal tubules on the tooth's surface that contribute to sensitivity. This will provide immediate relief.
The minimally invasive nature of laser treatments also means less discomfort during and after the procedure. A decrease in discomfort makes it ideal for those with sensitive teeth.
Why Choose Soft Touch Dentistry?
When you choose Soft Touch Dentistry, you receive top-notch care from a team led by Dr. Nazila Bidabadi. In addition to serving as the president and Chief Cosmetic Dentist at our practice, she is an esteemed clinical instructor at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine.
Soft Touch Dentistry is dedicated to providing convenient and accessible care. That’s why we offer early morning, lunchtime, evening, and Saturday appointments. The office is also wheelchair-accessible, with ample parking to ensure a hassle-free visit.
With our patient-focused approach, state-of-the-art laser technology, and commitment to excellence, Soft Touch Dentistry is the ideal choice for those seeking advanced dental treatments in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Schedule a Laser Dentistry Consultation
To learn more about Biolaser and other laser options available at Soft-Touch Dentistry, please call our Brighton office at 617.782.9250 or our Netwon office at 617.332.8146.