Yes, it’s true. You choose laser dentistry for your dental care because you’ve done your research. You know lasers are superior to scalpels and sutures. You know there is minimal to no bleeding, little to no pain, treatment precision, and a prompt recovery. What could be better?
Then you arrive at the “laser dental center,” only to learn that they have one laser and it likely won’t meet your specific needs. In other words, it’s not quite as advertised.
My dental center is the ONLY complete laser suite in the Huntsville area, and we are happy to evaluate your dental health and explain how this technology can benefit you.
At Doug Booth, DDS, my team and I are committed to advanced technology and gentle dental care. My laser suite plays an important role in that dedication.
In this blog, I break it all down for you, including the bait and switch and the true benefits of all-inclusive laser dentistry.
What Is Laser Dentistry and What Are the Benefits
Instead of a scalpel and sutures, laser dentistry relies on wavelengths or light energy to precisely treat a range of dental health and cosmetic issues. Because of the laser’s precision, I disrupt less healthy tissue when performing various procedures. Additionally, there is little to no bleeding, treatment is virtually painless compared to the scalpel or drill, and recovery time is prompt in comparison.
Not All Dental Lasers Are the Same: Questions to Ask a Laser Dentist
Not all lasers are created equal; wavelengths and intended use will vary. So, here are a few questions to ask a laser dentist or a dental practice advertising laser dentistry without specifics.
- Can you treat my gum disease with laser dentistry?
- Can you fill my tooth cosmetically with laser dentistry?
- Can you contour my gums or even them out with laser dentistry?
- Can your laser dentistry help my snoring or sleep apnea?
- Can your dental laser aid in cosmetic dentistry?
And here are three bonus questions to ask to help you spot a “commodity” laser dentist in Huntsville, or a laser dentist who may not be as equipped to deliver as advertised:
- Will you still need to use a traditional scalpel or manual drill to complete my surgical procedure?
- Is your laser a basic soft-tissue diode, or do you have a multi-wavelength system that can safely treat bone and teeth?
- Is your practice equipped to deliver an entirely drill-free, needle-free cavity protocol?
Think of similar questions that you’d like answered!
(Typically, only a fully equipped laser dentistry center can perform a wide range of treatments using this technology.)
The Laser Washing Trend: When Marketing Hype Masks Old-School Dental Tools
A dental office may advertise laser dentistry and innovative technology, but you soon discover that old-school dental tools still play a role in your care. Of course, this can happen if a dental office has only one laser with a limited intended use or if your specific treatment requires lasers and tools in concert, which is acceptable.
However, transparency is key.
My team and I believe strongly in transparency, and we will always let you know before your dental treatment whether laser dentistry is an option for your care.
The Science of Wavelengths: Cosmetic Diodes vs. True Surgical Laser Suites
When it comes to lasers, wavelengths make all the difference.
- The Basic Diode Laser (The Competitor Standard): This typical laser has its uses, but it is limited and focuses on soft tissues. It cannot penetrate teeth or bone, which limits its use to gum treatments and similar soft-tissue applications.
- Complete Surgical Wavelengths (The Booth Standard): These powerful lasers can penetrate tooth enamel, reshape bone, and treat soft tissue, including gum tissue and tongue-tie. They can stand in for the drill, making your treatment more straightforward.
Scalpel Surgery vs. The Booth Way: A Microscopic Look at Healing
Traditional Gum Surgery: Steel, Trauma, and Stitches
When patients hear words like steel, trauma, and stitches, it often induces anxiety… and I don’t blame them. As a Huntsville dentist, I know that modern technology like dental lasers means that treatment doesn’t have to be scary or painful. A laser dentistry suite truly makes steel, trauma, and stitches things of the past.
The Booth Way: Cellular Sterilization and Instant Cauterization
Lasers promote microscopic sterilization throughout your treatment, which can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, cauterization is instant. In other words, I can close off blood vessels as I go, which encourages healing and a much faster recovery.
For Complete Laser Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, Contact My Dental Team
Our laser suite includes:
- The Fotona LightWalker Laser: A quiet, versatile, and powerful laser.
- The NightLase®: A gentle way to help treat sleep apnea and snoring.
Doug Booth, DDS, is also your home for groundbreaking diagnostics, same-day dental crowns, and advanced dental care. Our aim is always straightforward and painless dentistry in Huntsville!
To get started or if you have questions about our laser dentistry suite, call us today at (256) 533-4770. You can also request an appointment or consultation online.
Remember to ask my team about third-party financing through Cherry.