At Smiles4OC, patients near the Costa Mesa, CA area are often interested in state-of-the-art, comprehensive dental care for their smiles. The dentists in our practice, Drs. Rolfes, Rolfes, Do, and Padia have years of combined experience in providing dental care for patients, and have also invested in their practice to offer laser dental treatments.

Understanding laser dentistry

What is laser dentistry? How does laser dentistry work? Is laser dentistry safe?

Many patients who consult with the professionals at Smiles4OC and learn that we offer laser dental services have a lot of questions they want answered. This allows them to better understand how our team can help them achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Our practice is pleased to offer this innovative care that ensures minimally invasive solutions for common oral issues.

Medical professionals have been using lasers for years. Laser light is a concentrated and focused beam of light that can treat many conditions. It can be used on patients of all ages, often providing children with a more comfortable and easier appointment. There are several types of lasers that are available, including hard tissue lasers and soft tissue lasers, and both are used by the team at Smiles4OC.

What are the benefits of laser dentistry?

Our dentists in Costa Mesa, CA choose to provide laser dentistry because it offers distinct benefits.

• Laser dentistry reduces the need for sutures in many procedures
• Laser dentistry does not require patients to undergo anesthesia
• Laser dentistry can sterilize the gum tissue and reduce the risk of infections
• Laser dentistry shortens recovery and healing time
• Laser dentistry reduces the bleeding that occurs during traditional procedures
• Laser dentistry can reduce discomfort for patients
• Laser dentistry is more precise, ensuring optimum results from various procedures

What can I expect during my laser treatment?

For most patients, laser dentistry can be a less traumatizing experience in the dental chair. Patients who have dental anxieties will find that their laser appointments will go much smoother. Laser treatments are often performed with less anesthetics, or even none, though patients with dental anxiety may still request sedation to make their appointment less anxiety-ridden. There is much less discomfort with laser procedures, including less blood and faster healing times, which makes it a more desirable option for many of our patients. In terms of post-operative expectations, patients will experience shorter healing times and less discomfort following their procedure. Bleeding is often not nearly as much of an issue as it can be with traditional oral surgeries, and the chance of infection is lower. Our team will always provide patients with post-operative instructions to help them understand the process of recovery and to educate them on proper care.

What can lasers do for my smile?

At Smiles4OC, we offer a variety of lasers that can be used in many ways to enhance a patient’s smile and improve oral health. Common treatments performed with lasers include:

• Gum contouring – with lasers, our dental team can address the contours of the gum tissues, ensuring that they are symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing. Lasers are often used for patients who have a “gummy smile” to remove gum tissue and extend the length of the natural teeth.
• Fillings – dental fillings can be provided with a laser device known as Waterlase. This is a specific device that eliminates the need for the dentist’s drill, as it uses focused water powered by a laser light to prepare the area for a filling. Once the area is prepared, then the dentist will utilize materials such as composite resin to fill the tooth and stop the decay from progressing. This will also seal the tooth and keep bacteria from entering. If bacteria does happen to enter into the tooth, it may result in an infection that may require treatment—such as root canal therapy—to address.
• Periodontal disease – patients who have gum disease will also benefit from laser therapy, which can target the gum tissues and reduce the present infection. This is often done for the later stages of periodontal disease, known as periodontitis, treating infections without the use of antibiotics. However, in severe cases, we may still prescribe oral antibiotics to control the infection and keep it from spreading elsewhere in the body.

Does laser dentistry hurt?

Because the laser provides precision treatment and uses laser light to treat a variety of conditions, it is less painful than traditional treatments without lasers. In fact, many of our patients can undergo laser therapy without any anesthetics, or even just a small amount to curb any discomfort. At Smiles4OC, we work with our patients to ensure they are comfortable throughout their appointment. This may mean that patients with dental anxieties receive sedation that can put them at ease before and during their appointment. We understand that visiting the dental chair can cause fear for some patients, including those who have had negative experiences with other dentists in the past. However, with laser therapies, patients can get the treatments they need without anxiety.

Who is a candidate for laser dentistry?

All our patients can benefit from laser dentistry. This treatment is used on many of our patients’ smiles and ensures accuracy and effectiveness. All the laser devices used in our practice are cleared by the FDA for treatment of the smile and are used by professionals who have had years of experience and training. Candidates for laser dentistry are patients who are seeking a more positive experience when they visit, and those who want to experience less pain and faster healing.

Are lasers strictly for cosmetic dental work?

While a popular use for lasers in dentistry is for gum contouring, it is not the only reason a patient may undergo treatment with laser therapy. Lasers can also target hard tissues and treat infection, making them a versatile solution for many oral health concerns. If patients could benefit from laser therapies, our professionals will advise them and educate them on how the procedure will proceed. At Smiles4OC, we want our patients to be knowledgeable regarding the treatments we will be providing so there are no surprises during the process. Patients are urged to ask questions during their initial consultation appointment so that they are fully educated on what they can expect from start to finish!

What if I still need sedation?

Some patients have difficulty getting into the dentist’s chair in the first place. They may experience anxiety that keeps them from having necessary dental work completed. At Smiles4OC, we can provide sedation that can be used with laser dentistry. Sedation is a way of calming a patient, sometimes prior to their appointment, ensuring that they arrive calm and comfortable. Patients can ask about sedation methods when they consult with our professionals for dental care. Sedation may vary depending on the severity of one’s anxieties. They include:

• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• Oral conscious sedation
• Intravenous sedation
• General anesthesia

All of these are readily available and can be used not only for patients with dental anxieties, but also for patients with certain conditions that can make it difficult for them to sit still during longer appointments. We even use sedation for patients who have a strong gag reflex and find it uncomfortable to undergo dental procedures. Some of the methods of sedation are administered in our office, such as nitrous oxide and IV sedation, while others require patients to take medication prior to their arrival, as in our oral conscious sedation. Patients are welcome to ask our team about which method of sedation may be most appropriate for their specific needs. We can make a recommendation for a patient based on our knowledge of their anxieties or based on the length of time needed for the procedure and the invasiveness of the treatment. All of this is taken into consideration when helping patients choose the level of sedation appropriate for their unique needs.

How long do laser dental appointments take?

Prior to one’s procedure, our dental team will discuss with patients how long they can expect to be in the dental chair and if there are any delays that may occur.

Ready to discuss laser dentistry with a team of professionals in Costa Mesa, CA?

Contact Drs. Rolfes, Rolfes, Do, and Padia of Smiles4OC today to get started learning how advancements in laser technology allow you to enjoy precision treatment with our team of professionals. We welcome new patients in and around the area of Costa Mesa, CA to book a consultation visit with our team by calling (714) 557-0700 and meeting with our team at 1530 Baker Street in Suite J.

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