Albemarle Dental
Associates
Proudly serving Charlottesville, VA

About Laser Dentistry

Laser Dentistry Q&A

Innovative laser dentistry can improve the health of your teeth and gums and eliminate the need for scalpels. If you’re among the nearly half of adults in the United States who have cavities or gum disease, turn to the dental experts at Albemarle Dental Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, for advanced laser dentistry care and other state-of-the-art procedures. To learn more about laser dentistry, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.


What is laser dentistry?

Jeffery Hodges, DDS, and his hygienist Carrie offer the latest advances in laser dentistry for gum disease and tooth decay treatment. The team uses the procedure for frenectomies, gum grafting, osseous surgery, and more to treat gum problems without scalpels or sutures. 

Laser treatment also helps to painlessly remove diseased areas and regenerate healthy gum tissue. It allows the tissue to attach to your teeth with a lower risk of gum disease returning after treatment.

Lasers at Albemarle Dental Associates have many different tasks. Erbium YAG lasers allow your dentist to remove decay in targeted areas. It can also recontour soft tissue and desensitize teeth. Diode lasers work well for treating soft tissue defects. 

What are the benefits of laser dentistry?

Some of the many benefits linked with laser dentistry at Albemarle Dental Associates include:

  • Enhanced comfort
  • Reduced or no bleeding
  • Minimized swelling
  • No charring
  • No drill noises or vibrations
  • Less stress and anxiety
  • No pain
  • Fast, effective treatments
  • No injections

Laser dentistry at Albemarle Dental Associates reduces your risk of infection, as the laser’s high-energy beam reduces bacteria. 

Is laser dentistry right for me?

To find out if laser dentistry is the right procedure for you, your Albemarle Dental Associates provider discusses your symptoms and oral health history. They review the results of your dental X-rays and examine your teeth and gums. 

Signs of gum disease, which may warrant laser treatment, include:

  • Bright-red gums
  • Receding gumline
  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen, tender gums
  • Other gum abnormalities

In comparison, healthy gums fit snugly around your teeth and are light pink. Signs of tooth decay include visible holes or pits in your teeth, tooth discoloration, and tooth pain.

What happens during laser dentistry treatments?

During laser dentistry treatment at Albemarle Dental Associates, friendly staff members welcome you. While you relax in a comfortable dental chair, your specialist numbs the treatment area to avoid any discomfort.

They use a laser to target decaying parts of your teeth or diseased gum tissue. The laser agitates healthy tissue, encouraging it to reattach to your teeth to diminish a receding gumline. 

What should I expect after laser dentistry procedures?

After laser dentistry procedures, there’s no postoperative pain. Reduce physical activity for several hours post-surgery and use antimicrobial rinses and antibiotic medications as directed by your dentist. Practice good oral hygiene habits at home by brushing after meals and flossing daily.

To learn more about laser dentistry and find out if it’s right for you, call the Albemarle Dental Associates office or book an appointment online today.