Visiting a Laser Dentist For Laser Assisted Root Canal Treatment

Why do they do it that way?

The techniques dentists use to perform root canals are standardized by medical professionals. The tools used are also controlled by precise guidelines. There’s a good reason for these practices if you want to have confidence in your dentist’s work, it makes sense to stick with what other professionals are doing!

If you’re visiting a dentist who does root canals using laser equipment, it may be tempting to ask why. After all, if your procedure can be done using lasers, why not do it that way every time? The reason for sticking with traditional tools is based on science. Laser technology can enhance root canal disinfection by improving the removal of bacteria and debris, thus enhancing the overall disinfection process.

Are Lasers Safe for Dental Procedures?

Absolutely, lasers are safe for dental procedures when operated by trained professionals. Dental lasers are specifically designed to target precise tissues and come equipped with safety features to prevent accidental exposure. The risk of injury is minimal when these lasers are used by a qualified dentist. With over two decades of extensive use in dentistry, numerous studies have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of laser technology in various dental treatments, including root canals.

Traditional Root Canal Treatment vs. Laser-Assisted Root Canal Treatment

Traditional root canal treatment involves using drills and files to meticulously remove infected tissue from the root canal. While effective, this method can be time-consuming and may cause some discomfort during and after the procedure. In contrast, laser-assisted root canal treatment employs laser energy to remove infected tissue, making the process faster and more precise. The laser also enhances the disinfection of the root canal, reducing the likelihood of reinfection. This comparison highlights the efficiency and improved patient experience associated with laser-assisted root canal procedures.

What is involved in a root canal procedure?

A root canal is one of dentistry’s most common procedures. In fact, there are more than 15 million performed each year in America alone. This number is growing by nearly 10% each year because of aging baby boomers and growing public awareness of tooth damage that can lead to bigger problems down the road. A root canal procedure involves accessing nerves within your tooth with a tiny drill before cleaning out dead cells and bacteria from inside your tooth. Laser treatment can improve the cleaning and disinfecting of root canals, reducing bleeding and postoperative discomfort.

A root canal procedure is usually performed in one sitting and typically only takes an hour or two to complete. You may need to visit your dentist or endodontist on more than one occasion, however, depending on how extensive your work needs to be. After your treatment, you can get back to enjoying pain-free eating and chewing, so long as you care for your new crown correctly.

Aftercare and Recovery

Following a laser-assisted root canal treatment, patients might experience mild discomfort, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Adhering to the dentist’s aftercare instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery. These instructions may include avoiding chewing or biting on the treated tooth until it is fully restored, maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, and steering clear of hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days. Scheduling a follow-up appointment is also essential to ensure the tooth is healing properly. By following these guidelines, patients can enjoy a successful recovery from their laser-assisted root canal treatment.

How much does laser dentistry cost?

Like most laser dentistry, root canal therapy is more expensive than conventional methods; according to an estimate from Delta Dental of California, lasers used for endodontics will cost you an additional $200 out-of-pocket on average. That said, if your insurance covers it (many do), then there may be no extra cost to you at all. It’s worth investigating with your insurance provider to see what they cover and what you might expect as far as reimbursement goes.

In some cases, root canal therapy is considered cosmetic dentistry and therefore not covered by insurance. To avoid high out-of-pocket costs, it’s critical to talk with your dentist about whether your tooth can be saved using traditional methods before deciding on laser endodontics.

Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 492-1602 for an appointment in our Tucson office.