How Does Laser Dentistry Work For Dental Anxiety?

Beautiful teeth, beautiful smile!

Dental anxiety is a huge issue faced by hundreds of people that can range from heightened nervousness to severe panic attacks at the mere mention of going to the dentist. Because this condition ranges in severity and can affect anyone, it’s often one of the biggest factors contributing to poor oral health and severe tooth decay in people today. Dentists attempting to treat patients didn’t have the tools necessary to handle patients with severe dental anxiety, as it is only recently that developments in technology have helped resolve many of the issues dentists face when attempting to treat patients. One of those new developments is the concept of laser dentistry, a sub-specialty that allows dentists to create a smooth, pain-free experience for their patients without potentially triggering their dental anxiety. 

How Does Laser Dentistry Work For Dental Anxiety?

Laser dentistry has been gradually growing over time as a useful tool for dentists because of its ability to help manage and control symptoms of severe dental anxiety. This is due to its effective measures at eliminating the need for rotary drills, one of the primary causes of anxiety attacks in dental anxiety patients, and replacing them with a nearly silent laser drill that uses light ions to treat affected areas. Laser dental drills are often used to replace rotary instruments for patients who require dental treatment but cannot receive it due to their condition, and because of this, laser dentistry provides patients with numerous benefits, including: 

  • Higher Accuracy and Precision: Laser dental drills tend to be more precise than manual rotary instruments due to their ability to locate and target smaller areas of tissue and enamel. Laser dentistry is often combined with conservative dental procedures because of its accuracy in allowing for better focus on necrotic or damaged tissue, leaving healthy tissues intact. 
  • Reduced Discomfort: Patients who often experience anxiety attacks or moments of fear when at the office can have an overall better experience because it produces less pain, doesn’t produce loud sounds, and helps cauterize any present wounds in the oral cavity. 
  • Faster Recovery Times: Because of its ability to cauterize wounds, it also provides a faster recovery time for the patient, removing the need for stitches and promoting a better experience for the patient. 
  • Timely, Painless Procedures: With better precision, less discomfort, and faster recovery times, laser treatments can improve the overall comfort levels of patients with severe dental anxiety and promote healthier teeth and gums overall. 

Laser dentistry is a specialty that doesn’t get enough credit and is currently in its earliest stages of development. While there is only a small batch of dentists that work within this technology, research can hopefully provide both dentists and their patients with better answers for treating dental anxiety for good. 

Speak With Your Dental Provider About Laser Dentistry

If you find yourself curious about laser treatments, then it’s important to reach out to your current dental provider. Through your dental provider, you can find a dental laser specialist that can help treat both your oral health and dental anxiety for an easier, more soothing experience. 

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Dr. Henry Lam DMD

DR. HENRY LAM
Born and raised in Vancouver, Dr. Henry Lam received his Doctor Of Dental Medicine at the University of British Columbia and has full-time dental practice since 2005. After joining 8West Dental Care in August 2014, he’s brought valuable experience to his patients in the Calgary, AB area.

Dr. Henry Lam DMD

DR. HENRY LAM
Born and raised in Vancouver, Dr. Henry Lam received his Doctor Of Dental Medicine at the University of British Columbia and has full-time dental practice since 2005. After joining 8West Dental Care in August 2014, he’s brought valuable experience to his patients in the Calgary, AB area.