Laser Therapy: What It Is and How It Works

Lasers make our lives better in so many ways. For instance, printing, shopping, and manufacturing are quicker and more precise thanks to innovative laser technology. These light-emitting devices are also used by dentists like Dr. Shawn Reese of Cedar Falls, IA, to treat a variety of oral health issues—read on to learn more.


Lasers Enhance Many Types of Dental Treatments and Procedures

A laser produces a thin, targeted beam of light that can:

  • Identify and Treat Cavities: Lasers can detect cavities and small pits that may turn into cavities long before they appear on traditional X-rays. If you have a cavity, your dentist may use a laser to remove decayed tooth structure and prepare your tooth for the filling material.
  • Reduce Tooth Sensitivity: Meal-time isn't very enjoyable if your teeth hurt when you consume foods and drinks that are hot, cold, or sugary. Lasers relieve sensitivity by sealing tiny, hollow tubules on your roots. When the tubules are exposed, heat, cold, and sugar all irritate the nerves inside your tooth.
  • Improve a Gummy Smile: Lasers remove excess tissue that gives your smile a gummy appearance.
  • Eliminate Sores: Do you have painful sores or ulcers in your mouth or lips? A quick laser treatment in a Cedar Falls dental office can end your pain and promote healing.
  • Seal Blood Vessels: Lasers minimize bleeding by sealing off blood vessels.
  • Improve Denture Comfort: When denture fit is a problem, your dentist may use a laser to reshape the soft folds that help hold your dentures in place.
  • Provide Sleep Apnea Relieve: Laser surgery removes excess tissue in the throat that can cause sleep apnea.
  • Treat Gum Disease: Lasers have several uses in the treatment of gum disease. They can remove diseased or damaged gum tissue, kill bacteria in pockets surrounding your teeth, and help your gums reattach to your teeth.


8 Advantages of Laser Therapy

Laser therapy offers these benefits:

  • Decreased bleeding
  • Less pain and swelling
  • Quicker recovery time
  • Quieter treatment (replacing noisy drills with lasers can reduce anxiety)
  • No damage to surrounding tissues, thanks to the precisely focused light beam
  • Reduced need for anesthesia
  • Lower infection risk
  • Less need for sutures

Could you benefit from laser therapy? Call your dentist in Cedar Falls, IA, Dr. Reese, at (319) 266-3393 to schedule an appointment.

Hours of Operation

Shawn Reese, DDS, MS, PC

Monday:

7:00 am-1:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Our Location