knowledge for peace of mind

Do you have a buildup of plaque and calculus?

A laser teeth cleaning is a great way to remove bacteria and restore your mouth to a fresh state…!

what is laser treatment for teeth cleanings?

A routine cleaning is the removal of accumulated plaque and calculus which is not possible with a toothbrush at home. Final polishing is done at the end of the procedure. Laser therapy is the utilization of laser light to fight bacterial infections that have developed in gum pockets. This can be used during routine dental cleanings as well as more substantial deep cleanings for gum diseases.
DRAG SLIDER FOR COMPARISON

routine laser teeth cleaning therapy before & after

symptoms

you might need
a laser treatment for teeth cleaning if you have…

Proper oral hygiene at home is important, but even with your best efforts, there are some areas and build up that need special care in a dentist’s office.   

  • Swollen, red, tender gums
  • Gums that bleed when you floss or brush
  • Bad breath
  • Gum disease
  • Dry mouth
  • Mouth ulcers

what to expect during a routine cleaning with laser therapy

Having a routine cleaning with laser therapy typically involves 1 appointment at the office, while a deep cleaning will require 1-2 appointments at the office.  Read on for timings and how to prepare.

    At your First visit

    Depending on the type of cleaning you require, the hygienist may administer a numbing agent for the gums in order to make the process as comfortable as possible.

    Buildup on the teeth is removed with hand scaling instruments and ultrasonic scalers.

    Laser is utilized within the gum pockets to reduce bacterial contamination and promote healing. Laser treatment is painless during and after the procedure.

    Finally, the teeth are polished and the hygienist will provide personalized oral hygiene instructions, focusing on educating you on how to improve any areas of concern.

      At your secound visit

       If a deep cleaning is required due to the presence of gum disease, the treatment will be split into two appointments.  One half of the mouth will be cleaned at the first appointment and the second half will be cleaned at the following appointment. These appointments are divided to reduce the need to numb the entire mouth during your visit, which is quite uncomfortable when you leave.  

        advice & tips

        Whats the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning?

        Laser therapy can be used during routine cleanings–the type you have every 6 months as a preventative treatment.  The procedure is the same as a routine cleaning, however our cleaning with the laser has a greater efficacy due to the lasers ability to kill bacteria.

        The same laser treatment can be used on a more powerful setting by the dentist after a scaling and root planing procedure to treat periodontal disease. In these conditions, the laser is more than just a bacteria reducer, it’s used to remove damaged/poorly healing gum tissue and stimulate the healing process. 

        AFTERCARE

        after your routine cleaning…

        To ensure the best outcome for the procedure, it is
        important to:

        • Practice the recommended oral hygiene measures–brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and good flossing techniques.
        • Visit the dentist for cleaning and checkups regularly.

        You may notice…

        If you’ve had a routine cleaning you shouldn’t expect any pain during or after the laser treatment.

        LASER THERAPY FAQS

        answering your questions about cleanings with laser therapy…  

        Is a cleaning with laser therapy the same as a routine cleaning?

        This treatment is the SAME as a routine cleaning, however, the effectiveness of our cleaning is greater due to the lasers ability to kill bacteria.  

        How long will the appointment take?

        A routine cleaning with laser treatment, which also includes an exam and X-rays, will be 1 hour.

        A deep cleaning with laser treatment is 90 minutes for each half of the mouth. We try to avoid treating the entire mouth in one sitting, as this leads to drooling with the whole mouth being numb at once!

         

        Will the cleaning be painful?

        We take this concern seriously at Peace of Mind and will do our absolute best to make every appointment pain free.  The routine cleanings do not require any anesthesia, however, a strong topical anesthetic can be used prior to the cleaning. This provides a substantial amount of numbness without needing an injection.

        Our deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), will require local anesthesia as it is a slightly more invasive procedure.  In addition to our topical anesthetic, we utilize a painless oral injection system, DentalVibe®, to reduce any discomfort during the numbing process. DentalVibe is a unique tool that can help alleviate dental fear and anxiety, allowing you to undergo the treatments needed to maintain a healthy mouth. DentalVibe provides gentle vibration to the site of the dental injection that overloads the nerve that sends pain signals to the brain so you don’t feel the injection. Most patients who have a DentalVibe injection aren’t even aware they’ve had an injection! The vibrations disperse the anesthesia once it’s injected to allow it to get to work even faster…plus the sound of the vibration creates an added distraction!

        Once numb, the procedure is painless.

        There will be some mild soreness in the gums after a deep cleaning as well as some sensitivity.

        How long after a cleaning do I have to wait to eat and drink?

        We recommend that you wait until the numbness has subsided before eating anything that requires you to chew.  We recommend waiting to eat as it reduces the chance you might bite your tongue, cheek, or lips unknowingly.  You can drink using a straw on the opposite side of the mouth that was worked on.  If you are hungry and need some calories before the numbness wears off, it is okay to drink a smoothie, shake, etc.  We also recommend refraining from drinking anything hot as one could burn themselves and not know it due to being numb.  

        Have more questions? Please call us at 480-608-5444 or email us and we’ll be able to talk you through the process.

        Tips & advice from Dr. Silverman:

        Healthy habits are contagious.

        A tip to form a healthy habit is to combine brushing and flossing with another regular part of your day such as showering. Electric toothbrushes work well in the shower and floss can easily be kept in the shower as well. So instead of just shampoo and soap, add brushing and flossing to the routine!
        For more advice, visit our faq page