We Fix Smiles at The Lakes Family Dental

If you are like most people, the words "laser dentistry" probably make you think of science fiction movies with lasers zapping teeth and making them whiter. 


While this may be a fun image to entertain, laser dentistry is actually a very real and beneficial dental treatment that can help improve your oral health in many ways.


In this blog post, we will discuss what laser dentistry is, why someone might need it, and the benefits of choosing laser dentistry over other forms of dental treatment.


What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry is the use of lasers to treat various dental conditions.


Dental lasers are classified into three different categories: hard tissue lasers, soft tissue lasers, and all-tissue lasers.


Hard tissue lasers are used to remove or reshape bone and tooth enamel. They can also be used to prepare a tooth for a filling or crown.


Soft tissue lasers are used to remove or reshape gum tissue, and they can also be used to treat cold sores, canker sores, and other mouth lesions. 


All-tissue lasers can be used for both hard and soft tissue treatments. They are the most versatile type of dental laser and are used for many different procedures.

There are many reasons why someone might need laser dentistry. Here are a few of the most common reasons:


  • To remove tooth decay
  • To prepare a tooth for a filling or crown
  • To remove or reshape gum tissue
  • To treat cold sores, canker sores, or other mouth lesions


Laser dentistry is also a great option for anyone who may suffer from dental anxiety,  as it is a much less invasive option than traditional dental treatments.

What Does Laser Dentistry Involve?

The type of laser used and the procedure being performed will determine what exactly laser dentistry involves. However, there are a few things that are generally involved in laser dentistry:


  • A small, hand-held device is used to direct the laser beam at the target area
  • The laser beam targets specific areas of the mouth with short pulses of intense light
  • The light energy from the laser interacts with tissue and is absorbed by water or hemoglobin in the blood


This process essentially vaporizes the targeted area, which removes tooth decay or reshapes gum tissue. It is generally painless and most people report much less sensation than with traditional dental methods.



Laser dentistry has a number of benefits, both for patients and practitioners. Patients often report that laser procedures are less painful than traditional methods, and they have less bleeding and swelling.


In addition, because the laser targets specific areas with precision, there is often less damage to surrounding tissues. For practitioners, laser dentistry can be more efficient and easier to use than traditional methods, and it can provide better results for patients


If you think laser dentistry might be right for you, or if you have any questions about the procedure, please call or click below to set up a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Alvarado and the team at The Lakes Family Dental. 


Our team is ready to welcome you with comfort, professionalism, and a smile!

Share by: