Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings
If you need to have a cavity filled, you may be wondering what the best materials option is. Dentistry has evolved over the years and
Laser Dentistry
We use a dental laser for several types of treatment, like detecting tooth decay, treating gum disease and canker sores, and reshaping gums without traditional surgery. Laser technology is less invasive, and enables us to perform more effective procedures and shorten treatment and recovery times.
Laser Dentistry in Santa Rosa
No-Cut, No-Stitch Gum Treatments.
Laser dentistry enables us to avoid traditional scalpels and sutures for many soft tissue treatments. Instead, the laser allows us to improve the contour and shape of the gum line with less discomfort, faster healing, and less risk for infection than traditional gum surgery.
A Faster, More Comfortable Alternative to Osseous Surgery.
Laser gum disease treatment is an effective, reliable, and predictable way to treat gum disease. Our specialized periodontal laser can remove diseased tissue and stimulate healthy bone regeneration to reverse even severe periodontal disease.
Advanced Technology in Experienced Hands.
Dr. McCormick has also been using laser dentistry in his practice for more than 15 years, and stays current on the latest research and applications. His experience means patients can be confident in choosing laser dental treatments in Santa Rosa.
What are the benefits of laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry can be a less invasive method of treating several dental issues. For instance, laser gum disease treatment helps to control periodontitis, or severe gum disease, by eliminating pockets of plaque and infection at the roots of the teeth. This is a treatment that previously would need to be done by cutting into the gums and cleaning out periodontal pockets surgically.
With laser dentistry, you won’t need to worry about scalpels or stitches, allowing you to get the care you need with less dental anxiety. Paired with our safe and effective pain control techniques, we can assure a completely comfortable experience from start to finish.
One of the major drawbacks to traditional osseous surgery is that the tissue can shrink during the healing process, creating gum recession that will need further procedures to treat. Our specialized dental laser allows us to treat diseased tissue and eliminate bacteria without affecting healthy tissue, improving our ability to treat infections, gum disease, and other issues while preventing unnecessary damage.
This works because bacteria and damaged tissue are darker and absorb more of the laser’s energy than healthy cells. The heat of the laser also closes the wound as we perform procedures like gum contouring, creating a healthy environment for faster healing.
Compared to traditional approaches, laser dentistry offers:
- Faster recovery
- Less bleeding during the procedure
- Less pain and swelling after the procedure
- Fewer follow-up procedures
- No need for gum grafting to recover correct tissue height
- No scalpels or stitches
- Highly predictable success rates
How can laser dentistry improve gum health?
As you can see, laser dentistry is a superior approach in many cases. However, its benefits go beyond minimizing damage. In fact, the light used in our dental lasers is shown to stimulate the tissue for better blood flow and subsequent healing afterward. It can even stimulate healthy bone regeneration, helping to stabilize the teeth after periodontal disease has damaged the sockets.
This light stimulation also helps new, healthy gum tissue form around the teeth, replacing damaged tissue and helping to re-attaching the gums where they’ve pulled away from the teeth. This means a better recovery from gum disease and less chance for recurrence in the future.
Lasers for gum reshaping and crown lengthening
We also use laser dentistry to gently remove excess gum tissue if:
- Your smile has become too “gummy” or inflamed
- Your teeth appear too short or small
- There is not enough tooth structure above the gums to create restorations like dental crowns
By removing gum tissue strategically, we can adjust the shape and position of your gum line with minimal bleeding or discomfort. This allows us to provide ideal smile aesthetics and create a more favorable site for necessary treatments, sometimes making it possible to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
Get in touch to learn more about how we can improve your gum health with laser dentistry in Santa Rosa!
Although laser dentistry is still considered cutting edge technology, Dr. McCormick has been using them for more than 15 years and has extensive experience using dental and periodontal lasers to help patients have the most comfortable experience possible. Get in touch with our office to find out how laser dentistry can improve your smile!
Meet the Santa Rosa Dentists Dedicated to Giving Your Smile the Personalized Care It Deserves
About Dr. Andrew McCormick:
Dr. Andrew T. McCormick is a native Californian originally from Monterey County. He graduated from U.S.C. school of dentistry and subsequently opened his practice in Santa Rosa, finding Sonoma County to be an ideal place to locate.
In January 2010, he became an accredited member of AACD, one of 350 dentists worldwide, after extensive work to raise his level of expertise in cosmetic and rehabilitative dentistry.
Voted Best Dentist in Santa Rosa by Readers of Bohemian Magazine
1 of 350 Dentists Worldwide Accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
About Dr. Jessy Singh:
Dr. Jessy Singh is a dentist in Santa Rosa, California committed to crafting healthy, radiant smiles with precision and care. She has a strong foundation with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Touro College of Dental Medicine and a Bachelor of Science degree from Santa Clara University. She then continued her education, pursuing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the University of the Pacific.
Dr. Singh’s professional expertise spans a comprehensive range of dental procedures including examinations, restorations, extractions, and implants. Dr. Singh is particularly passionate about comprehensive treatment planning and enjoys performing crown and bridge procedures. She works to ensure each patient receives care tailored to their needs.
About Dr. Austin Griffith:
Dr. Austin Griffith was born and raised in Sonoma County. After graduating from Rancho Cotate High School and Sonoma State University (BS in Biology and minor in Chemistry) he then graduated from New York University College of Dentistry in 2011.
Dr. Griffith keeps up-to-date with new technologies and with scientific literature by participating in extensive continuing education and became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and has served on the board at the Redwood Empire Dental Society.
Dr. Griffith is married to Heather Anderson. They have two daughters, Avery and Fiona. Outside the office, Austin enjoys mountain biking and trail running, traveling, playing the guitar and spending time with family.
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