Laser Procedure in Orthodontics – What’s It Used For? Posted on February 25, 2019
What is a Laser Procedure?
The laser procedure in orthodontics is helpful when a permanent tooth is visible just behind a thin layer of tissue, but will not erupt through the gums. In Orthodontics, lasering can help remove extra tissue in order to be more accurate when positioning the braces.
It is our hope that this procedure will help reduce the amount of time our patients spend in orthodontic treatment. Most people find that the tissue heals rapidly and the tooth we’ve been so patiently waiting for will begin to quickly erupt and allow us to proceed with treatment.
What to expect at your laser appointment:
- A topical anesthetic gel will be placed on the area to be uncovered. This gel will numb the tissue allowing our patient to be comfortable throughout the entire appointment. At Cardinal Orthodontics, we never use injections.
- Once the tissue is numb, the doctor will perform the brief laser procedure.
- Patients will be able to resume normal activities after this appointment.
Post Appointment Care
- If needed, take Tylenol or Advil as directed on the bottle.
- The area may be tender for up to 24 hours. Rince with warm salt water 2-3 time a day to alleviate any discomfort.
- Healing will occur more quickly if the area is kept clean. Be sure to continue brushing your teeth after the procedure, but do so carefully for at least 48 hours.
- Avoid crackers, chips, and other foods with sharp edges. These will irritate the area that was lasered and poke healing tissue.