Lasers are used to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for receipt of the filling. Gum disease. Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria during root canal procedures. Lasers can detect cavities early by finding evidence of tooth decay. Local anesthesia and traditional drills are often not needed with laser treatments. Lasers can kill bacteria in a cavity, which can aid in the long-term health of a tooth.

Teeth that have a sensitivity to hot and cold can be treated with dental lasers that seal tubules on the tooth’s root.

Common soft tissue procedures include:

Treating a “gummy smile.” Lasers are used to reshape gum tissue associated with “gummy smile,” where the gums’ length covers much of the tooth.

Crown lengthening. This procedure reshapes both gum tissue and bone for a healthier tooth structure, which helps with placing restorations on the teeth.

Treating tongue frenulum attachment. Those with a thick or tight frenulum (the fold of skin under the front part of the tongue that anchors to the mouth floor) may help from a laser frenectomy. This treatment helps children whose restricted frenulum causes them to be tongue-tied, have difficulty breastfeeding, or have a speech impediment.

Removing soft tissue folds. Lasers can remove soft tissue folds from ill-fitting dentures without pain or sutures.

Other laser procedures include:

Viewing tissues. Optical coherence tomography allows a doctor to safely see inside a tooth or gum tissue.

Removing benign tumors. Lasers can remove tumors from the palate, gums, and sides of the lips and cheeks through pain and suture-free method.

Treating obstructive sleep apnea. Lasers can reshape the throat and relieve associated breathing problems when sleep apnea is caused by tissue overgrowth in the throat.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment. Lasers can help reduce pain and inflammation in the joint.

Nerve regeneration. Lasers can help regenerate damaged blood vessels, nerves, and scars.

Treating cold sores. Lasers can decrease healing time and cut pain from cold sores.

Teeth whitening. Lasers speed up the bleaching process during teeth-whitening sessions.

Laser treatments such as these can vary in price, depending on the procedure being done and the laser equipment used. Compared to non-laser treatment, they may be less expensive because the laser treatment is usually completed in fewer sessions. Additionally, dental insurance usually determines reimbursement costs based on the treatment itself and not on what method is used.

Therefore, your compensation is likely to be the same as it would with drilling and other ways. However, it’s always important to ask about your specific policy beforehand to get the most accurate information.