Treatment with laser dentistry for happier, healthier patients!

Lasers have transformed the way dentists treat a range of conditions. At Park Avenue Dental Care, laser dentistry helps our team in Homewood, Illinois, provide the most comfortable, precise, efficient, and non-intimidating treatments possible.

How do today’s dentists use lasers?

There are several types of dental lasers. Each serves a different purpose. At Park Avenue Dental Care, we have a soft tissue diode laser. We use it to treat the gums, benign growths, cold sores, canker sores and unsightly hemangiomas (aka red birthmarks or “strawberry marks”). We use laser dentistry to treat patients who suffer from periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults. Chronic periodontal disease has also been shown to be a contributing factor to many chronic illnesses like heart disease, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. The laser sterilizes the gum pocket and kills the dangerous bacteria and its by-products. We’ve found that adding laser treatment to conventional periodontal treatments (scaling and root planing) helps the body heal more quickly and more comfortably. In addition, laser dentistry can be used to easily treat “tongue-ties.” You won’t even need stitches after your treatment! Most patients say they are comfortable within 24-48 hours after their treatment. Correcting a tongue-tie can improve a patient’s speech, oral hygiene, digestion, and overall confidence.

If you routinely suffer from cold sores, or canker sores, laser treatment can significantly help you! We know how painful, unsightly, and uncomfortable these sores are. Patients have found that when they treat their cold sore, or canker sore, within 24 hours of that first “tingling” feeling, their sores heal faster, with less pain overall. Repeated treatments can significantly decrease the frequency, duration, and severity of future outbreaks.

How does laser dentistry work?

Our experienced and talented dentists, Drs James Kreuz, Gregory Duffner, and Alex Dolinar, direct the laser toward the damaged area or treatment site. The energy from the laser then goes to work to treat the tissues in a highly targeted fashion.

The highly focused beam from the laser, and its resulting energy, do not affect otherwise healthy tissues outside of the treatment area. Laser treatment is hyper localized, unlike conventional treatments. It does not create collateral damage to the areas adjacent to treatment. This helps minimize swelling, inflammation, and discomfort after treatment.

What makes laser-assisted dentistry different from conventional approaches?

Many unique characteristics and potential benefits flow from the precise nature of laser treatment. Since areas outside the treatment site remain intact, lasers are associated with minimal risk of adverse complications and side effects, such as bleeding and discomfort. Utmost healthy tissues are preserved. Additionally, treatment can be completed efficiently yet safely. As a non-contact and light-touch process, treatment with lasers may be so comfortable that no numbing is required. Lasers are also particularly appealing to our patients with a history of dental apprehension and fear because they minimize or avoid the use of “triggers” – like needles and shots and cutting and sutures. As a minimally invasive alternative to conventional dental surgeries, there is nothing to recover from, and natural and speedy healing is encouraged.

What is the alternative treatment for tongue tie?

Traditionally, options to release a tight or otherwise problematic lingual frenulum were limited to using special instruments to treat this improperly “tied” tissue to the tongue. Laser-assisted treatment to remove the tissue is partly associated with less pain, swelling, and bleeding than conventional cutting and surgical techniques.

Why should I choose Park Avenue Dental Care?

For starters, not every dentist’s office in Homewood, IL, and beyond has the capabilities on-site to offer laser dentistry. We have invested in lasers and an array of technologies to ensure the best possible experience and treatment at our office. We blend sophisticated technologies with a commitment to timeless quality of care and unhurried, personalized service. Experience these distinctive qualities for yourself by calling us at (708) 798-6868.