Lasers are improving medical procedures of all kinds, including those performed at the dental clinic. These high-tech tools allow for fewer injections and drills—and less nervous patients. Here, dentist J. Bryson McBratney, D.D.S. in Anchorage, AK, explains how lasers are reshaping the dental care industry.

Read on to discover four benefits of laser dentistry:

• Easily Fix Cavities: Getting a cavity filled traditionally requires the application of a local anesthetic—with a scary needle, no less—followed by an uncomfortable round of drilling. With a laser, no pain med is needed. Dentists can use this tool to painlessly nix decay and bond the filling. It also offers greater precision than traditional methods.
• Enhance Re-mineralization: In the future, you may not even need a filling to fix decayed teeth. A laser can also be used to “re-mineralize” teeth, shifting the calcium and phosphate from one part of your tooth to another. This repairs damage and prevents the spread of decay.
• Improve Root Canals: A regular root canal requires your dentist to surgically remove diseased pulp and clean out the tooth’s root. A manmade substance is then inserted to replace the pulp. Lasers can improve the process by improving the “cleaning” step. The light kills bacteria in the depths of the root where no irrigation cleanser can reach.
• Strengthen Dental Implants: A dental implant is a popular means of addressing tooth loss. These work by affixing a fake tooth to a tiny titanium rod that is fused to the jawbone; the titanium rod essentially acts like a  tooth root. Sometimes a leftover piece of tooth must be removed before the implant can be installed. In this case, a laser can be used to nix bacteria, allowing for a cleaner wound that heals more quickly.

For state-of-the-art laser dentistry in Anchorage, AK, put your trust in J. Bryson McBratney, D.D.S. Possible laser procedures at this clinic include teeth cleanings, gum surgery, and fillings—without the need for anesthetic. You can find out more online. To schedule an appointment, call (907) 562-3323.