If you've heard the term "laser dentistry" and wondered what it actually means, you're not alone. At Hocking Dental Care, we use a dental laser as one of several tools in our kit, alongside the usual instruments you'd expect at any check-up. This post explains what laser dentistry is, the jobs it tends to suit, the jobs it doesn't, and what the pros and cons look like in plain terms.
What is laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry uses a focused beam of light to treat certain dental problems, rather than relying only on traditional tools. Laser dentistry uses light energy to generate heat that can treat dental issues affecting your teeth, gums and other oral tissue. Depending on the type of laser and the setting used, that light can act on soft tissue like gums, or on hard tissue like a tooth.
It's worth being clear about one thing early on: a dental laser doesn't replace everything else in the surgery. It doesn't replace traditional dental instruments, but it's a promising complement to standard treatment methods your dentist may use. At Hocking Dental Care, we use it where it genuinely helps, and we stick with tried-and-tested methods everywhere else.
What a dental laser can help with
Lasers are generally grouped by the type of tissue they're used on. Soft tissue lasers work on gums, while hard tissue lasers can be used around tooth structure. Here's a general picture of where a laser may come in.
Laser gum treatment
One of the more common uses people ask about is laser gum treatment. A laser can be used to help manage inflamed or infected gum tissue, working alongside a regular clean rather than instead of it. Laser dentistry can kill bacteria near your tooth's root, in the area that leads to a serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. If you've noticed bleeding when you brush or floss, that's worth mentioning at your next check-up so we can take a proper look.
Helping with sensitivity
Some patients find certain areas of a tooth root become sensitive to hot, cold or sweet foods. A laser can sometimes play a role in managing this, as part of a broader plan your dentist puts together after an examination.
Supporting healing after certain procedures
Lasers can also promote blood clotting and tissue repair in the parts of your mouth where you had work done, helping the area heal. This is one reason a dental laser is sometimes chosen for particular soft tissue jobs, rather than because it's seen as superior across the board.
Sometimes used without an injection
For some soft tissue work, a laser can sometimes be used without a local anaesthetic injection, depending on the job and how you respond on the day. We'll always talk you through what to expect before we start, and you're welcome to ask us to stop or pause at any point. You can read more about how we use this particular tool on our laser dentistry page.
What a dental laser does not do
This is just as important as knowing what it can do. A laser is one tool among many, and it's not the right choice for every situation.
- It doesn't replace a filling. If you have a cavity, the decayed part of the tooth still needs to be removed and the space filled with a durable material. Have a look at our fillings page to see how we approach tooth-coloured fillings.
- It doesn't replace scale and cleans, X-rays or a proper dental exam. There are different types of lasers that can treat soft tissue, hard tissue or both, and it doesn't replace traditional dental instruments.
- It isn't suitable for every patient or every condition. Whether a laser is appropriate depends on what we find when we examine your teeth and gums.
- It won't guarantee a particular outcome. As with any dental treatment, results vary from person to person, and we'll be upfront if a laser isn't the right fit for your situation.
Laser dentistry pros and cons
It helps to weigh this up in general terms, because every mouth is different.
Possible advantages
For some soft tissue procedures, a laser may mean less bleeding during the appointment and a more precise way of targeting the area being treated. Different types of lasers can treat soft tissue, hard tissue or both. For certain jobs, some patients need less anaesthetic than they might expect, though this isn't guaranteed and depends on the individual case.
Things to keep in mind
A laser isn't a shortcut and it isn't used for everything. It still takes a proper assessment to work out if it's suitable, and it's often used alongside other instruments rather than on its own. Recovery and results can vary from person to person, so we'll always explain what's realistic for your specific tooth or gum area before any treatment begins.
Laser dentistry cost
We're not able to quote a fee here, because the right approach for your mouth depends on an exam first. What we can tell you is how we handle costs generally: before any treatment starts, our team gives you a written estimate with item numbers, so you know what's involved and can check it against your health fund if you have one.
We're a preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, HCF, nib and Bupa, which usually means a smaller gap for eligible treatments, though it's never free. We use HICAPS so most funds can claim on the spot, and if you're with a different fund, you can usually still claim afterwards. If you're a new patient wanting to understand how an appointment works from start to finish, our new patients page is a good place to start.
How we look after nervous patients during any procedure
We know some people feel uneasy about anything involving tools near their mouth, laser or otherwise. If that's you, there's a box on our booking form for exactly this. Ticking it means our team allows more time, explains each step as we go, and you can ask us to stop at any point. We also put the picture from our intraoral camera on the screen beside the chair, so you can see what we see rather than just taking our word for it.
Frequently asked questions
Is laser dentistry painless?
We can't promise a pain-free or painless experience, because every mouth and every procedure is different. What we can say is that for some soft tissue jobs, treatment is sometimes possible without an injection, and we always explain what to expect beforehand.
Is laser dentistry safe?
Dental lasers are a recognised part of general dentistry and are used by trained dental teams as one option among several. Whether it's the right choice for you depends on an assessment of your teeth and gums, which is why we always start with a proper look before recommending anything.
Can a laser treat gum disease on its own?
Not usually on its own. Laser gum treatment generally works alongside a regular clean and good home care, rather than replacing them. If you have ongoing bleeding, swelling or soreness in your gums, it's worth booking a check-up so we can see what's actually going on.
Does laser dentistry replace fillings?
No. A laser may play a role in some procedures, but a cavity still needs the decayed tooth material removed and a filling placed. We use tooth-coloured fillings for this at Hocking Dental Care.
How do I know if laser treatment suits my situation?
The only way to know is with an exam. We'll look at your teeth and gums, talk through what we see on the screen beside the chair, and explain whether a laser is a sensible option for your case or whether another approach makes more sense.
If you'd like to know more about laser dentistry, or you've noticed something going on with your gums or a tooth that's bothering you, our team at Hocking Dental Care is happy to talk it through at a check-up. You can choose a time online or call us on (08) 9306 2755. We're located at 92 Greenfields Circle, Hocking, with parking right out the front, and we see patients from right across Wanneroo and Perth's northern suburbs.
