What Is Laser Dentistry & What Can It Treat?

Laser dentistry uses focused light energy to perform many common dental procedures with greater comfort, less bleeding, and faster healing than traditional drills or scalpels. At Serenity Creek Dental Care in Noblesville, IN, Dr. Kelly employs both soft-tissue and hard-tissue lasers to make your visit gentler and more precise. Schedule with us today to experience the difference.

This Article Will Address

• How dental lasers work and why they feel more comfortable
• The two main types of dental lasers—soft-tissue vs. hard-tissue
• Every day procedures improved by laser technology
• Advantages and limitations of laser treatment
• How many dentists currently use lasers
• Who makes a good candidate for laser care
• Post-treatment care and recovery tips
• Orthodontic and smile-design uses of lasers
• Why Serenity Creek Dental Care is the local choice for laser dentistry

Introduction to Laser Technology in Dentistry

Dental lasers generate a narrow beam of light that interacts with oral tissues at a specific wavelength. This interaction can cut, reshape, or gently remove tissue while sealing blood vessels and nerve endings, leading to noticeably less discomfort and swelling during and after treatment. Modern lasers have been FDA-cleared for many dental uses since the 1990s, and ongoing research continues to refine their safety and effectiveness.

How Do Dental Lasers Work?

Each laser’s wavelength is absorbed by either water, hemoglobin, or hydroxyapatite.

• Soft-tissue lasers target water and hemoglobin, vaporizing gum tissue while instantly cauterizing.
• Hard-tissue lasers are attracted to the water in enamel and dentin, ablating tooth structure with minimal vibration or heat.

Because energy is delivered in incredibly short pulses, most patients need little or no local anesthetic for dental fillings or gum contouring.

Types of Dental Lasers: Hard-Tissue vs. Soft-Tissue

Soft-tissue lasers excel at sculpting or disinfecting gum tissue, treating cold sores, and aiding periodontal therapy.
Hard-tissue lasers remove decay, etch enamel for bonding, desensitize exposed roots, and disinfect root-canal walls.

At Serenity Creek Dental Care, we use both systems so we can match the laser to the procedure and your comfort.

Common Procedures We Perform With Lasers

• Tooth-colored fillings without the whine of a drill
• Gingivectomy and “gummy-smile” recontouring
• Crown-lengthening before restorative dental work
• Disinfection inside root canals
• Relief of canker or cold-sore pain
• Snoring therapy

Soft-Tissue Treatments

Gingival reshaping, cold-sore relief, biopsy of benign growths, and accelerated healing after extractions.

Hard-Tissue Treatments

Decay removal, enamel etching for adhesive dentistry, and sealing hypersensitive root surfaces.

Pros & Cons of Laser Dentistry

Pros

• Often no injection is needed
• Minimal bleeding and swelling
• Reduced chair time for many procedures
• Lower risk of bacterial contamination
• Faster soft-tissue healing

Cons

• Not ideal for removing large metal restorations
• Traditional burs may still be required for very deep cavities
• Higher equipment costs limit athe vailability of lasers in many dental practices

How Many Dentists Currently Use Lasers?

Market studies and academic surveys suggest that fewer than 10 percent of U.S. dentists have fully integrated lasers into daily practice, making Serenity Creek Dental Care part of a forward-thinking minority committed to modern, patient-friendly care. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Dentistry?

Most patients qualify. Factors we consider include:

• Presence of metal crowns or amalgam (silver) fillings near the treatment site
• Overall gum health and bone levels
• Medical history (e.g., photosensitive medications)
• Personal comfort preferences and time constraints

Schedule a consultation to see whether laser treatment is right for you.

Post-Treatment Care & Recovery Tips

• Expect mild warmth or tingling for 24 hours; OTC pain relief is usually sufficient.
• Stick to soft foods for the first day if significant gum sculpting was performed.
• Gently brush with a soft-bristle toothbrush; avoid alcohol-based rinses until tissue looks pink and healthy.
• Call our office if you notice unusual swelling, prolonged bleeding, or fever.

Laser Dentistry in Orthodontics & Smile Design

Lasers can release tight frenums (lip attachments) that impede tooth movement or that can lead to relapse. They also refine gum contours around veneers or aligner cases for a balanced, symmetrical smile.

Why Choose Serenity Creek Dental Care for Laser Dentistry

• Experience & Credentials – Dr. Kelly has completed ongoing laser-specific CE courses and is active in the American Dental Association, Indiana Dental Association, Indianapolis District Dental Society, and Spear Study Club.
• State-of-the-Art Technology – Our Solea all-tissue system sits alongside digital X-rays and same-day CAD/CAM crowns.
• Peaceful, Patient-First Atmosphere – Water-themed décor, ceiling-mounted televisions in treatment rooms, early-morning and evening appointments, and an in-house membership plan.
• Comprehensive Care – Seamless integration with services like gum disease therapy, Invisalign clear aligners, and single-visit crowns so you can complete treatment in one calming location.
• Emergency Dentistry – Same-day appointments for laser-assisted relief of dental pain or soft-tissue injuries.

Experience Gentle Laser Dentistry in Noblesville, IN

Ready to discover a calmer, quicker path to better oral health? Find Your Smile at Serenity Creek Dental Care in Noblesville, IN. Contact our dental office or book online to schedule your laser dental visit and let Dr. Kelly show you how modern laser technology can transform your next dental visit.

Sources

• American Dental Association
• Healthline
• University of California, San Francisco