Are you someone who frequently gets canker sores or other painful spots in the mouth that keep you from getting a good night’s sleep? Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, can occur from a variety of reasons. Most commonly they can occur due to food sensitivities, mouth wash/toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate, hormone shifts, or even emotional stress. Vitamin deficiencies such as B12, iron, zinc, or calcium make younger children more prone to canker sores.
How do diode lasers work to treat canker sores. Light energy from the laser tip kills harmful bacteria while also creating bio stimulation to encourage collagen formation, which is the body’s protein for replacing or repairing healthy gum tissue. When directed at a “canker sore,” it decreases the pressure on nerve endings, essentially eliminating pain within minutes. It can be used in conjunction with cleaning appointments to remove bacteria at the deepest portion of the gum pocket to reduce inflammation and promote healthy attachment of the gums to the tooth surface.
Soft tissue lasers have been used to treat lip and tongue ties in children. They have also been used to obtain biopsies, remove soft tissue bumps and helping create beautiful smiles in contouring the gum tissue above upper front teeth.
Soft tissue lasers have many uses for improved efficiency, faster healing, and patient comfort. The dental industry is constantly evolving to come out with new ways to make the patient experience the best it can be. See your dentist today if you are experiencing mouth discomfort that can be eliminated in just minutes with the use of a laser.
