Laser vs. Traditional Root Canal Therapy — What Is the Difference?

Root canal therapy has an undeserved reputation for being scary. The truth is that this treatment can preserve a damaged tooth, get you out of pain, and optimize your dental function! Still, not every root canal procedure is exactly the same. Some dentists use traditional methods, but Dr. Makadia uses upgraded techniques. In certain cases he uses an advanced laser to perform root canals. What is the difference between traditional and laser root canal therapy? This blog post explains.

How Does Root Canal Therapy Work?

The basic concept of root canal therapy applies to every instance of this procedure. First, numbing agents are used to promote patient comfort. Next, the dentist accesses the tooth’s interior and removes damaged tissue. A special material is used to fill the tooth, and later, a custom crown is placed to protect it.

Root canal therapy can be performed on almost any tooth, and it has a high success rate.

Why Do the Tools Matter?

Traditionally, root canal therapy is performed with the use of regular dental drills (no lasers are involved). Throughout the generations, this technique has proven effective for removing infection.

However, now that lasers are more widely used in dentistry, they are quickly becoming a preferred choice for many different types of dental treatments. A laser is basically a highly concentrated beam of light. Various wavelengths of lasers are used in dentistry, and certain iterations of this technology can be very effective at removing infected or damaged tissue from within a tooth’s interior.

The Advantages of Laser Root Canal Therapy

Traditional root canal therapy works but in some cases, while laser-based treatment is better in some notable ways:

·   Lasers are amazingly efficient at killing bacteria, so they come with a lower risk of leaving harmful microorganisms behind. Therefore, laser root canals may have a better chance of long-term success than traditional treatment.

·   Laser treatment is surprisingly comfortable, and it can be an ideal choice for patients who dislike the sounds and sensations that come with the use of traditional drills.

·   Due to a laser’s precise nature, it may allow for the preservation of as much healthy tissue as possible. Traditional drills may cause more collateral damage.

Lasers are a remarkable tool! If you would like to learn more about this technology and its use in root canal treatment, Dr. Makadia and our Long Island dental team would be pleased to talk with you during a personal consultation.

Contact Us

Dr. Makadia has been a dentist for decades, and throughout that time, he has always had an interest in utilizing the most up-to-date methods and technologies. He often uses lasers to perform a variety of treatments, including root canal therapy. To ask questions or request an appointment, contact Sunrise Dental Service in Bohemia at 631-567-5566.