Benefits of Using The Laser At Your Next Cleaning

Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR) is revolutionizing oral health, offering benefits that go beyond a traditional dental cleaning.  

Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR) is a procedure done at your routine dental cleaning that uses a non-cutting laser to provide an advanced cleaning and reduce bacteria. Your dental hygienist will aim a high-frequency laser directly into the gingival pockets that form around teeth, where brushing and flossing may fail to reach. A laser may sound scary, but the reality is that patients love how quick, comfortable and pain-free it is! LBR is a game-changer for any patients who want to improve the health of their gums, and it is especially beneficial in fighting periodontal disease.

‍

Let’s count down the top seven benefits of leveraging this cutting-edge treatment:

Reduction of Bacteria

LBR effectively reduces the bacterial load in your mouth, especially in areas that are difficult to reach with brushing, flossing and traditional scaling. Our office uses a diode laser, which uses a concentrated beam of light energy and shines like a flashlight along the gum line, targeting bacterial and viral pathogens at a microscopic level. LBR attacks and destroys these pathogens in just seconds!

‍

Enhances Gum Health

LBR can help maintain healthier gums by targeting the bacteria that contribute to gingivitis and periodontitis, so removing this bacteria can reduce gum inflammation and bleeding. LBR assists in decontaminating the gum pockets and eliminating bacterial colonies that may be too small to be removed by traditional cleaning instruments alone. The procedure also stimulates periodontal tissue repair and regeneration, making them more resistant to infection. You’re left with healthier gums and a healthier smile. 

‍

Helps Maintain Dental Restorations

Because LBR keeps bacterial levels low, it helps protect your dental restorations – such as dental crowns, bridges and dental implants – from bacterial contamination. Think of it as an effective ongoing, preventive treatment to get at your dental cleanings, since it reduces and inhibits the recolonization of the bacteria. This creates a healthier environment for the dental work you’ve received, which protects your dental restorations and your investment.

‍

Improves Breath

Because bacteria are a primary cause of both minor and persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, laser bacterial reduction helps wipe out bad breath quickly by attacking, reducing and eliminating this bacteria. This provides you with fresher breath after you dental cleaning. In other words, LBR means 10 minutes to fresher, improved breath!

‍

Supports Immune Function

Our bodies are constantly fielding attacks from bacteria and viruses, so they need all the help they can get. Reducing bacterial levels in your mouth helps lessen your immune system’s burden, allowing it to function better in protecting your body from other potential threats. In fact, during a routine dental cleaning, there is a high potential for some bleeding, which gives bacteria another entry potential entry point to your blood stream. However, when your dental cleaning is coupled with LBR, most of these bacteria are killed, greatly reducing the strain on the immune system and making the cleaning safer.

‍

Reduces Inflammation Throughout The Body

While inflammation is a necessary part of the body's defense mechanism, it can become harmful if it becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation, also called systemic inflammation, is persistent and can damage the body's tissues. Since gum disease has been linked to systemic inflammation, LBR’s ability to reduce oral bacteria may help decrease inflammation in the rest of your body, benefiting overall health and potentially lowering the risk conditions like heart disease and diabetes. (For more on the link between oral health and overall health, see: Saliva Testing and Tray Therapy.)

‍

Non-Invasive and Painless

LBR is a non-invasive procedure and painless for patients. The use of light energy to kill bacteria means no scalpels, sutures, anesthesia, cutting or drilling – making it more comfortable for you! The laser only affects harmful bacteria, leaving healthy tissue unharmed. Most patients report that they experience zero discomfort with the treatment.

Along with our saliva test and tray therapy, laser disinfection is one more tool in the arsenal to reduce and eliminate bacteria, which is key for maintaining your oral and overall health. If you're looking for a comfortable, effective way to elevate your dental care and support your well-being, LBR might be the perfect addition to your next dental cleaning. Our dental hygienists are all certified to provide Laser Bacterial Reduction to our patients, so rest assured you’re in good hands.

‍

LBR Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does the LBR procedure take?

Using the laser at your dental cleaning only takes about 10 minutes, and there are no postoperative restrictions, since healing takes place rapidly.

Will the laser cause bleeding in my mouth?

During a routine dental cleaning, there is often a risk of some bleeding, which can allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Using a laser can help address these areas that would normally bleed or swell, and it effectively eliminates the harmful bacteria that lurk there. Although the laser itself may cause minimal bleeding, LBR disinfects the area, reducing redness, swelling, and further bleeding that could occur without its use.

How much does LBR cost?

The cost of laser disinfection in our office is about $75, which is added on to the cost of your dental hygiene visit. As you weigh the cost, also consider that LBR is a great preventive tool that ends up minimizing more costly treatment in the long run.

Will LBR be covered by my insurance?

Although laser dental treatment has all of the benefits mentioned above, the dental insurance industry has been slow to adopt LBR as part of their covered benefits, so it is typically an out-of-pocket expense for patients.

‍