Laser Dentistry in Westlake Village
A dental laser is a highly focused beam of light energy that lets a dentist work on gum tissue and other areas of the mouth with a great deal of precision. At 805 Dentistry, laser dentistry is one of the tools we use to make certain treatments more comfortable and more exact for the families we care for in Westlake Village. Our office is in nearby Thousand Oaks, and because we offer general, family, cosmetic, and specialty care under one roof, laser-assisted treatment fits naturally into the rest of your dental care with us.
A traditional dental instrument removes or reshapes tissue mechanically. A dental laser concentrates light energy into a narrow beam that can target a very small area. That precision is what makes lasers useful for certain kinds of dental work, especially procedures involving the soft tissue of the gums.
The laser is not a separate treatment of its own. It is a technique our team may choose when it suits the procedure you need. During your exam, Dr. Dar Radfar and our team look at your specific situation and explain whether a laser, traditional instruments, or a combination makes the most sense. We never assume one approach is right for everyone.
Laser dentistry can play a role in a range of treatments. Our practice offers gum contouring, gingivectomy, frenectomy, crown lengthening, and gum disease treatment, all procedures where precise work on soft tissue matters. For example, gum contouring reshapes an uneven gumline for a more balanced smile. A frenectomy releases a band of tissue that may be limiting the movement of the lip or tongue.
Whether a laser is used depends on your needs and the details of your case. Some Westlake Village patients come to us for cosmetic goals, such as evening out a "gummy" smile. Others need care related to gum health. Because we also have a board-certified periodontist on staff, gum-related treatment can be coordinated within the same practice rather than sent elsewhere.
Am I a good candidate for laser dentistry?
The best way to know is a dental exam and conversation with our team. Candidacy depends on the procedure you need, the condition of your teeth and gums, and your overall oral health, so we evaluate each patient individually.
We see children and adults of all ages, so families in Westlake Village can bring several generations to the same office. If you feel anxious about dental visits, let us know. Our practice has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, so we can talk through options that help you feel more at ease.
What happens during a laser dentistry appointment?
A laser appointment begins much like any other visit, with a review of your health history and a careful look at the area being treated. We explain what we plan to do before we begin so nothing feels like a surprise.
Here is what you can generally expect:
- A consultation and exam to confirm the laser is appropriate for your procedure
- Imaging when needed, using the 2D and 3D dental imaging available in our office
- A discussion of comfort options, including sedation if it is a good fit
- The procedure itself, with the laser directed precisely at the treatment area
- Aftercare instructions tailored to the specific treatment you received
The length of the appointment depends on the procedure. A small gum adjustment is a different visit from more involved periodontal care, and we give you a realistic picture of timing ahead of your appointment.
How should I care for my mouth after laser treatment?
Follow the specific instructions we give you, because aftercare varies with the procedure performed. Gum contouring, for example, calls for different care than a frenectomy or gum disease treatment.
In general, we will talk with you about keeping the area clean, what to eat in the days following treatment, and what to watch for as you heal. If anything concerns you afterward, call our office. We offer emergency dental appointments, which gives Westlake Village patients peace of mind that help is available if a question comes up.
How can I pay for laser dentistry?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and welcome self-pay patients. Coverage for any procedure depends on your individual plan and the reason for treatment, so we are glad to help you understand your benefits before you begin.
Financing is also available for patients who would like to spread out the cost of care. Our team will walk you through your options at your consultation so you can make a decision that feels comfortable. If you live in Westlake Village and are curious whether laser dentistry could be part of your care, contact 805 Dentistry to schedule a visit.