Laser Dentistry in Hillsboro, OR | Advanced, Comfortable Dental Treatment
Experience the future of dentistry with advanced laser technology at Eastside Wellness Dental Care. Dr. Merat Ostovar uses state-of-the-art dental lasers to perform a wide range of procedures with greater precision, less discomfort, and faster healing than traditional methods. Serving patients throughout Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Aloha, Oregon, we provide comfortable, minimally invasive dental care using FDA-approved laser technology. Call (503) 614-0198 to schedule your appointment at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry involves the use of highly focused beams of light energy to perform precise dental procedures on both hard tissues like teeth and soft tissues like gums. The word laser is actually an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Dental lasers produce an intense, concentrated beam of light energy that can be precisely controlled to remove or reshape tissue, eliminate bacteria, seal blood vessels, and stimulate healing.
Dental lasers have been used in dentistry since the early 1990s and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for various dental procedures. Over the past three decades, laser technology has advanced dramatically, and today’s dental lasers are safer, more versatile, and more effective than ever before. Modern dental lasers allow Dr. Ostovar to perform many procedures with greater precision and less trauma to surrounding tissues than traditional dental instruments.
Different types of dental lasers are designed for different applications. Hard tissue lasers are used primarily on teeth for procedures like cavity preparation and tooth shaping. Soft tissue lasers are used on gum tissue and other soft oral tissues for procedures like gum reshaping, frenectomy, and lesion removal. Some advanced laser systems can be used for both hard and soft tissue procedures, providing maximum versatility.
At Eastside Wellness Dental Care, we utilize advanced laser technology to provide our patients with more comfortable, efficient, and effective dental treatment. Whether you need treatment for gum disease, cavity preparation, cosmetic gum reshaping, or other procedures, our dental laser may offer a superior alternative to traditional treatment methods.
The Revolutionary Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Choosing laser dentistry offers numerous advantages over traditional dental treatment methods. These benefits make dental care more comfortable, more precise, and often more successful, improving both the treatment experience and long-term outcomes.
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One of the most appreciated benefits of laser dentistry is the significant reduction in pain and discomfort during and after procedures. Traditional dental drills generate heat, vibration, and pressure that can be uncomfortable even when local anesthesia is used. The high-pitched sound of the drill also creates anxiety for many patients.
Dental lasers work differently, using focused light energy rather than mechanical cutting. There is no vibration, no heat buildup, and no uncomfortable pressure. The laser energy removes tissue so precisely and gently that many soft tissue procedures can be performed with little or no anesthetic. Even when anesthesia is used, post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal because laser treatment causes less trauma to tissues than traditional cutting instruments.
For patients with dental anxiety or sensitivity to dental procedures, laser dentistry can transform the dental experience from something dreaded into something manageable and far less stressful.
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When performing procedures on gum tissue or other soft oral tissues, traditional scalpels cut through blood vessels and cause bleeding that can obscure the treatment area and make procedures more difficult. Controlling bleeding requires additional time, materials, and patient discomfort.
Dental lasers offer a remarkable advantage in this area. As the laser energy removes or reshapes soft tissue, it simultaneously seals blood vessels, significantly reducing or eliminating bleeding during treatment. This provides Dr. Ostovar with a clear view of the treatment area, allows for more precise work, and makes procedures faster and more comfortable for patients. The coagulation effect of laser energy also contributes to faster healing after treatment.
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Traditional surgical instruments cause mechanical trauma to tissues, which triggers inflammation and swelling as part of the body’s natural healing response. This inflammation can cause significant discomfort and may require several days to resolve.
Laser procedures are far less traumatic to tissues. The precise nature of laser energy means that surrounding tissues are not affected, and the laser’s sterilizing effect reduces the inflammatory response. Patients who undergo laser procedures typically experience much less swelling and inflammation than those who receive traditional treatment, leading to greater comfort and faster return to normal activities.
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The combination of reduced trauma, minimal bleeding, decreased inflammation, and the sterilizing effect of laser energy creates ideal conditions for healing. Laser-treated tissues typically heal faster and with less complications than tissues treated with traditional instruments.
The laser energy stimulates cellular activity and promotes tissue regeneration, actively supporting the healing process. Many patients are surprised by how quickly they recover from laser procedures and how little post-treatment discomfort they experience. This faster healing means less time away from work, normal eating, and other activities.
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Dental lasers have a powerful antibacterial effect, destroying bacteria in the treatment area as they work. This sterilization reduces the risk of infection both during and after procedures. For periodontal treatments in particular, the ability of lasers to eliminate bacteria deep in gum pockets provides superior results compared to traditional mechanical cleaning alone.
The reduced infection risk means that post-operative complications are less common with laser procedures, and patients often require fewer follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
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Dental lasers can be controlled with exceptional precision, allowing Dr. Ostovar to remove or reshape tissue with accuracy that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional instruments. This precision is particularly valuable for cosmetic procedures like gum reshaping, where small differences in tissue removal can significantly affect the final aesthetic result.
The precision of laser dentistry also means that healthy tissue is preserved to the maximum extent possible. When preparing a cavity for filling, for example, a dental laser can remove decayed tooth structure while leaving healthy enamel and dentin intact. This conservative approach preserves more natural tooth structure and creates stronger, longer-lasting restorations.
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Many laser procedures, especially those involving soft tissues, can be performed with little or no local anesthetic. The gentle nature of laser treatment and minimal discomfort experienced during procedures mean that patients can often avoid the numbness, extended appointment times, and temporary eating restrictions associated with dental anesthesia.
For patients who are anxious about needles or who dislike the feeling of being numb, this is a significant advantage. Even when anesthesia is recommended for patient comfort, less anesthetic is typically needed for laser procedures than for traditional treatment.
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The high-pitched whine of the dental drill is one of the most anxiety-producing aspects of dental treatment for many patients. This sound triggers stress responses and makes dental appointments unpleasant even before treatment begins.
Dental lasers operate almost silently, creating a much more relaxing treatment environment. The quiet operation, combined with the lack of vibration and reduced discomfort, makes laser dentistry ideal for anxious patients and children who may be frightened by traditional dental instruments.
Dental Procedures Enhanced by Laser Technology
Laser dentistry can improve the treatment experience and outcomes for a wide variety of dental procedures. At Eastside Wellness Dental Care, Dr. Ostovar utilizes laser technology for many common dental treatments.
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Laser technology has revolutionized the treatment of periodontal disease, offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional scaling and root planing or gum surgery. Laser-assisted periodontal therapy uses the laser’s energy to remove diseased gum tissue, eliminate bacteria deep in periodontal pockets, and stimulate healing of healthy tissue.
The laser can access and treat areas that are difficult to reach with traditional instruments, removing bacteria and infected tissue from deep pockets around teeth. The procedure is more comfortable than traditional periodontal surgery, requires no cutting or sutures, and promotes faster healing. Many patients with moderate to advanced gum disease can avoid traditional surgery through laser periodontal treatment.
After removing diseased tissue and bacteria, the laser energy stimulates the formation of new, healthy tissue and promotes reattachment of gum tissue to tooth roots. This regenerative effect helps restore periodontal health and can even reverse some of the damage caused by gum disease.
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Hard tissue dental lasers can be used to prepare teeth for fillings by removing decayed tooth structure. The laser precisely removes softened, decayed enamel and dentin while preserving healthy tooth structure. This selective removal is more conservative than traditional drilling, which sometimes removes healthy tooth structure along with decay.
Laser cavity preparation is quieter and often more comfortable than traditional drilling, and in many cases can be performed with minimal or no anesthesia. The laser also sterilizes the cavity as it removes decay, reducing the risk of bacteria remaining under the filling that could cause future problems.
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For patients with a gummy smile or uneven gum lines, laser gum reshaping offers a minimally invasive solution that provides beautiful results with minimal discomfort. Dr. Ostovar uses the laser to precisely remove excess gum tissue, revealing more of the natural tooth structure and creating a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing smile.
Laser gum contouring is performed with exceptional precision, allowing for symmetrical, natural-looking results. The procedure typically requires no scalpel, no sutures, and minimal bleeding. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after treatment, and the final results are visible as soon as healing is complete.
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The frenum is a small band of tissue that connects the lips to the gums or the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Sometimes these tissues are too tight or too large, causing problems with speech, eating, or orthodontic treatment. A frenectomy is a simple procedure to release or remove a problematic frenum.
Laser frenectomy is far more comfortable than traditional surgical frenectomy. The laser releases the frenum quickly and precisely with minimal bleeding and discomfort. The procedure can often be performed with only topical anesthetic, and healing is rapid with minimal post-operative care required. This makes laser frenectomy ideal for infants, children, and adults who need this treatment.
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Painful canker sores and other oral lesions can be treated effectively with laser therapy. The laser energy provides immediate pain relief by sealing exposed nerve endings and promotes faster healing of the lesion. Many patients experience significant improvement within 24 hours of laser treatment for canker sores.
For suspicious lesions or growths, lasers can be used to remove tissue for biopsy or to completely excise benign lesions. The precision of the laser allows for complete removal with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
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Crown lengthening is a procedure performed to expose more of a tooth’s surface, either for cosmetic reasons or to provide adequate tooth structure for placement of a crown or other restoration. Laser crown lengthening is more comfortable and heals faster than traditional surgical techniques.
Dr. Ostovar uses the laser to precisely remove excess gum tissue and, if necessary, small amounts of bone to expose the desired amount of tooth structure. The procedure is typically completed in a single appointment, and patients experience minimal discomfort during recovery.
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While not used alone for teeth whitening, lasers can enhance and accelerate professional whitening treatments. The laser energy activates whitening agents applied to teeth, allowing them to penetrate more deeply and work more effectively. This can reduce the time required for whitening treatment and improve results.
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Patients with sensitive teeth may benefit from laser treatment that seals the microscopic tubules in dentin that transmit sensitivity to the tooth’s nerve. The laser energy creates a protective barrier that reduces sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, and acidic stimuli, providing lasting relief without the need for ongoing desensitizing products.
Advanced Laser Technology at Eastside Wellness Dental Care
At Eastside Wellness Dental Care, we are committed to providing our patients with access to the most advanced dental technology available. Our investment in state-of-the-art laser systems reflects our dedication to offering comfortable, effective, minimally invasive dental care.
Our advanced laser technology is FDA-approved and has been proven safe and effective through extensive clinical research. Dr. Ostovar has received comprehensive training in laser dentistry and stays current with the latest advances in laser techniques and applications through continuing education. This expertise ensures that you receive the highest quality laser treatment with optimal results.
We carefully select laser systems that offer the versatility to perform a wide range of procedures while providing the precision and control necessary for superior outcomes. Our commitment to technology extends beyond lasers to encompass all aspects of our practice, creating a modern dental experience that prioritizes patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction.
Safety and FDA Approval
Dental lasers have been thoroughly tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration for various dental applications. When used by trained dental professionals, laser dentistry is extremely safe and carries no significant risks beyond those associated with traditional dental treatments.
During laser procedures, patients and staff wear protective eyewear to shield eyes from the laser light. This simple precaution ensures complete safety for everyone in the treatment room. The laser energy is precisely controlled and directed only at the intended treatment area, so there is no risk to surrounding tissues.
Unlike X-rays, dental lasers do not involve radiation exposure. The light energy used by dental lasers is non-ionizing and completely safe. Patients can receive laser treatment as often as needed without any cumulative health risks.
Who Can Benefit from Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry offers advantages for patients of all ages and in a wide variety of treatment situations. Understanding who can benefit most from laser procedures helps patients make informed decisions about their dental care.
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For patients who experience fear or anxiety about dental treatment, laser dentistry can be truly life-changing. The quiet operation, lack of vibration, reduced discomfort, and often elimination of the need for anesthesia make dental visits far less stressful. Many anxious patients who have experienced laser dentistry report that their fear of dental treatment has significantly decreased.
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Children are particularly good candidates for laser dentistry. The gentle, quiet nature of laser treatment is far less frightening than traditional dental instruments. Many pediatric procedures can be performed quickly and comfortably with lasers, creating positive dental experiences that establish good attitudes toward dental care for life.
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Laser periodontal therapy offers patients with gum disease a minimally invasive treatment option that is more comfortable and often more effective than traditional periodontal surgery. The ability of lasers to eliminate bacteria, remove diseased tissue, and promote regeneration of healthy tissue makes them ideal for periodontal treatment.
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For cosmetic procedures like gum reshaping, lasers provide unmatched precision and results. Patients seeking to improve their smile aesthetics can benefit from the superior outcomes and comfortable treatment experience that laser procedures provide.
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Patients with certain medical conditions that affect healing or increase bleeding risk may be particularly good candidates for laser treatment. The reduced bleeding, decreased infection risk, and enhanced healing associated with laser procedures provide added safety and better outcomes for these patients.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of laser dental treatment is generally comparable to the cost of the same procedure performed with traditional methods. In some cases, laser procedures may actually cost less because they require less time, fewer materials, and fewer follow-up appointments.
Most dental insurance plans cover laser procedures to the same extent they cover traditional procedures. Insurance companies recognize that lasers are simply tools for performing standard dental treatments and provide coverage accordingly. Our knowledgeable staff will verify your insurance benefits and provide you with a clear understanding of your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.
When evaluating the cost of laser treatment, consider the value of reduced discomfort, faster healing, fewer appointments, and superior results. Many patients feel that the enhanced comfort and outcomes associated with laser dentistry make it an excellent value regardless of cost considerations.
Why Choose Eastside Wellness Dental Care for Laser Dentistry
Selecting a dental practice with advanced laser technology and the expertise to use it effectively is important for achieving optimal results. Eastside Wellness Dental Care offers the combination of technology, training, and patient-centered care that ensures successful laser dentistry outcomes.
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Dr. Merat Ostovar has invested significantly in both advanced laser systems and comprehensive training in laser dentistry techniques. His expertise with laser technology ensures that procedures are performed safely, efficiently, and with excellent results. Dr. Ostovar stays current with laser dentistry advances through continuing education, bringing the latest techniques and best practices to his patients.
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We offer laser treatment for a wide range of dental procedures, from periodontal therapy to cosmetic gum reshaping to cavity preparation. This comprehensive approach means that you can benefit from laser technology for virtually all your dental needs rather than being limited to one or two specific procedures.
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Our entire practice is designed around patient comfort and anxiety reduction. The addition of laser technology to our treatment options represents our ongoing commitment to providing the most comfortable dental care possible. We want every patient to have a positive, stress-free dental experience, and laser dentistry is an important tool for achieving that goal.
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Dr. Ostovar takes time to understand each patient’s unique needs, concerns, and goals. He will discuss whether laser treatment is appropriate for your specific situation and explain how laser procedures differ from traditional approaches. You will be fully informed and involved in all treatment decisions.
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Our modern office is conveniently located at 7546 NE Shaleen St in Hillsboro, Oregon, easily accessible from Beaverton, Aloha, and surrounding communities. We offer flexible scheduling and efficient appointment protocols to make dental care convenient for busy families and professionals.
What to Expect During Laser Treatment
Laser dental procedures are typically straightforward and comfortable. While specific experiences vary depending on the type of procedure being performed, you can generally expect the following:
Before treatment begins, Dr. Ostovar will explain the procedure and answer any questions you have. You and staff members will be provided with protective eyewear to wear during laser use. If anesthesia is recommended for your comfort, it will be administered before treatment begins, though many laser procedures require little or no anesthetic.
During the procedure, you may see a bright light and possibly feel a slight warming sensation, but most patients report minimal discomfort. There is no vibration or pressure like you would feel with traditional dental instruments. Procedures are typically completed quickly because of the efficiency of laser treatment.
After treatment, you will receive instructions for any necessary post-procedure care. Many laser procedures require no special aftercare beyond normal oral hygiene. You can typically return to normal activities immediately, and any discomfort is usually minimal and brief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Dentistry
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Yes, dental lasers are FDA-approved and extremely safe when used by trained dental professionals. Protective eyewear is worn during procedures to ensure complete safety for patients and staff.
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Most patients report that laser procedures are more comfortable than traditional dental treatments. Many soft tissue laser procedures cause so little discomfort that they can be performed with little or no anesthesia. Even when anesthesia is used, post-procedure discomfort is typically minimal.
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Healing from laser procedures is generally faster than healing from traditional treatments. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return to normal activities immediately. Soft tissue laser procedures often heal completely within a week to ten days.
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While lasers can be used for many dental procedures, they are not appropriate for every situation. Dr. Ostovar will recommend laser treatment when it offers advantages over traditional methods and will use traditional techniques when they are more appropriate for your specific needs.
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Most dental insurance plans cover laser procedures to the same extent they cover traditional treatments. The insurance company typically does not distinguish between laser and traditional methods when determining coverage for a specific procedure.
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Laser dentistry has an excellent safety profile with minimal risks. The most common side effect is mild sensitivity that resolves quickly. Serious complications are extremely rare when procedures are performed by trained professionals like Dr. Ostovar.
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Yes, children are excellent candidates for laser dentistry. The gentle, quiet nature of laser treatment is ideal for pediatric patients and helps create positive dental experiences.
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During your consultation and examination, Dr. Ostovar will evaluate your specific dental needs and recommend whether laser treatment would be beneficial for your situation. He will explain your options and help you make an informed decision about your care.
Experience the Future of Dentistry Today
Discover the comfort, precision, and superior results of laser dentistry at Eastside Wellness Dental Care. Dr. Merat Ostovar and our experienced team utilize advanced laser technology to provide minimally invasive dental treatment that is more comfortable, more precise, and more effective than traditional methods.
Call (503) 614-0198 today to schedule your appointment and learn more about how laser dentistry can benefit you, or visit us at 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124. We proudly serve patients throughout Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Aloha, Oregon, with cutting-edge dental technology and compassionate, personalized care.
Experience the difference that advanced laser technology makes in your dental care. Contact Eastside Wellness Dental Care today to schedule your consultation and discover a more comfortable approach to dentistry.