What Is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry uses focused light energy to treat tissues in a highly precise and minimally invasive way. In dentistry, lasers can target soft tissue, disinfect periodontal pockets, reduce inflammation, stimulate healing, and treat painful oral lesions.
At Canyon View Dentistry, we use the Picasso diode laser, which is ideal for:
- Periodontal therapy
- Bacterial reduction
- Treating cold sores and canker sores
- Soft-tissue reshaping / gingivectomy
- Frenectomies
- Aphthous ulcer therapy
- Tissue decontamination before restorative treatment
While some offices use high-energy lasers capable of cutting hard tissues or removing crowns, those devices come at a significantly higher investment and are more often used in specialty environments. Our diode laser technology is purpose-built for soft-tissue comfort, healing, pain relief, and periodontal benefits, which aligns perfectly with the everyday needs of our patients.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry offers several advantages over traditional instruments:
-
Faster Healing & Less InflammationLaser energy seals blood vessels and nerve endings as it works, reducing swelling and promoting quicker recovery.
-
Minimal to No Anesthesia NeededMany patients feel little to no discomfort during diode laser procedures.
-
Reduced Bacterial LoadLasers can eliminate bacteria within periodontal pockets, supporting gum health and reducing the chance of reinfection.
-
More Comfortable Soft-Tissue ProceduresLasers allow for gentle gum reshaping, frenectomies, and lesion treatment without sutures.
-
Rapid Cold Sore & Canker Sore ReliefLaser therapy can shorten the lifespan of a viral lesion, reduce pain immediately, and help prevent recurrence in the same spot.
-
A Great Option for Patients with Dental AnxietyNo scalpel. No needle. No vibration. Minimal discomfort.
Laser Treatment for Cold Sores and Canker Sores (Cold Sore / Canker Sore Relief)
Cold sores (herpes simplex lesions) and canker sores (aphthous ulcers) can be frustrating, painful, and embarrassing.
How laser therapy helps:
- Immediate reduction in pain
- Shortened healing time
- Stops viral replication (when treating cold sores early)
- May prevent future outbreaks in the same spot
When to come in:
Laser therapy works best at the first tingle—before the blister emerges. However, even after a lesion appears, laser treatment still provides significant relief. Are you looking for cold sore relief in Littleton? Look no further, give us a call.
Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR)
Laser bacterial reduction is a powerful adjunct to dental cleanings. Using the diode laser, our hygienists can dramatically reduce harmful bacteria in periodontal pockets to promote healthier gums.
Benefits of LBR:
-
Helps manage gingivitis and chronic gum disease
-
Reduces inflammation and bleeding
-
Improves periodontal maintenance outcomes
-
Promotes overall gum health
-
Gentle and noninvasive
Who Performs Laser Dentistry at Canyon View Dentistry?
Both our dentists and dental hygienists are certified and trained in the safe and effective use of the Picasso diode laser.
- Hygienists use the laser for bacterial reduction, periodontal therapy, and treating cold/canker sores.
- Dentists use the laser for soft-tissue procedures such as frenectomies, gingival contouring, uncovering implants, and lesion removal/biopsy.
This dual-provider model ensures that patients benefit from laser technology throughout their hygiene and restorative care.
Additional Ways We Use Laser Dentistry
- Soft-Tissue Contouring
Gentle reshaping to improve smile symmetry or assist with restorative procedures. - Frenectomies (Tongue- and Lip-Tie Treatment)
A precise, minimally invasive alternative to scalpel-based procedures. - Peri-Implant Decontamination
Helps reduce bacteria around dental implants. - Gingival Uncovering for Crowns or Implants
Makes crown placement smoother and more comfortable.
Why Our Office Uses the Picasso Diode Laser
The Picasso diode laser is ideal for soft-tissue therapy, healing, disinfection, and pain relief—the areas where most patients benefit most often.
While high-powered hard-tissue lasers (CO₂, Er:YAG, or Nd:YAG systems) can cut crowns or enamel, the cost of those devices is significantly higher and not typically necessary in a general dentistry practice where restorative needs are met with more efficient technologies.
Our diode system offers:
- Better comfort
- Faster healing
- Efficient treatments
- Lower cost to patients
- Versatility for everyday dental needs
Laser Dentistry and Cold Sore Relief in Littleton – Book Your Appointment Today
If you’re looking for cold sore relief, canker sore treatment, gum disease therapy, or a more comfortable dental experience overall, laser dentistry at Canyon View Dentistry may be the perfect solution.
Call us today or book online to schedule your appointment.
Cara McCallum
Dentist
Dr. Cara McCallum leads the team at Canyon View Dentistry, practicing enthusiastically and with a commitment to creating and maintaining beautiful smiles. She attended Marquette University and earned a BS in Biological Sciences. Emerging from her undergraduate career with an interest in dentistry, Dr. McCallum finished her DDS work at Baylor College of Dentistry.
What she values about being a dentist is how rewarding it is to make substantial, personal connections with her patients to help them achieve a smile they are proud to show off.