Sep
Dental anxiety is a very real thing. And some patients say it has a lot to do with the sound of the drill. If this describes how you feel, you’ll be relieved to know that Dr. Katie Griffith at Richard D. Weigand, DDS, uses an approach that’s quieter and gentler. Laser dental procedures can help you experience a lot less discomfort and a smoother recovery.
The laser Dr. Griffith uses doesn’t grind or vibrate the way traditional dental drills do. You’ll notice a huge difference the minute she starts your treatment.
Laser treatments are almost always less invasive than traditional methods. That usually means your appointment will be shorter and you’ll have less downtime once it’s over. If you’re trying to get back to work or go pick up your kids after school, you won’t have to worry about losing an entire afternoon. Just as important, you heal a lot more quickly because there’s less trauma to the area.
When Dr. Griffith passes the light over your teeth, she’ll be able to see early signs of decay that regular exams can miss. These are the hard-to-reach spots between your teeth where cavities love to hide. When you catch something early, a smaller filling can usually fix it.
Traditional drills remove more of your tooth than laser treatments do. With lasers, you’ve got much more precise targeting. Nothing is touched but the damaged part. Your healthy tooth is left alone.
Lasers don’t work to fix every dental problem. But if your situation is a good fit for laser dentistry, you’ll have a stronger tooth in the long run.
Dr. Griffith doesn’t use lasers to do your regular cleanings, but she does use them for gum disease treatment and deep cleanings. She can target the diseased tissue and the bacteria to help you better protect the healthy tissue you have. That will mean less bleeding and an easier recovery.
If you have a gummy smile you’d like to correct, it might be worth looking into laser gum contouring. With this, a focused beam of light removes some of the excess tissue and reshapes your gum line. Gives you a more balanced look.
It’s not just about having a more beautiful smile. Cleaning up uneven gums also reduces the small traps where food tends to settle. That means less risk of gum disease down the road.
The FDA has approved Laser Dentistry for several treatments, including soft tissue work and cavity prep. Dr. Katie Griffith and her team at Richard D. Weigand, DDS, will closely evaluate you to see if laser treatment can help you fix the issues you are dealing with. Get in touch with the office by calling (509) 485-8620 today to set up an appointment at 2700 S SE Blvd Ste 110, Spokane, WA 99223.
Dr. Richard Weigand is a highly respected dentist with over 40 years of experience. He is recognized for his cosmetic and general dentistry expertise. A Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and the World Clinical Laser Institute (WCLI), Dr. Weigand has had advanced training from the Las Vegas Institute and Spear Center for advanced dental studies. Dr. Weigand has been voted “Best Dentist” and “Best Cosmetic Dentist” for many years in Spokane, Washington. He volunteers with the Give Back a Smile program which serves victims of domestic abuse. His commitment to innovation and patient care makes him a trusted expert.
Dr. Katie Griffith completed her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at Union College and her Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Nebraska. Experienced in family and pediatric dentistry, Dr. Griffith enjoys helping patients feel comfortable and confident in the dental care they receive. She is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality dental care to patients of all ages. Her warm, friendly nature and attention to detail help her build lasting relationships with all her patients.