Maintaining good oral health is essential to self-care, influencing both confidence and overall well-being. A bright, healthy smile can make daily interactions more enjoyable, but when dental issues arise, they can affect both appearance and self-esteem. Fortunately, laser dentistry offers a modern, minimally invasive solution to cosmetic dental concerns.
Dr. Heather Fleschler provides laser dental treatments in Houston, TX, utilizing cutting-edge technology for precise and comfortable care. A graduate of the University of Texas-Houston Dental Branch, Dr. Fleschler has also earned a Fellowship from the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction held by fewer than seven percent of dentists nationwide.
Her expertise and state-of-the-art laser techniques allow patients to experience gentle, efficient treatment without the discomfort of traditional dental procedures. Laser dentistry is a quieter, faster, and more comfortable alternative, making routine and restorative care easier than ever.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry uses highly concentrated beams of light to perform a wide range of dental procedures with precision and minimal discomfort. This technology allows for more efficient treatment, reducing the need for anesthesia. It is commonly used for soft tissue procedures such as gum contouring, periodontal therapy, and treatment of oral trauma and lesions.
Many patients prefer laser dentistry because it minimizes pain, bleeding, and swelling while promoting faster healing. Whether you are looking for a cosmetic enhancement or treatment for a dental condition, laser technology offers a modern, patient-friendly alternative to traditional dental techniques.
What Can Be Treated With Laser Dentistry?
Laser treatments can address a variety of dental issues, including the following:
- Periodontal (Gum) disease: Dr. Fleschler uses low-level laser light therapy to reduce inflammation via laser bacterial reduction during periodontal treatment to promote tissue reattachment and healing.
- Gum recontouring: Dr. Fleschler uses a laser to reshape your gum tissue and eliminate a “gummy smile” during cosmetic gum recontouring procedures.
The Advantages of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry offers a more comfortable, precise, and efficient alternative to traditional dental treatments. This advanced technology provides several key benefits:
- Less Bleeding and Swelling – Gum disease treatments using lasers result in significantly less bleeding and inflammation than conventional methods.
- Greater Precision and Tissue Preservation – Lasers allow Dr. Heather Fleschler to remove only the damaged or infected tissue, preserving more of your healthy gum structure.
- Faster Healing and Recovery – With minimal trauma to surrounding tissues, laser treatments promote quicker healing times and reduce post-procedure discomfort.
Laser dentistry provides a minimally invasive and stress-free solution for achieving a healthier smile, whether you need gum disease treatment or a cosmetic tissue enhancement.
The Risks and Limitations of Laser Dentistry
While laser dentistry offers a modern and minimally invasive approach to dental care, it’s essential to be aware of its potential risks and limitations.
Potential Risks
Laser treatments must be performed by a skilled provider to avoid:
- Gum irritation or damage – In rare cases, improper use of the laser may cause minor gum injury.
What is Recovery Like From Laser Dentistry?
Because laser procedures are often performed without traditional dental instruments like scalpels, the recovery from laser dental treatment is minimal. The laser does all the work..
By sealing off blood vessels immediately, the laser significantly reduces bleeding during and after the procedure. Patients may still experience minor soreness, sensitivity, or tenderness for a day or two, but these side effects are rare and easily managed if they do occur.
Who Is A Candidate For Laser Dentistry?
Dental lasers may not be appropriate for every condition and procedure. For relevant procedures, periodontal therapies and gum reshaping, most people are good candidates for laser dentistry treatment in Houston, TX.
Before making a recommendation, Dr. Fleschler carefully examines the teeth and gums and discusses with the patient the benefits and potential risks a laser may present in their case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Is It Appropriate to Receive Laser Dentistry Treatment?
One of the best parts about laser dentistry is that it is a perfect dental health treatment solution for patients of all ages. No matter the age laser dentistry has been proven to be effective regardless of what phase of life you may be in.
How can I prepare for Laser Dentistry?
There are no special precautions to take before having a laser dentistry procedure. Just keep up with your usual oral hygiene routines, such as daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. Dr. Fleschler will perform a thorough consultation and examination to ensure that a laser device is appropriate for your unique case and will offer you the highest level of benefit possible.
How Does Laser Dentistry Work?
Laser dentistry works through specific wavelengths of light. The wavelength utilized depends on whether the dentist uses a hard or soft tissue laser.
Hard laser devices emit wavelengths of light that cut through bone and water. These devices are especially effective at reshaping the calcium phosphate that makes up our teeth.
The precision of hard laser wavelengths can cut teeth or shape smaller areas to prepare teeth for other procedures or improve their appearance. Hard lasers are used both diagnostically, such as in cavity detection, and clinically, such as in preparing a tooth for a filling.
Soft tissue laser devices emit wavelengths of light that are easily absorbed by water and hemoglobin, the molecule found in the blood. Soft tissue lasers are primarily used on the gums but may also be used to correct conditions such as a tied tongue. Because the laser energy seals off blood vessels, soft tissue lasers are known to reduce bleeding and recovery time.
Is Laser Dentistry Painful?
Typically not! Since the use of a high-tech laser means that there won’t be any sharp metal objects poking and jabbing at your mouth, making the entire experience far less painful—if not completely painless when it comes to resolving gum disease.
Will I Need Anesthesia for Laser Dentistry Treatment?
Many smaller dental issues that can be treated with laser dentistry in Houston, TX, may not require any local anesthesia. However, we prefer to be safe rather than sorry, so during most treatments, you’ll likely be given a light covering of local anesthesia on whatever part of your mouth Dr. Fleschler intends to work on. This gives you and Dr. Fleschler peace of mind, knowing that no one is in pain.
We can also offer stronger sedatives for more invasive procedures to make the treatment less stressful for our more anxious patients and negate the possibility of any pain during the process.
Read what our patients are saying!
" My daughter and I have been going to Dr. Fleschler for the past few years. She is the most competent, professional dentist/doctor that I have ever worked with. She truly analyzes every situation and explains it with total clarity. Plus, she genuinely cares about her patients having great results. Her staff are equally professional - Katie, Lisa, etc. I can't say enough good things about her and her team. "
Why Choose Dr. Fleschler for Laser Dentistry?
Dr. Heather Fleschler is a highly skilled and experienced dentist offering advanced laser dentistry in Houston, TX. A native of the Meyerland/Bellaire area, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at Austin before completing her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Texas-Houston Dental Branch in 2004. Recognized for her academic excellence, she received honors in restorative dentistry, public health dentistry, and patient management. She furthered her expertise through a General Practice Residency Program, gaining hands-on experience in advanced dental techniques.
Dr. Fleschler’s commitment to ongoing education is reflected in her Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry, a distinction held by fewer than seven percent of dentists nationwide. She is also a graduate and Fellow of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, specializing in advanced cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry.
With her extensive training and dedication to patient-centered care, Dr. Fleschler provides state-of-the-art laser dentistry in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Your Path to a Healthier Smile Starts in Houston, TX
So, if you’ve been recently diagnosed with some form of dental troubles, or you’re looking for some cosmetic work to be done so you can boast the smile of your dreams, then you should contact Dr. Heather Fleschler whenever you’re ready. Our practice is located conveniently in Houston, TX, and is equipped to help you with whatever laser dentistry treatment you may need.
Reach out to us at 713-660-6500 if you have any further questions about laser dentistry or would like to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Fleschler.
