Capitalize on the Rise in Cosmetic Dentistry
Inside Dentistry provides the latest in endodontics, implantology, periodontics, and more, with in-depth articles, expert videos, and top industry insights.
December 1, 2021
Volume 17, Issue 12, December 2021
Page(s): p. 48
In recent years, dentists have witnessed a growing demand for cosmetic procedures among their patients. And during the pandemic, many saw an even greater uptick in the number of patients seeking these types of procedures because the need to work remotely had people seeing themselves on screens and evaluating their own appearance more often. This has led some dentists to reconsider the equipment that they have in their armamentariums to tackle cosmetic requests. If a dentist is interested in capitalizing on the increasing demand for cosmetic procedures, one of the most valuable devices that he or she can add to the practice is a dental laser.
Why acquire a laser? Dental lasers can be very versatile for providers. By implementing one, I am helping to save my practice money on equipment and technology with one device that can be used for multiple procedures. Although there are a number of different kinds of lasers available, I personally believe that all-tissue lasers are the most valuable to facilitate cosmetic procedures, particularly when it comes to the more common treatments like gum lifting, gingival sculpting, closed flap crown lengthening, implant repairs, and teeth whitening.
Another reason that all-tissue lasers are valuable from a cosmetic dentist's perspective is that they are more precise than other dental instruments, which can be important when trying to preserve the areas of patients' smiles that they like while changing the areas that they are looking to improve. In addition, the minimally invasive nature of dental laser technology results in less pain both during and after cosmetic procedures, and the patients treated heal more quickly and are able to enjoy their new smiles sooner.
Beyond versatility and precision, dental lasers also allow providers to use less anesthesia on most patients who sit in their chairs. From a bottom-line standpoint, this saves money for practices, but it also puts patients at ease, allowing them to feel more comfortable during procedures. This is essential if you want patients to trust you and continue coming back for future dental work. In that regard, dental lasers can also help to instill patients' trust in our work, and that is something that you cannot put a price on.
Capitalizing on the rising demand for cosmetic dentistry isn't the only way that dental lasers can improve practice profitability. From a general dentist's perspective, because many standard procedures can be performed more quickly and more effectively using laser technology, dental lasers can help providers see more patients throughout the day. And as we all know, having the ability to see more patients means more revenue for the practice.
Ultimately, the more procedures a dentist can perform, the better; however, cosmetic dentists know that there is a certain level of extra care that must be taken during our procedures. People who are changing their appearance through cosmetic dental work are relying on us to get the job done efficiently, but due to the elective nature of these procedures, it is imperative that we deliver the best results possible. In my experience, lasers are some of the most beneficial tools that a cosmetic dentist can use to get the job done to the best of his or her ability.
If you have not yet tried using a dental laser or considered implementing this technology in your practice, it's not too late. There is still plenty of opportunity to capitalize on the recent rise in demand for cosmetic dentistry, and in general, acquiring a dental laser can significantly improve your practice and the experiences of your patients.
About the Author
Wynn H. Okuda, DMD, is an accredited fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the International College of Dentists. He is the founder of the Pan Pacific Dental Academy and maintains a private practice in Honolulu, Hawaii.
