How can we help you?
At McLean Dental Loft, we understand that visiting a new dental practice can raise questions, and we're here to ensure you feel fully informed and at ease every step of the way. Whether you're curious about our services, wondering what to expect on your first visit, or looking for more information about insurance and scheduling, we've compiled answers to some of our most commonly asked questions below.
Dr. Ardalan Sanati, Dr. Shohreh Shahrem, and our entire team are committed to transparency and open communication, because an informed patient is a confident one. If you don't find the answer you're looking for here, please reach out to us directly. We're happy to answer your questions.
Browse through our FAQs below, and discover why McLean Dental Loft is McLean's premier destination for modern, patient-centered dental care.
Laser Dentistry
If you've ever dealt with a canker sore, you know just how uncomfortable and persistent they can be. The good news is that yes, dental laser treatment is a fast, effective option for relief. At McLean Dental Loft, we're proud to offer this advanced solution to help our patients heal faster and feel better sooner.
Canker sores are small ulcers that form inside the mouth and can make eating, drinking, and even talking painful. While they typically heal on their own within 1 to 2 weeks, laser treatment can significantly speed up the process and provide near-immediate comfort.
Stopping Canker Sores Early On
Here's how dental laser treatment for canker sores can help:
- Fast pain relief — Many patients experience a noticeable reduction in discomfort right after treatment.
- Accelerated healing — Laser energy promotes tissue repair, helping the sore resolve much more quickly than it would on its own.
- No anesthesia needed — The procedure is gentle and well-tolerated, with little to no discomfort during treatment.
- Quick and convenient — Treatment typically takes just a few minutes in the office.
- Reduced recurrence — Treating the site with a laser may help prevent the sore from returning in the same spot.
The procedure is simple, non-invasive, and requires no downtime. You can get back to your day feeling more comfortable almost immediately.
If a canker sore is slowing you down, we're here to help. Contact McLean Dental Loft at (703) 775-4949 to schedule a visit.
Dental lasers are used for a wide range of procedures, including cavity treatment, gum disease treatment, gumline reshaping, and frenectomies. They allow your dentist to perform these procedures with greater precision and less discomfort than traditional tools and methods.
Common Laser Dentistry Procedures
At McLean Dental Loft, Dr. Ardalan Sanati and Dr. Shohreh Shahram use dental lasers for procedures such as:
- Targeted tooth decay treatment and dental filling preparation
- Gum contouring and reshaping (correcting a “gummy smile”)
- Frenectomies (releasing a tight lip or tongue tie)
- Treating gum disease and reducing bacteria below the gumline
- Biopsies and removal of soft tissue lesions
Why Use a Laser Instead of Traditional Tools?
Dental lasers enable extremely precise treatment of both hard and soft tissues, minimizing the need for traditional drills or scalpels. This precision typically means less removal of healthy tissue and natural tooth structure, reduced bleeding during procedures, and faster healing.
Not Every Procedure Requires a Laser
While lasers offer real advantages for many treatments, not every procedure calls for one. Dr. Sanati and Dr. Shahram will conduct a careful evaluation to determine which tool is most appropriate based on your individual needs and the planned treatment.
Is Laser Dentistry in McLean Right for You?
If you're curious whether a laser-based approach is available for your upcoming procedure, contact Dr. Ardalan Sanati, Dr. Shohreh Shahram, and the outstanding McLean Dental Loft team to schedule a consultation.
Yes! Many of our patients report experiencing less discomfort with laser dentistry than with traditional drills or scalpels, thanks to reduced vibration, bleeding, and trauma to surrounding tissue.
Why Laser Dentistry Tends to Be More Comfortable
Traditional dental tools, like drills, rely on friction and pressure. They cause vibration, heat, and noise that many patients find uncomfortable. Dental lasers work differently, using focused light energy to treat tissue with greater precision and less disruption to the surrounding area. For soft tissue procedures in particular, lasers can reduce or eliminate the need for sutures and often reduce post-treatment swelling.
What to Expect During Treatment
Many laser procedures require little to no anesthesia. As a result, patients often report less post-procedure soreness than with traditional methods. Lasers can also reduce recovery time, particularly for soft-tissue treatments such as gum reshaping or frenectomies.
Comfort Still Varies by Procedure
While many patients find laser treatments more comfortable, the experience can still vary depending on the specific procedure and individual sensitivity. Dr. Ardalan Sanati and Dr. Shohreh Shahram will walk you through what to expect before any treatment begins.
Ask About Laser Dentistry in McLean at Your Next Visit
If you're anxious about dental treatment or curious whether a laser-based option is available for your procedure, contact Dr. Sanati, Dr. Shahram, and the friendly and helpful McLean Dental Loft to schedule your next appointment.