The use of laser dentistry to treat a variety of dental issues has been commercially available since 1989. Lasers are a less painful and more efficient option than the drills and tools used in traditional dental treatment procedures. Many patients also feel more comfortable with the sounds and feel of laser treatment. Laser treatment options even help make proper dental care more doable for those people with severe anxiety or fear of going to the dentist.
So what exactly is laser dentistry and how does it work? The word laser is an acronym that stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. This amplified light stream is usually very bright and very precise. Laser dental treatment is the use of specially formed lasers to perform specific dental procedures.
Treatment with a dental laser incorporates two basic types of procedures: hard tissue and soft tissue. Dentists use different sizes and types of lasers to accomplish various hard and soft tissue dental tasks. Each different laser also utilizes a unique light wavelength that is tailored for each specific dental exercise and type of tissue.
Hard tissue lasers are used primarily for and on teeth. These lasers cut through the calcium phosphate in the teeth, removing small amounts of hard tissue for the following procedures.
Lasers can be used to find cavities early by detecting evidence of decay. For preparing the tooth and filling cavities, traditional drills can be replaced with a laser treatment that kills the bacteria and assists with the long-term health of the root. Lasers also help lessen the occurrence of damage to any surrounding tissues during these procedures.
Laser dentistry can treat teeth that are sensitive to hot and cold sensations. The laser's focused beam of light is applied to the affected tooth, sealing tubules on the root of the tooth to lessen the painful effects of hypersensitivity. The effects are generally immediate and require little to no recovery period.
Whitening procedures conducted in the dental office can be enhanced through the use of lasers. A solution of peroxide bleach is applied to the surface of the tooth and activated by the laser, which significantly accelerates the whitening process.
Soft tissue lasers utilize a light wavelength that is easily absorbed by water and hemoglobin, the molecule found in blood. The process of cutting into soft tissue and simultaneously sealing exposed blood vessels is ideally suited for this type of laser. Bleeding is kept to a minimum with soft tissue lasers and post-procedure healing is usually quicker than with traditional methods.
Soft tissue lasers are used in the process of reshaping gum tissue for the treatment of a "gummy smile," characterized by a long gum that covers much of the tooth. For dental restorations, reshaping the gums is beneficial to create a healthier structure for the tooth.
Ill-fitting dentures can be remedied by lasers that can remove soft tissue folds. When performed with a laser, these procedures often happen painlessly without the need for sutures or pain medications. They also require less healing time, if any, for patients to regain full use of their dentures and greater comfort in their mouths.
The frenulum is the skin fold under the front portion of the tongue. For patients with a tight or thick frenulum, a laser frenectomy is a beneficial option. This treatment assists children whose frenulum problems cause issues with breastfeeding, speech, or being "tongue-tied."
Laser dentistry varies in price depending on the procedure. There are a variety of additional uses for laser treatments, including:
Laser dentistry carries relatively minor risks and can have substantial rewards. Both hard tissue lasers and soft tissue lasers offer many advantages over traditional forms of dental treatment. Bleeding is minimized, wounds heal more quickly, and the chance for infection is much lower due to the laser's sterilization process. Lasers also help patients feel more at ease during and less fearful of many dental procedures. By using the right protective equipment and following proper usage guidelines, dentists can use lasers to more efficiently treat many dental conditions and help patients everywhere receive suitable dental treatment.
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