This article is focused on giving you the best Laser Dentistry Information possible. The use of lasers in dentistry dates back to only a few decades, but one that has gained rapid popularity with time. Dental lasers are now used to carry out a variety of procedures in the dental office. They are increasingly being preferred by dentists and patients alike.
Dental lasers use a concentrated beam of focussed light energy to target specific areas of dental tissue. Different wavelengths of light energy generate a particular amount of thermal output, which allows dentists to predict how each wavelength might interact with different dental tissues. Continue reading to get the best laser dentistry information from the best in the market.
Table of Contents
Common Uses of Lasers in Dentistry
- Dental lasers can help in the detection of cavities by finding early evidence of tooth decay.
- Dental lasers can be used to prepare the tooth for filling dental cavities. In recent times, dental lasers are increasingly being used to perform root canal treatments as well. They can be used to access infected pulp without the need for dental drills and eliminate bacteria from the root canals.
- Tooth sensitivity can be treated with dental lasers, which do so by sealing the exposed tubules on the tooth and root surfaces.
- Reshaping gum tissue to fix a gummy smile, where excessive gums are visible upon smiling. The same procedure can be done for a crown lengthening treatment, which may be required in order to expose more tooth structure for certain dental procedures.
- Minor surgical procedures like frenectomies (tongue-tie treatment), gum surgeries for the treatment of chronic gum disease, and removal of soft tissue that can cause ill-fitting dentures, etc.
- Dental lasers also help reduce the pain and healing time of cold sores and are frequently used for the treatment of the same.
- Dental lasers can be used during teeth whitening procedures to speed up the bleaching process.
Types of Dental Lasers
Soft Tissue Lasers:
The carbon dioxide laser, the diode laser, and the Nd:YAG laser are the most commonly used soft tissue lasers. These types are useful in dental surgeries that require cutting and reshaping of gums and for release of tight muscle attachments in the mouth such as with frenulectomies or tongue-ties. Treatment of canker sores and cold sores can also be done with soft tissue lasers.
Hard Tissue Lasers:
The Er:YAG and Er, Cr:YSGG lasers are used to cut or shape hard tissues in the mouth. Removing tooth decay, preparing cavities for dental filling, tooth etching, etc. are done using hard tissue lasers.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry Treatment?
Versatility:
Different types of lasers have different applications in the field of dentistry. The versatility of various types of dental lasers permits them to be used in a wide range of dental treatments that include treatment of gum disease and canker sores, minor dental surgeries, treating tooth hypersensitivity, and for cavity detection and preparation.
Dental lasers are also frequently used in cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening and gum reshaping. Moreover, the use of dental lasers in teeth whitening can help prevent or reduce teeth sensitivity that is often accompanied with dental bleaching procedures.
Less Pain:
Compared to traditional dental surgeries, all treatments done using laser dentistry are considerably less painful, almost to the extent that there is minimal to no need for anesthesia. This reduces dental anxiety in the patient and allows them to be more comfortable with the procedure.
Minimal Tissue Damage and Trauma:
Due to their targeted use, dental surgeries done with lasers tend to be more accurate and precise. This causes less trauma to the surrounding tissues, in comparison to traditional surgical sites.
Lesser Bleeding and Tissue Swelling:
Surgeries done with lasers bleed less than traditional surgeries due to coagulation of the tissues where they are used. With lesser trauma and lesser bleeding, post-operative swelling associated with the surgery is also minimal with laser dentistry.
Minimally Invasive:
Dental lasers are highly focussed beams of energy, which allows them to target very specific areas of dental tissue. Due to this feature, procedures done through laser dentistry are considerably less invasive than traditional dental procedures. This includes dental surgeries, treatment of gum disease and cavity preparation to remove tooth decay. For individuals who are wary of regular dental procedures, getting treatments done with dental lasers can be a great option.
Faster Healing:
Laser dentistry boosts cellular activity in the areas it is used, thereby promoting faster healing. Additionally, with laser dentistry, there is little to no need for stitches after surgery. Good cellular regeneration combined with increased recovery rate in these types of procedures allows patients to go back to their normal routine much quicker than with traditional dental surgeries.
Less Chances of Infection:
Laser beams sterilize the area of tissue they come in contact with. This process of sterilization reduces the chances of infection and complications arising from infections to a very large extent during dental surgery.
Alternative to Electrosurgery:
Electrosurgery has many applications in dentistry and almost the same advantages as that of laser dentistry. However, it cannot be used in patients with pacemakers, dental implants, or those with metal braces. This is due to the electrical interference it may cause in people with pacemakers, or excessive heat generation that may occur in those with metal restorations. Such patients are ideal candidates for laser dentistry procedures, as it allows them to enjoy all the benefits of electrosurgery without its disadvantages.
The ability of laser dentistry to offer patients an almost painless dental procedure and an overall improved dental experience makes it an excellent way for individuals to actually look forward to their dental appointments. Still, before moving forward for this treatment, one should try to gather all the necessary laser dentistry information form our specialists. People with dental anxiety tend to benefit the most from cosmetic and restorative procedures done with dental lasers.
While laser dentistry is still quite far from completely replacing traditional dental equipment today, the continuous developments being made in this field may make dental lasers an essential part of every dental office very soon. If you want to recieve the best Laser Dentistry Information for your oral health & overall well-being, visit us at Brooklyn Blvd Dental today and get to know more about laser dentistry and its applications.
