Laser Dentistry

Lasers are now universally recognized as a part of medical technology which has enabled better results. Working on the principle of amplified light rays, it focuses higher energy on the area and this helps in precise and painless surgery. The ability to vary the light emission in milliseconds and to focus the beam to a millimeter or less is a boon.

Commonly used for skin problems like scar reduction and hair removal, Lasers are now being used for internal surgery ( Prostate etc). less well known is the use of lasers in Dentistry.

What is a dental  Laser?

A laser is a high-technology device that generates a beam of concentrated light. There are many types of Laser (Carbon dioxide, Erbium: YAG, Nd :YAG,  diode ,Pulsed light etc). Not all lasers can be used on the teeth as they do not have the ‘strength’  required.

Of all these only the Er:YAG laser has the ability to cut the incredibly hard tooth accurately. It is however so expensive preventing its widespread availability.

Why use a laser?

Many of us are familiar with the whining sound of a dental drill. This causes considerable discomfort. In fact many people avoid a dental appointment because of this rather than the little pain that comes!. A laser will make the same hole as a drill without these vibrations. The difference in comfort is phenomenal. In addition, the concentrated energy kills all the bacteria at the same time.

Lasers also have the ability to cut the gums and the red skin in the mouth ( mucosa) accurately. While cutting, it also seals off all blood vessels making the surgery blood less!

Since the area ‘cut or damaged’ is less, the healing is also faster with less scarring.

Is it safe it use a Laser?

Many people mistake lasers for X rays. The two are unconnected. Lasers have the ability to only penetrate a few millimeters in the body. They have no long term ‘side effects’ associated. All lasers require eye protection. Safety glasses with special lenses will be provided. Lasers do not make whining sounds or other annoying noises.
Depending on your treatment needs, your dentist may use the laser for a long period of time or possibly only for brief moments. However, even those procedures that require only a short period of laser usage benefit from the advantages of laser therapy.

What are the benefits of dental laser?

• Reduces or avoids need for anesthesia.
• Patient does not perceive vibrations of the conventional drill.  This aspect makes children very cooperative and it is a boon for anxious patients.
• Laser dentistry minimizes bleeding
• In some elderly patients with systemic diseases in which, excessive bleeding is a complication lasers could be the best solution .
• Procedures performed using soft tissue dental lasers may not require sutures (stitches).
• Bacterial infections are minimized
• Damage to surrounding tissue is minimized.
• Wounds heal faster
• Has a sealing effect on lymphatics, reducing  post operative swelling and inflammation.
• In some cases lasers can actually reduce the time taken for some  dental procedures

 How expensive is dental laser treatment?

It is about 25% more than the cost of conventional treatment.  The advantages outweighing the cost, it makes a worthy choice to achieve the goals of any treatment in which it is used.

Are Lasers new to dentistry?

Shortly after the invention of lasers in the early 1960s, lasers were used experimentally on the teeth and gums. Lasers have been used on a limited basis in hospital dentistry. Recent technological developments have made it possible for lasers to be used effectively in the dental office on patients .In fact, lasers are now being used by dentists all over the world.

What are the risks associated with Lasers?

In the hands of a skilled, specially trained dentist, lasers are safe. In fact, the primary safety measure necessary during laser treatment is proper protective eyewear. The lasers do not affect other tissues or other parts of the body.

What types of procedures can the dental laser do?

Dental lasers can be broadly classified into hard and soft tissue lasers.

There are many different types of lasers used in dentistry, and their applications vary. The most common use of lasers is for

• removing dental caries,  
• cavity preparation , enamel roughening
• removal of old  fillings,
• in root canal treatment to obtain access to root canal ,  root canal cleaning and sterilizing  infected root canals,
• desensitization of hypersensitive teeth
• exposure of unerupted teeth
• incision and drainage of abscess ,
• in some cases impacted tooth removal can be done with laser, decreasing the pain

What is laser tooth whitening?

Our teeth acquire a tint as we age. Lasers help remove the stains in the outer layer and lighten the color. This procedure is accurate and gives a dramatic result. It is painless.

Can lasers be used to improve smiles?

Some people have Gummy Smile. That is, when they smile a significant part of the gums are exposed. Dental lasers can reshape gum tissue to expose healthy tooth structure and improve the appearance of a gummy smile.

The use of Lasers in dentistry has enabled better results than those provided by conventional methods. The cost is definitely higher. However it must be remembered that the importance of improved precision, better results and reduced discomfort are equally important to those undergoing dental care. The most important criteria in today’s world is the reduction in the number of visits to the dentist. That is almost priceless.

A Final Word...

Laser dentistry is a new technology that helps your dentist treat you with a high degree of precision and accuracy. Helping you keep your smile for a lifetime is the primary goal. Laser treatment may be a step in reaching that goal.