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Laser dentistry is the use of a laser during dental procedures to remove or change hard or soft tissues.
Laser dentistry is the use of a laser during dental procedures to remove or change hard or soft tissues.
Despite the fact that the laser was invented decades ago, its use in dentistry has not been prevalent until recently. A laser emits a concentrated beam of light, sending energy into the mouth to aid in the removal of regions of illness and lesions. Using a laser allows surgeons to work with pinpoint accuracy while avoiding direct contact with your teeth.
Despite approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the laser system has yet not received the Seal of Acceptance of the American Dental Association as an alternative to more traditional treatment.
When is a laser used in dentistry?
Some dentists choose to use laser treatment for the following:
- Canker sore treatment
- Lip herpes and cold sore treatment
- Laser-assisted periodontal therapy
- Laser bacterial reduction
- Cosmetic soft tissue procedures
- Laser root desensitization
What are the types of lasers used in laser dentistry?
Soft tissue laser and hard tissue laser are the two types of laser used in dentistry, and each has its own set of applications.
Soft tissue laser
According to the American Dental Association, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved more than 20 laser applications in dentistry in the United States. A laser is most commonly used on soft tissues of the oral cavity, such as the gums.
Common soft tissue lasers include:
- Diode laser
- Carbon dioxide laser
- Nd:YAG laser
Laser is useful for cutting and removing soft gum tissues, making them suitable for dental procedures such as:
- Gum reshaping is done for cosmetic purposes, and crown lengthening involves cutting down the gums around the tooth.
- Laser is used in some circumstances to shrink gum tissue, release tight muscles in the mouth, and treat cold sores or oral ulcers.
- Laser dentistry is useful for treating periodontal disease by removing the contaminated layer of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth and fostering the regeneration of healthy gum tissues.
According to the American Association of Periodontology, it is difficult to say whether laser dental treatment is more effective than traditional gum disease therapies.
Laser dentistry treatment has undeniable benefits for soft tissues. It lowers bleeding during and after procedures, causes less discomfort (and thus requires less anesthetic), and reduces swelling. However, in certain circumstances, laser therapy may postpone recovery and cause tissue discoloration.
Hard tissue laser
A hard tissue laser is capable of cutting through hard tissues in the oral cavity, such as teeth.
Common hard tissue lasers include:
- Er
- CR:YSGG
- Er:YAG laser
These are useful for:
- Eliminating tooth decay.
- Preparing cavities for dental fillings.
- Preparing a tooth for root canal therapy.
- Abrading the tooth enamel to allow fillings to adhere to it.
Hard tissue laser may reduce the requirement for anesthesia and reduce the risk of burning sections of the tooth such as the pulp (the tooth's nerves). Hard tissue laser can increase the time necessary for treatment due to the precise nature of laser cutting, and the outcomes are occasionally variable.
What are the benefits of laser treatment in the mouth?
A laser is frequently used by dentists for specialized oral procedures. Depending on the treatment, dental providers may use soft tissue or hard tissue laser. Both types of laser will be used if necessary.
A laser is frequently used in operations that involve soft tissues in the mouth, such as the gums. A hard tissue laser can be used to cut hard tissues in the mouth, such as the teeth.
Benefits of dental laser include:
- Laser procedures can assist many people because they can be used instead of dental drills or anesthetic.
- This may assist to alleviate any discomfort.
- Bleeding is frequently more controlled during laser operations, reducing the need for stitches.
- There is less injury to the surrounding tissue, and healing and recovery times are frequently reduced.
- Furthermore, because the light beam sterilizes the area, microorganisms are minimized at the surgery site. This lowers the danger of infection.
What are the side effects of laser treatment in the mouth?
The side effects and risks of laser dentistry include:
- The dangers of laser dentistry are thought to be minimal. It is best to seek out a certified dental practitioner for laser therapy. This is significant because using an improper power level or wavelength may cause tissue harm.
- Many clinicians are pushing the usage of laser treatment beyond what people genuinely need. The American Dental Association advises a cautious approach while dealing with lasers around the oral tissues.
Dentists use lasers for various operations within the mouth. A dental laser can make procedures more comfortable, inexpensive, and efficient.
You should contact your doctor before undergoing any form of laser therapy. Your doctors will be able to tell you if the procedure is appropriate for you or if there are any alternatives.