What is Laser Dentistry?

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Laser Dentistry

What is laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry is a relatively new field that uses intense light waves during operations on the teeth and mouth. Lasers of different wavelengths and intensities are used for very specific functions, such as catalyzing whitening agents or trimming gum tissue. Fortunately, they tend to be limited to the specific effect as well, preventing damage to extraneous tissue that can occur from more traditional methods. Lasers also have the benefit of being very quiet; in cases where the laser is substituted for the dentist’s drill, this is a welcome bonus. General and cosmetic dentistry alike have been aided by the use of lasers.

What types of dental procedures can be performed with lasers?

There are several procedures that commonly employ lasers. These include cavity removal, filling placement, teeth whitening, and periodontal surgery.

Cavity removal with lasers has been performed with success for a number of years. Many of the lasers currently used for this purpose can both eliminate the decay and prepare the surrounding tooth enamel for bonded fillings. The benefits of lasers in this process include reduced dependency on anesthesia, fewer complications from bacteria, and increased natural healing in cases of deeply rooted decay. The primary limitation of laser cavity removal is that the lasers cannot be used to remove previous dental work such as fillings.

Lasers are also used to cure, or harden, bonding materials. The process is typically faster using a laser, and some believe that its use leads to a more resilient filling.

Laser teeth whitening is now one of the preferred methods of tooth bleaching. Though many peroxide-based whitening gels can bleach teeth on their own, lasers are used with special gels that react to intense light. The gel is applied to the teeth, and the laser is then directed at them to catalyze the reaction. This results in a whitening process that is faster and more effective than most other methods. It typically takes place in under an hour and a half, meaning little imposition on the patient.

Lasers are also used in reshaping the gums. Laser gum surgery can be used to remove excess tissue that is functionally or cosmetically inconvenient as well as diseased gum tissue. Lasers can also eradicate bacteria within periodontal pockets. Lasers have improved healing time and postoperative comfort for periodontal surgery.

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