Laser dentistry is a modern and innovative technology used for hard and soft tissue applications. It employs lasers to improve the efficiency of dental procedures in terms of time, speed, and precision. Lasers shoot thin and concentrated beams of light to generate a thermal output, which helps in removing, reshaping and altering tissues (both bone and gum tissues) present in the oral cavity.
What are the different types of dental lasers?
Two types of dental lasers are widely used in laser dentistry. They are:
1. Hard tissue lasers
Hard tissue lasers emit beams of a wavelength that is easily absorbed by the bones and the teeth. As a result, they are used to cut through tooth structure. Their great precision helps in reshaping teeth by removing small amounts of tooth enamel, preparing teeth for composite bonding, and repairing worn-down fillings.
2. Soft tissue lasers
Soft tissue lasers emit beams of a wavelength that is easily absorbed by water and hemoglobin, which makes them efficient for soft tissue management. They are used for treating periodontal diseases, crown lengthening, and more.
What are the applications of laser dentistry?
The thermal output produced by lasers is used to remove and reshape tissues, which helps in several dental procedures. Laser dentistry is used for:
- Removing soft tissues and muscle attachments. Extra gum tissue that surrounds a partially exposed wisdom tooth is removed to either perform guided eruption or tooth extraction. Dental lasers are also used to remove muscle attachments that limit tongue or lip movement via laser frenectomy.
- Treating tooth sensitivity. Dental lasers are used to seal tubules present in the roots of teeth that cause sensitivity towards hot and cold foods and beverages.
- Crown lengthening. Commonly, the procedure is used to make cosmetic enhancements, accessing gingival caries, treating gummy smiles, and accessing perforations.
- Reshaping gum tissues. Gum tissues overgrow due to certain medications and medical procedures. Dental lasers are used to reshape and restore such gum tissues.
- Treating gum diseases. Periodontal diseases inflame gums and make them tender and sore. Dental or periodontal lasers are used to eliminate plaque, tartar, and bacteria from infected gums and soft tissues.
- Removing small amounts of tooth enamel. Dental lasers prepare teeth for procedures like dental fillings, crowns or veneers where the enamel needs to be removed in order to create room for the subsequent dental restoration.
- Detecting cavities. Low-intensity soft tissue dental lasers are used to detect cavities and allow the patient to receive timely treatment.
- Removal of benign tumors. Dental lasers provide a painless and suture-free removal of benign tumors from the oral cavity.
- Nerve Regeneration. Photobiomodulation is used to regenerate damaged nerves, blood vessels, and scars.
What are the benefits of laser dentistry over other methods?
Laser dentistry has various advantages over traditional dentistry procedures. Some of them are:
- Dental procedures performed using laser dentistry are minimally invasive and in most cases do not require stitches. Dental lasers penetrate the soft gum and bone tissues while sealing exposed blood vessels and nerve endings. This is the main reason why people experience virtually no postoperative pain following laser dentistry procedures. Also, soft tissue lasers allow tissues to heal faster by inducing nerve regeneration.
- Patients undergoing laser dentistry-based procedures need not always get themselves anesthetized.
- Dental lasers emit high-energy light beams that help in the clotting of exposed blood vessels; thus reducing blood loss.
- The laser beams are high-energy and have a thermal output. It helps in sterilizing the exposed area by killing or eliminating bacteria.
- Dental lasers emit highly concentrated beams that are focused on treating a specific area. The damage caused to the neighboring tissues is reduced.
- The recovery period is shortened as wounds heal faster and healing is accelerated.
- Laser dentistry helps patients suffering from dental anxiety to receive dental treatment without inciting fear. It uses minimally invasive procedures to keep patients calm and composed.
At Ayoub Dental we employ the practices of modern dentistry to systematically repair damage and enhance the appearance of your smile. We design a custom plan for each patient to meet their individual requirements. For further doubts and queries, book an appointment with us or visit our office today.
