Laser Dentistry

Laser dental treatments utilize a type of laser designed literally for oral care purposes. It works on the principle of focusing a beam of light energy over the infected region to make the tissues react, instead of removing the diseased tissues surgically. Dentists and Oral Surgeons use various laser beams with different wavelengths (say soft tissue lasers, soft & hard tissue lasers) that vary in the depth of penetration.

What are the benefits of using lasers in dentistry?

The amplified light of dental lasers ensures patients a standard solution on par the surgical procedures handled with shots and drills. Moreover, this is a painless procedure and apt for people having anxiety or intense attacks in dental clinics.

• No need for anesthesia in most cases
• Stitches are not required
• Bloodless procedure (due to tissue cauterization)
• Low risk of infection after surgery
• Low chances of morbidity following the surgery

In simply, laser therapy has sidelined various pitfalls in conventional oral care procedures.

What are the possible applications of laser in dental treatments?

Dental lasers have been applied in many procedures but it is generally preferred for tissue removal. Few dental procedures that have been enhanced with lasers include:

• Crown Lengthening
• Enamel Contouring
• Teeth Whitening (Laser Bleaching)
• Cavity Preparations
• Root Canal Treatment
• Desensitizing teeth
• Gum Disease Treatment
• Gum Reshaping
• TMJ Pain
• Lesion Removal

How do dental lasers treat cavities?

Lasers help in removing the decayed part of a tooth without damaging the rest of the tooth and neighboring tissues.

Dentists pass laser light over the infected tooth to detect cavities. The amplified light shows the exact size of the cavity by projecting the infected region as dark. If there is no cavity, the light will pass through the tooth material. Then the dentist uses the laser to extract the infected region and fill the space with filling materials.

In the meantime, lasers are also useful in hardening the fillings instantly.

Is Laser Dentistry applicable only for adults?

No. Laser dental treatments are applicable for people of all age ranges. Pediatric dental specialists also incorporate laser in their practice as kids become more cooperative with the intense beam of light energy emitted with the laser.

Are Laser Dental Treatments safe?

Definitely. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of lasers in treating gums and hard tissues like teeth during the 1990s. Moreover, laser light removes small layers of teeth and gums. Likewise, dentists use different variants of laser lights depending on the depth of infection or tissues.

It asserts that the laser treatments do not have havoc on your teeth and gums.

How long does it take to heal?

Generally, the oral cavity takes a fraction of the time to heal when compared with the traditional methods. You can revamp your daily activities like brushing, tongue scraping but with care.

What post-operative instructions following laser dental treatments I should follow?        

Despite fast healing and recovery, you should follow some precautions after getting a laser dental solution.

Gums develop tiny clots over the treated surface after a laser treatment. So you should not chew on the laser-treated areas for a few days. Maintaining a soft diet along with taking the prescribed medicines are also important.