Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive treatment option when you’re facing some dental issues, including gum surgery, cavity treatment, or other oral issues.
Medical professionals usually use lasers, which are highly focused light beams, to alter or remove tissue in small amounts. Dentists use lasers in a variety of dental procedures involving the inside of the patient’s mouth, to remove an overgrown tissue, to reshape the gums, or to whiten the teeth. Sometimes, laser dentistry is an ideal alternative to conventional dental procedures for children who become anxious or afraid when having dental work done.
Conditions Laser Dentistry can treat:
Laser dentistry can treat most conditions related to the gums and teeth. Some of these include the following:
Treatment of canker sore and cold sore pain
Root canal infections can also be treated using lasers
Treatment of gum disease
It can also be helpful in removing gum inflammation
Gum reshaping can be done using lasers
Biopsies of the abnormal tissues can be taken during oral examination
It can also be useful in exposing wisdom teeth
Lasers are used to remove throat tissue that causes sleep apnea
Regenerating damaged nerves can also be done by lasers
It is very useful in excision of benign oral tumors
BENEFITS OF LASER DENTISTRY
In addition to minimizing or eliminating pain during dental procedures, laser dentistry offers a wide range of benefits for patients. These can include:
There is no need of anesthesia because it is a minimally invasive procedure
It reduces the risk of bacterial infections as the use of lasers sterilizes the area as it treats
Laser dentistry decreases the need for sutures with some procedures
As the procedure is not invasive and also promote blood clotting, there occur minimal bleeding
It speeds up the healing time
It is of great use in periodontal disease as lasers remove plaque and tartar from between the teeth and gums to clean the roots and prevent gum diseases
There’s an advantage of less post-procedure pain and swelling
It causes less damage to the surrounding tissue as, the focused light produced by lasers allow the dentist to focus on damaged tissue while leaving healthy tissue remain untouched
This procedure reduces patient’s anxiety and increased comfort as, for many people, the sound of a dental drill is sufficient to keep them away from the dentist
Laser treatments are relatively quiet and pain-free procedures, helping patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during their dental procedures
It also reduces the need of medications and antibiotics even after treatment
How Laser Dentistry works?
The dental laser does not work as other high power industrial lasers work – like those that are used to cut metallic or steel plates. A high power intense laser beam can deeply cut into hard tooth structure so it would be too dangerous and not well enough controllable. Instead, the dental laser uses the controlled intensity and energy in the laser beam to instantly heat up water and convert it into steam. This created minuscule steam explosions that are highly useful in cutting into hard or soft tissue.
Types of Lasers Used in Laser Dentistry:
There are two main types of lasers which the dentists use during laser procedures. These include hard tissue lasers and soft tissue lasers. Each laser uses a wavelength of different intensity that makes it appropriate for cutting into that specific type of tissue. This actually works because a specific kind of tissue absorbs wavelengths of light in different ways. By altering the light’s wavelength (and sometimes pulse) the scientists have figured out the way to craft lasers with light wavelengths compatible with each type of tissue in your mouth.
Hard Tissue Lasers:
Hard tissue laser is the type which is used primarily for your teeth. One of the wavelengths of these lasers can cut through both water and bone, specifically the calcium phosphate that’s in your bones and teeth. These lasers can cut into your teeth in an accurate manner to remove small amounts for shaping purposes or in preparation for procedures. Hard tissue lasers are useful for the following:
Detection of the cavities.
Dealing with sensitivity of the tooth
In preparing teeth for dental fillings
Soft Tissue Lasers:
The soft tissue lasers are the type which use a light wavelength that hemoglobin and water can absorb easily. Hemoglobin is the specific type of molecule found in blood, which makes soft tissue lasers ideal for working on gums. Some soft tissue lasers used in laser dentistry are diode lasers, which is a type of continuous-wave laser.
These diode lasers are ideal for cutting into soft tissue structures and sealing the exposed blood vessels at the same time. This is the reason for minimal bleeding during laser dentistry and why the healing of wounds is quicker after laser dentistry. Soft tissue lasers are highly useful for cosmetic procedures because you can begin to see results right away after the treatment. Soft tissue lasers can be of great use in:
Procedure of crown lengthening
In dealing with restricted tongue movement
During reshaping the gums to create a more pleasing smile
In order to remove folds in oral soft tissues caused by dentures.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re undergoing a laser gum surgery or hard tissue work, choose an easier and comfortable procedure with a shorter recovery time. Laser dentistry has now become a convenient solution to many oral and dental problems, whether the problems are serious in nature or simply cosmetic one. Ask the doc’s at Honest Teeth about laser dentistry the next time you have an appointment. Book online or call us now at 262-784-7800.