Dentists and the Introduction of Laser Technology

The field of dentistry is replete with new technologies and new advancements. One of these that is gaining in popularity one step at a time is laser dentistry. When dentists incorporate lasers into their practices they can perform any number of dental procedures in a more effective manner. The ability that laser dentistry has to improve the way dental work is done has to do with the ability of the dentist to control the amount of power that is emitted from the laser as well as the length of time that the laser is exposed to the tooth structure or the gum tissue. Using a laser makes it possible to treat a specific area (even if it is very small) without the concern over damaging nearby tissues.

If comfort and safety is of utmost importance to you when you visit the dentist, then laser treatments might be exactly what you are looking for in a dental experience. The same can be said for the individual who is nervous about a trip to the dental practitioner. If your reason for wanting to stay out of the dentist's chair is because you do not want to experience any pain or discomfort, then laser therapy is something that can be of great benefit to you (and your mouth). 

More and more dentists are becoming educated about laser dentistry techniques and are finding ways to make them a part of their practices. It has been estimated that only six percent of general dental practitioners have purchased a laser to use with soft tissue applications in their offices. The number of users is expected to rise steadily as the trend starts to catch on and as more patients begin to learn about the benefits of laser technology. 

What then is the benefit of using a laser to treat patients? For one thing, precision treatment is possible. The dental provider can easily focus in on a particular tooth or portion of gum tissue. This also serves to reduce the pain that the patient experiences and it can also reduce the recuperation period. 

Procedures undertaken in a dental office that can be completed with the use of soft tissue dental lasers may in many cases not necessitate stitches. In the same way, some of the procedures that use lasers are such that anaesthesia is not required. This is very good news for those who experience side effects with anesthesia. 

Bleeding occurs less readily when laser dentistry is put to use. This is because the high energy light beam that is used is beneficial in supporting the exposed blood vessels to clot (also known as coagulate). Due to the fact that clotting occurs at a more rapid pace, this means that less blood is lost.

Laser technology minimizes the damage that occurs to surrounding tissues in the mouth. Before laser dentistry came along, this was not something that dentists could guarantee.

Wounds in the mouth heal at a faster rate when lasers are used for dental treatments. In the same way tissues can regenerate quicker and more effectively.

Bacterial infections are less common when a high energy light beam is used on a patient. This is because the beam sterilizes the spot inside the mouth where the work is being done.