Achieving Dental Excellence with Laser Dentistry

Understanding Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry employs laser beams to execute a variety of dental procedures. Since its introduction in 1994, it has significantly simplified and improved dental treatments. The effectiveness of laser dentistry hinges on the dentist's ability to regulate the power output and accurately target the laser on the affected area without harming the surrounding tissues. You can learn more about laser dentistry here.

Applications of Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry's broad scope enables dentists to deliver precise treatment with minimal discomfort and recovery time. Here are some common applications:

• Tooth decay: Dental lasers can remove decayed tooth material and prepare the surrounding enamel for a filling, eliminating the need for local anesthesia and traditional dental drills.
• Lesions: Lasers can remove lesions in the mouth and alleviate the pain from canker sores.
• Tooth sensitivity: Lasers can treat tooth sensitivity to hot and cold substances by sealing the tubules on the roots of the affected teeth.
• Gum diseases: Laser dentistry can reshape gums and eradicate bacteria around swollen gums.

Low-intensity soft tissue lasers in dentistry also aid in early cavity detection and can remove small tissue samples for cancer examination (biopsy).

Advantages of Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry uses lasers as cutting instruments in surgical and dental procedures. Besides strengthening the bond between the filling and the tooth, lasers serve as a heat source that enhances the effect of bleaching agents in teeth whitening procedures. Compared to traditional dental drills, lasers:

• Cause less pain, reducing the need for anesthesia.
• Minimize bleeding and swelling when treating soft tissues.
• Decrease anxiety in patients uncomfortable with dental drills.
• Preserve healthy tooth material during cavity removal.

Limitations of Laser Dentistry

Despite its numerous benefits, laser dentistry has some limitations:

• Lasers cannot be used on teeth with existing fillings.
• Lasers are not suitable for many common dental procedures, such as filling cavities between teeth, around old fillings, and large cavities that need to be prepared for a crown. They also cannot remove defective crowns or silver fillings or prepare teeth for bridges.
• Traditional drills must be used alongside lasers to shape and polish the filling and adjust the bite.
• Lasers do not completely eliminate the need for anesthesia.
• Laser treatment tends to be more expensive due to the higher cost of lasers compared to dental drills.

For a nearly pain-free dental experience, consider laser dentistry. Patient FYI, an online directory, provides comprehensive information on U.S. dentists offering these services, helping patients select a dentist and schedule an appointment.