Laser Use in Dentistry

 

Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1994 to treat a number of dental problems.

• Root canal treatment. Enhanced removal of bacteria and increased success rate for root canal treatments.

• Gum disease. Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria during periodontal treatment procedures.

• Biopsy or lesion removal. Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer. Lasers are also used to remove lesions in the mouth and relieve the pain of canker sores.

• Laser enhanced Teeth whitening. Lasers are used to speed up in-office teeth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching solution, applied to the tooth surface, is ''activated" by laser energy, which speeds up of the whitening process.

 

How Do Lasers Work in Dentistry?

All lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light. When used for surgical and dental procedures, the laser acts as a cutting instrument or a vaporizer of tissue that it comes in contact with. When used for "curing" a filling, the laser helps to strengthen the bond between the filling and the tooth. When used in teeth-whitening procedures, the laser acts as a heat source and enhances the effect of tooth-bleaching agents.

What Are the Pros of Using a Laser in Dentistry?

Compared to the traditional dental treatment, lasers:

• May cause less pain in some instances, so reduces the need for anesthesia

• May reduce anxiety in patients uncomfortable with the use of the dental drill

• Minimize bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments

• Higher success rate for treatment involving bacterial removal (RCT, PERIODONTAL TX)

• More impressive Whitening procedure results