The laser has quickly become of the best advancements in modern medicine and it's easy to see why. It's commonly used in hair removal, eyesight corrections, and even dental procedures. According to Consumer Guide for Dentistry, it's estimated that 6% of dentists own a laser, with that number expected to increase over time. Dental lasers are using cutting-edge technology to change the stigma of the typical dentist experience.
So what is laser dentistry and why is it such a common tool now? A laser is a very small beam of light energy used on dental tissue. The light can shape or remove tissue quickly and efficiently for all kinds of procedures. Laser dentistry can be great for patients for a number of reasons, with the most popular being:
Greater precision for treatment
Faster healing time
More comfort for those sensitive to dental pain
Controlling swelling
Reducing risk of bleeding/infection
When the laser delivers the energy in the form of light, it acts as a cutting tool that can vaporize whatever tissue it comes in contact with. If the laser is used for filling, it helps strengthen the bond between the filling and the tooth. Laser dentistry practice began in the 1990s and is now a viable procedure that can be learned through places like the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) and other dental schools.
For those who suffer from dental anxiety in fear of the discomfort, laser procedures have revolutionized the dental experience. This is because it has established itself as the most comfortable procedure offered at dentist offices around the country. With the laser you can achieve the same results as a drill but at a more precise and pain-free level.
Dental lasers come in various types, the most common being hard tissue and soft tissue. Hard tissue lasers are used for procedures that require cutting through bone and teeth while soft tissue lasers are used for procedures that require cutting through soft tissues like gums. Whitening lasers and disease detection lasers are also common.
Here is a breakdown of the different types of lasers and what they do:
Hard tissue lasers can treat:
Tooth sensitivity
Dental fillings
Cavity detector
Tooth preparation
Soft tissue lasers can treat:
Gummy smile
Crown lengthening
Muscle attachment
Soft tissue folds
Whitening lasers can treat:
Discolored teeth
Sensitive teeth
Disease detection lasers can:
Aid in cavity detection
Aid in oral cancer detection
With dental laser technology advancing constantly, dentists expect to eventually use lasers for all dental procedures. Many doctors believe that the next area of dental lasers will be therapeutic, meaning they are meant to heal. Right now Low-level laser therapies are being used to treat edema, superficial lesions, and inflammation.
To see if laser dentistry is right for you, talk to your dentist. If you're worried about safety and discomfort, then dental lasers are for you. They have been proven to be very safe and very precise. With a dental laser you're looking at minimum healing time, virtually no pain and swelling, and a happy dentist experience.
Advancements in technology are making treatment options like laser dentistry more available to patients across the United States. This technology can offer a host of benefits while treating a wide variety of dental issues. However, patients may naturally have several questions about this relatively novel type of procedure.When it comes to oral health, every individual…
We can treat patients who have sensitive teeth with laser dentistry to minimize the possibility of pain.We can use laser dentistry to treat your teeth instead of traditional metal tools. People who struggle with fear of dental cleanings or pain at the dentist can experience the painless treatment from laser dentistry.Laser DentistryAt Advanced Dental in…
Implant dentistry makes everyday activities easier. After tooth loss occurs, certain activities can become more of a challenge, and it can affect the person’s appearance and level of confidence. The good news is that many restore their confidence level and improve their ability to eat, speak, and care for their smile each day with implant…
Implant dentistry is growing in popularity. It is a restorative option for a single missing tooth, a section of missing teeth, or an entire row. This review discusses the implant dentistry procedure and when a dentist might recommend a dental crown attachment to complete the implant restoration. To make the most informed decision possible regarding…
Implant dentistry makes everyday activities easier. After tooth loss occurs, certain activities can become more of a challenge, and it can affect the person’s appearance and level of confidence. The good news is that many restore their confidence level and improve their ability to eat, speak, and care for their smile each day with implant…
Implant dentistry is growing in popularity. It is a restorative option for a single missing tooth, a section of missing teeth, or an entire row. This review discusses the implant dentistry procedure and when a dentist might recommend a dental crown attachment to complete the implant restoration. To make the most informed decision possible regarding…