What Is Laser Dentistry?
The term laser stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. During dental laser treatment procedures, the laser emits light energy in a concentrated and narrow beam.
This light produces a reaction upon hitting the tissue, allowing the dentist to remove or shape the tissue as needed. Unlike traditional dental procedures that make patients nervous, laser dentistry is a quiet and often less painful.
History of Laser in Dentistry
Laser dentistry has roots in the 1960s, but the first commercially available laser didn’t appear until 1989. Around this time, the right wavelengths were determined to remove enamel and soft tissue without damaging other tissue. In the next decade, dental lasers become more widely available. Today, dental lasers are more precise and widely available than ever before.
What Are the Types of Dental Lasers in Use?
Laser dentistry works by imparting light energy to the target tissues. The laser acts as a vaporizer of the tissue that comes in its path.
Dental lasers are not all the same. Based on the structures of tissues where they are used, dental lasers can be:
- Soft tissue lasers: As the name indicates, these lasers are used for treatments that involve the soft and delicate tissues of the mouth, like gums.
- Hard tissue lasers: Unlike soft tissue lasers, hard tissue lasers are used in cutting more complex tissues of the mouth, such as teeth and bone.
When a laser is applied in teeth-whitening treatments, it functions as a heat source and tends to boost the function of tooth-bleaching agents.
Dental Procedures in Which Laser Is Used
Dental lasers have multiple uses. They can be used in the following ways.
- Gum disease: When applied to gums, dental lasers are mainly used to reshape them. They may also be used in a low level manner to inactivate or kill bacteria in the gums.
- Teeth whitening: Lasers are frequently used in teeth-whitening. During this procedure, a peroxide bleaching agent is applied to the surface of the teeth, which the beam of the laser then activates. This activation boosts the whitening process.
- Tooth decay: Several laser techniques are used to remove tooth decay. It eliminate decay and the surrounding enamel and dentin are prepared for the filling process.
- Lesion removal: The process of removing a lesion or small segment of tissue is also known as a biopsy. Laser techniques can be used to remove lesions of the mouth and relieve pain caused by canker sores.
Benefits of Using Laser in Dentistry
Laser techniques in dentistry come with notable benefits for the patient. The key ones are:
- Reduced pain
- Less bleeding
- Reduced infection risk
- Faster healing process
- Stimulates blood vessels and tissue regeneration
- No sound or vibration (a drill that may make some patients nervous)
Laser Techniques vs Traditional Methods
Unlike traditional dental drills, laser techniques may reduce bleeding, pain, and swelling as well as the need for anesthesia. They may also help dentists preserve more healthy tooth tissue during removals. What’s more, laser dentistry may make some patients feel less anxious before their next dental appointment.
Ultimately, as laser dentistry continues to evolve, laser equipment is likely to make its way into more and more dental offices. Laser dentistry is here to stay! The benefits of laser dentistry are very exciting news in our field. Ask about how laser dentistry can benefit your oral health at your next visit.
In the end, reducing patient anxiety and minimizing damage during some procedures are key factors driving laser adoption among dental professionals.
Laser Dentistry at Lawrence Park Dental in North York
If you are looking for a team that offers dental care, you have come to the right place. The highly experienced team at Lawrence Park Dental can help. We offer a wide range of dental services in North York. Contact us today at 416-488-7454 or use our convenient contact form.
