Dental lasers are a tool that can be used in a wide range of dental procedures. If you’ve been wondering how lasers can be used in dentistry, read on!
What is laser dentistry?
Lasers have been used for more than two decades to treat a wide range of dental problems. All lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light.
When it comes to dental procedures, the laser can act as a “cutting” instrument to help remove diseased tissue, or a curing instrument to strengthen the bond between a tooth and a filling. It can also be used in teeth whitening treatments as a heat source that enhances the whitening effects of the teeth bleaching agent.
What kinds dental procedures use dental lasers, and what are the benefits?
Dental lasers can be used in both soft and hard tissue procedures.
Hard tissue lasers are used to cut tooth and bone tissue with extreme precision. These types of dental laser are often used for preparing and shaping teeth for composite bonding. They can also be used in the removal of small amounts of tooth and bone material, and in the repair of certain types of worn down dental fillings.
Soft tissue lasers may be used as a component of periodontal treatment. They can kill bacteria and activate the re-growth of tissues.
Soft tissue lasers penetrate soft tissue while at the same time sealing vessels and nerves, meaning that they can reduce post-operative pain and bleeding. They can also help speed up the healing process.
Dental lasers can also be used in a wide range of other procedures, including nerve regeneration, sleep apnea treatments, hardening fillings, teeth whitening, cold sore treatment, and much more.
I get pretty anxious about visiting the dentist. Can dental lasers help?
For some patients, dental lasers help reduce anxiety because they may help reduce discomfort and bleeding during and after treatment. Knowing this can help certain patients feel less nervous about an upcoming procedure.