Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry has become increasingly common in recent years and many dental experts are hailing it as a revolutionary method of carrying out dental treatment.

What is laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry involves the use of intensive laser beans to carry out dental procedures; laser technology is being used as an alternative to traditional methods on an increasingly regular basis but some dentists may use a combination of traditional and modern methods to carry out dental procedures.

Laser dentistry is becoming increasingly commonplace and an increasing number of dentists are offering patients the option of laser treatment. Dentists are particularly keen to promote laser treatment for patients who avoid going to the dentist because they have a fear of needles and injections.

Laser dentistry is a versatile treatment, which can be used to carry out a vast range of procedures. Many experts believe laser dentistry will replace many of the conventional methods in the future.

How does laser dentistry work?

Laser beams send out intensive light streams, which are focused on the area of damaged tissue. There are various different wavelengths, which affect the intensity of the light. The dentist is responsible for choosing a suitable wavelength.

Using laser technology enables dentists to gain greater control during procedures; the dentist can choose the level of power output and the length of exposure to the laser beam. The laser is focused directly on the affected gum tissue or tooth

What are the benefits of laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry has numerous benefits and is particularly advantageous for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia.

• Many patients feel nervous about going to the dentist because they have a fear of pain and needles. Laser dentistry often eliminates the need for anaesthetic and incisions in the skin, which can be a great comfort for anxious patients.
• Any incision made in the body carries risk of infection, so laser technology helps to reduce the possibility of infection. The laser beam also sterilises the surrounding area of tissue, further reducing the risk of bacterial infection.
• Laser dentistry is very precise and reduces the risk of damage to tissue surrounding the affected tooth or gum tissue.
• This method also helps to promote quick healing, as no incision is made in the tissue and no sutures are needed to close the wound.
• Healing time is also reduced because the laser beam helps with blood clotting and therefore reduces bleeding in the affected area of tissue.
• The vast majority of patients who have had dental treatment using lasers also suffer from no postoperative pain.
• Procedures can also be done much more quickly and accurately using laser technology and often there is no need for the patient to have follow-up care.

Types of laser dentistry

There are two types of laser dentistry; these are hard tissue and soft tissue.

Hard tissue: hard tissue lasers are used predominantly for treating patients with damaged tooth structure. The wavelength associated with hard tissue lasers is absorbed effectively by hydroxyapatite, which is a salt present in bone and teeth. Hard tissue lasers are usually used to cut into teeth and bone.

Soft tissue: soft tissue lasers are used for patients who have dental problems that affect the soft tissue; the wavelength is absorbed effectively by water and haemoglobin. Soft tissue lasers can be used to combat bacteria and stimulate the re-growth of tissue.

When can laser dentistry be used?

Laser dentistry is very versatile and can be used in several different procedures.

Hard tissue lasers are used in the following procedures:

• To detect cavities: a low intensity laser can be used to detect early signs of cavities. This means the cavity can be filled before it gets any bigger.
• To kill bacteria prior to a filling: the laser helps to eradicate harmful bacteria from the cavity before the filling is inserted. This helps to promote good long-term oral health and also eradicates the need for local anaesthetic.
• To help combat tooth sensitivity: the laser can seal the tiny tubes in the root, which are responsible for heightened sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.

Soft tissue lasers can be used in the following procedures:

• Gum contouring: gum contouring is a treatment which is used to help improve the aesthetic of the smile, when a person has a large amount of gum tissue on display when they smile (this is commonly known as a ‘gummy smile’). The laser replaces the traditional method of using a scalpel to trim gum tissue away. The laser helps to reduce pain, bleeding and speed up healing time.
• Muscle attachment: laser treatment can be used to help children who are tongue-tied. This is known as laser frenectomy. Laser treatment can help to improve speech problems.
• Soft tissue folds: soft tissue folds can often be caused by poorly-fitting dentures. Laser technology can be used to remove the folds in a quick and painless procedure.

Other examples of laser dentistry include the removal of benign tumours, the treatment of cold sores, teeth whitening, TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), sleep apnoea and nerve regeneration.

Are there any disadvantages?

The only real disadvantage of laser treatment is the cost. Laser treatment is usually considerably more expensive than traditional treatments. Most patients find that the benefits of laser treatment justify the cost but many dentists offer payment plans and prices are becoming increasingly competitive. The exact cost of treatment varies according to which dentist you go to. Some dentists may charge higher rates than others so it is a good idea to get an idea of costs before you decide to go ahead with the treatment.