A Beginner’s Guide to Laser Dentistry

Dentists use light energy to treat various dental conditions. The laser is powerful enough to alter the tissue’s shape and even remove it. It’s a comfortable, cost-effective, and efficient procedure as compared to other traditional dental treatments. Since it’s painless, laser dentistry is an excellent option for sensitive children. 

If you are considering getting laser treatment, here’s an introductory guide to help you make an informed decision:

Laser dentistry plays a significant role in:

• Cavities and tooth decay treatment: Low-level lasers can diagnose decay. The machine reads fluorescence levels to detect and display the decay extent with numbered levels. 
• Non-surgical gum treatment:The soft tissue laser removes diseased gum tissue by energizing the treated area with a light beam. The laser affects the diseased tissue, leaving the healthy part intact. 
• Teeth whitening: A soft tissue laser can perform teeth whitening (bleaching).
• Tooth sensitivity reduction:Low-level laser energy can relieve the sensitivity around the gum line.
• Cold sores treatment: A virus called HSV-1 causes core sores that lead to fever blisters. 
• Gummy smile enhancement: The laser can remove the excess gum tissue that covers healthy teeth. It can also dramatically improve a person’s smile and the appearance of their teeth.
• Biostimulation:It uses laser light to heal blood vessels and scars around the mouth.
• Old fillings removal: Dental lasers can remove old white fillings, often with no need for anesthesia. 
• Tooth decay elimination:Painless removal of small- and medium-size cavities.
• Tooth sterilization: Sterilization through laser provides a clean surface that allows new composite bond resin formation. 
• Crown and veneer removal:Dental lasers can remove existing crowns and veneers without cutting them off.
• Crown lengthening:Theis technique improves a short crown preparation or a short tooth. The oral practitioner will focus the laser energy around the root of the tooth, and remove a small layer of bone around the neck. 

Benefits of laser dentistry

• Reduces the necessity for dental drills
• Accurate cavity diagnosis
• Better sterilization before fillings or crowns
• Faster tissue generation and healing
• Preserves tooth's natural structure
• Reduces the need for surgery
• Reduced need for anesthesia
• Increases patient acceptance of dental treatment
• Provides relief for tooth sensitivity
• Provides comfort for cold sores

Types of lasers:

Dentists use two types of lasers:

1. Hard tissue lasers:It’s primarily for treatments involving teeth. The wavelength can cut accurately through calcium phosphate that makes up our bones and teeth. Hard tissue laser can remove small amounts of teeth to either shape them or prepare them for secondary procedures like dental fillings.

 2. Soft tissue lasers:They use a light wavelength that is easily absorbed by hemoglobin and water, which makes them efficient for treating gums. They can cut into soft tissue to seal exposed blood vessels, so you don’t bleed during the procedure. Because the results are immediate, it is also ideal for various cosmetic procedures. 

Safety of laser dentistry

Laser dental procedures are more efficient and safe than the traditional methods as there is no involvement of drills that can cause damage to the patient's mouth. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) approve the use of lasers for dental treatments.

About Chaffee Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Lafe Chaffee is a board certified pediatric dentist in Mesa, AZ. He has been practicing since 2011. At Chaffee Pediatric Dentistry, he provides dental services for children of all ages, including cleanings, lip and tongue tie releases, extractions. You can call us at 480.739.2993 or drop an email at info@chaffeekids.com to know more.