Every one of us faces health issues every once in a while. Although some problems can be addressed with standard treatments, others need the attention of trained professionals. Dental problems are physical conditions that practically every person encounters at least once in their lifetime. However, some dental problems’ procedures are excruciating.
Laser dentistry is a cutting-edge field of dental care. A minimally invasive surgical procedure provides comfort to those suffering from a variety of ailments. It can be used to treat cavities, gum disease, and other oral conditions. Want to learn more about the different lasers used in dentistry and which one is best for you? Let’s have a look at it right here!
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What is Laser Dentistry?
If the sound of the drill at the dentist makes you uncomfortable, dental laser treatment may be ideal for you.
The term “laser” stands for light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation. It is a term that refers to when a dentist uses a laser to treat a patient. Dental lasers are used to treat dental issues by releasing a narrow yet intense beam of light energy. Since the laser almost eliminates heat, pressure, and vibrations, the dental patient will feel significantly less discomfort, if not no pain at all. For instance, employing a laser eliminates anesthesia while filling a cavity.
When a dentist chooses to do dental procedures with lasers, they utilize one of the most modern dental technologies available today. Dental laser technology is highly safe, effective, and highly versatile, as it can be used for a wide variety of dental operations.
Types of Lasers Used in Dentistry
Generally, two types of lasers are used during laser treatments: soft tissue lasers and hard tissue lasers. These lasers feature a range of wavelengths optimized for specific cutting applications or tissue types. The variety of lasers is that different types of tissues absorb light at different wavelengths.
Hard tissue lasers
Hard tissue lasers use wavelengths absorbed by water and the calcium phosphate salt contained within the tooth or bone. Dentists utilize these lasers to cut through this tough tissue. For treatments such as dental fillings, hard lasers reduce the need for anesthesia.
The following procedures frequently involve the use of hard lasers:
- Prepare and shape teeth before composite bonding.
- Restores worn or damaged fillings.
- Minor tooth structures should be removed.
- The open tub causes tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Soft tissue lasers
Soft tissue lasers use wavelengths easily absorbed by hemoglobin (a substance found in the blood) and water. This makes them perfect for gum problems, as they can cut into soft tissue while also closing exposed blood vessels. This aids in reducing bleeding and speeds up the healing process. Additionally, laser treatments effectively eliminate bacteria in the mouth, lowering your risk of infection after being successfully treated.
Standard procedures performed with soft lasers include:
- Gum disease: Scaling and root planning to remove plaque and tartar, as well as bone or soft tissue grafting, are traditional treatments for mild to severe gum disease. These procedures are eliminated with laser gum surgery since the laser can remove inflamed or dead tissue while also killing bacteria.
- Correcting uneven or disproportionate gum lines.
- Addressing restricted tongue movement.
- Crown lengthening.
- Removing folds in the oral soft tissue often caused by dentures
Problems Laser Dentistry Treat
- Tooth decay. Lasers are utilized to eliminate decay from within a tooth and prepare the enamel surrounding it for the filling.
- Gum disease.Gum disease. Lasers are used during root canal operations to restructure the gums and remove bacteria
- Biopsy or removal of a lesion. Lasers can be used to extract a small sample of tissue (known as a biopsy) for examination for cancer. Lasers are also primarily used to treat oral lesions and ease the pain associated with canker sores.
- Yellow and stained teeth. If you struggle with yellow and stained teeth, laser dental treatment could be the solution! Lasers are used to expedite tooth whitening procedures performed in-office. Laser radiation is used to "activate" a peroxide bleaching solution applied to the tooth surface, speeding up the teeth whitening process.
Are Dental Lasers Safe?
Even though local anesthetics are used in laser dentistry, many patients hesitate to undergo these invasive procedures. By utilizing lasers, a dentist can identify potential problems earlier and relieve anxiety in patients who fear dental procedures.
Naturally, with new technology, the question of safety always comes up. Studies have continued to show that it is safe for teeth and is also healthier than the earlier methods of scraping and utilizing various equipment to clean a patient’s teeth.
Therefore, whether your child has a cavity or requires a frenectomy to correct a lip or tongue tie, you can be confident that laser dentistry is a highly safe treatment method. Indeed, dental lasers offer a wide array of benefits, including reducing infection risk, making them a great treatment approach. Additionally, dental lasers are both safe and effective for children and adults.
Laser dentistry is also a good solution for pregnant women with sensitive gums and teeth. Hormonal changes can affect your gums, even when cleaning your teeth. Tooth discomfort is one of the reasons that many pregnant women avoid going to the dentist. This is a mistake, as maintaining good oral health is critical, and laser technology makes these visits painless.
On the other hand, laser dentistry treatments are perfectly safe during pregnancy. Dentists never use instruments or treatments that are harmful to you or your baby. Indeed, they may assist the two of you in maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Medical practitioners feel that pregnant women with good oral health have healthier children.
Additionally, laser dental therapy is safe for those patients who have the disease. Using a laser can be safer than using a dental tool since dental tools are designed to be sharp, and one accidental slip can lead to the gum tissue being scratched or irritated. Patients typically report minor discomfort, and it can achieve the desired results.
Final Thoughts
Here at Magical Smiles, we strive to create a fun-filled, relaxing environment for every patient. If you are searching for a professional and well-trained dentist to perform laser procedures, we are here to help! With a passion for oral healthcare, a knowledgeable and compassionate team, dental laser treatment is everything you need to keep your oral health in excellent condition. To schedule an appointment or learn more, call us at (03) 8386 7004. Come and bring back your perfect smile with a magical experience with us!