dentist
logo image
dentist

Laser dentistry


Last Updated: 15.09.2023

Author: George Ghidrai, MD  

Over time, understanding of lasers has grown, eventually making them accurate and safe enough for certain dental procedures.

Lasers have been used in dentistry since around 1990 to treat a number of dental problems, even if many Dental Associations haven't determined whether lasers provide results that are better, worse or the same as results obtained from traditional dental tools.

laser dentistry

The potential for laser dentistry to improve dental procedures rests in the dentist's ability to control power output and the duration of exposure to the tissue whether it is gum or tooth structure.

Many different types of lasers can now be found in dentists' offices, allowing dentists to perform a wide variety of dental procedures they otherwise may not be capable of performing.

Application of Lasers is dentistry

All lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light. The laser can act differently depending on the procedure performed :

Let's see some procedures where dental lasers can be successfully used :


  1. Hard tissue (or tooth) procedures

    • Cavity detector : Low intensity dental lasers may be used for the early detection of cavities.

    • Cavity preparation : Lasers are used to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for the filling. Moreover, lasers are capable of killing bacteria located in a cavity, potentially leading to improved long term tooth restorations.

    • Dental fillings : Lasers are also used to "cure" or harden a filling, by helping to strengthen the bond between the filling and the tooth.

    • Tooth sensitivity : In case of tooth sensitivity, lasers can be used to seal the dentinal tubules that are responsible for hot and cold tooth sensitivity.

    • Root canal procedures : Lasers can be used to remove bacteria during root canal procedures.


  2. Soft tissue procedures

    • Gum lift : Lasers can be utilized to accurately reshape the gum tissue around teeth, improving the appearance and making the smile more aesthetically pleasing (see gum lift).

      This procedure can also be used to expose more of the tooth's structure and thus provide a stronger foundation for the placement of a restoration, such as a crown or a bridge (this procedure is also known as crown lengthening).

    • Frenectomy or the removal of the frenula : A laser frenectomy is an ideal treatment option for children who are tongue-tied or have a limited tongue movement ability. The operation may also help to eliminate speech impediments.

    • Soft tissue folds : Dental lasers may be used for the painless and suture-free removal of soft tissue folds (also known as epulis) often caused by ill-fitting dentures.


  3. Other procedures

    • Tumors : Dental lasers may be utilized for the painless and suture-free removal of benign tumors from the gums, palate, sides of cheeks and lips or to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer.

    • Teeth whitening : Low intensity dental lasers may be used to speed up the bleaching process associated with teeth whitening. For example, a peroxide bleaching solution applied to the tooth surface is activated by laser energy, which speeds up the whitening process.

    • Temporomandibular joint treatment : Dental lasers may be used to quickly reduce pain and inflammation of the temporomandibular jaw joint.


Benefits of Laser Dentistry


Disadvantages


As the applications for dental lasers expand, greater numbers of dentists will probably use the technology to provide patients with precision treatments. While the future looks bright for the use of lasers in dentistry, for now, it is advisable to continue to do your research before deciding if one of these procedures is right for you.





E-book or Paperback

Planning to Whiten Your Teeth At Home?
Read this detailed book where dental experts explore and compare the best at-home teeth whitening methods available today.

Learn More





Latest articles

The 6 Best at Home Teeth Whitening Procedures in 2024 Compared

Explore and compare the most efficient at-home teeth whitening products to confidently decide which ones are best for your needs ...more

Why a Professional Profile Picture is Key for Dental Practitioners

In healthcare, especially for dental practitioners, first impressions are more than just a social nicety; they’re the foundation of a patient-practitioner relationship ...more

The Dos and Don'ts of Dental Implants Before and After Surgery

Learning the right steps for caring for dental implants before and after surgery can significantly impact your results ...more

What are the 5 Stages of a Tooth Abscess?

Discover the signs and symptoms you may experience at each stage and the best actions you can take to prevent complications and restore your oral health ...more

Partial Dentures for Back Teeth - All You Need to Know

Learn when partial dentures may be a good alternative for restoring your back teeth and what to expect from your newly made dentures ...more

The Latest Technology Advancements in All-on-X Dental Implants

Explore the latest technology advancements in All-on-X dental implants and iscover how cutting-edge innovations enhance dental restoration ...more

The Top Reasons Why You Might Need an Emergency Dental Extraction

Understanding the common reasons for these urgent procedures can help you recognize the signs early and seek prompt care ...more

Pros and Cons: The Differences between Dental Bridges and Implants

Explore the pros and cons of dental bridges vs implants. Understand the differences between these tooth replacement options to make an informed decision ...more