Laser dentistry involves the use of lasers to remove or transform hard or soft tissues during dental procedures. Although lasers were developed decades ago, its use in dentistry was not widespread until recently. In this article, you will learn about the types of lasers used in dentistry and the treatments where they may be applicable.
The lasers used in dentistry are soft tissue lasers and hard tissue lasers, and they both have unique applications.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the Food and Drug Administration in the United States has approved more than 20 applications of lasers in dentistry. The most common use of lasers is on soft tissues of the oral cavity such as the gums. The lasers used for such procedures include diode lasers, carbon dioxide laser, and Nd: YAG laser.
Lasers are useful for cutting and removing soft gum tissues, which makes them practical for dental procedures, such as gum reshaping for cosmetic purposes, and cutting down the gums around the tooth in a process called crown lengthening. In some cases, lasers are used to reduce gum tissue, loosen tight muscles in the mouth, treat cold sores or oral ulcers. Laser dentistry is also effective for periodontal disease treatment by eliminating the infected layer of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth and promoting regeneration of healthy gum tissues.
According to the American Association of Periodontology, it is hard to tell if laser dentistry treatment is more effective than conventional treatments of gum diseases. Laser dentistry treatment definitely has its advantages for soft tissues. Laser therapy reduces bleeding during and after surgeries, results in less discomfort (and therefore a minimal need for anesthesia), and minimizes swelling. In some cases, however, laser therapy may prolong healing and cause tissue discoloration.
Hard tissue lasers can cut through the hard tissues in the oral cavity, such as the teeth. This type includes the Er, CR: YSGG and Er: YAG lasers. These lasers are effective for removing tooth decay, prepare cavities for dental fillings, prep a tooth for root canal therapy, and abrade the tooth enamel to make fillings adhere to it.
Lasers created for hard-tissue procedures may minimize the need for sedation and lower the risk of overheating areas of the tooth such as the pulp (the tooth’s nerves). On the downside, hard tissue lasers can prolong the time required for treatment due to the accurate nature of laser cutting, and the results are sometimes inconsistent.
Laser dentistry can be used in many dental treatments, including laser teeth whitening, placing dental restorations such as fillings and crowns, and detecting cavities. It is important to note that the ADA has not listed laser dentistry education as part of its accreditation requirements for dental education programs. This means that dentists must take additional training on using lasers through specialized programs or from manufacturers.
Laser dentistry has its benefits when used for dental procedures. Patients who wish to try dental laser treatment will need to discuss with their dentist to know if the procedure is suitable for them.
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