One of the most cutting-edge technological advances in the world of oral health involves the use of dental lasers. Laser dental service in Las Vegas continues to transform how dental professionals care for patients. You probably have a few questions if you don’t know much about laser dentistry and how it works. We’re here to answer the most common questions about laser dentistry to help you understand what it is, how it works, and what benefits it can offer.
What Exactly Is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is a branch of dentistry that uses lasers to address several oral health conditions that patients have. Laser dentistry involves the application of focused light energy to perform various dental procedures with precision and minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Dentists who use this method must train to use specialized laser tools instead of shots and drills. They use lasers to detect cavities, fix gum problems, eliminate decay from a tooth, perform oral surgery, treat snoring, and remove fibroma.
Instead of cutting tissue, using shots for anesthesia, using drills to cut away the tooth, and using bulky machines to prevent snoring, dentists can use lasers to address oral health issues. Laser dentistry offers more benefits than traditional methods and is an excellent alternative for patients who want a quicker recovery and a better experience at the dentist’s office. To learn more about aftercare, see our guide on the dos and don’ts of recovering from laser gum surgery.
What Is a Dental Laser?
LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser is a device that releases light energy through an optical amplification process based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation. In simple terms, lasers emit incredibly narrow beams of light that are useful in multiple instruments and technologies.
A dental laser refers to a device that produces a single wavelength of light energy directed at the patient’s tooth, gum, or soft tissue to whiten teeth, eliminate tooth decay, and treat periodontal disease and soft tissue disorders with accuracy and precision. The dentist adjusts the light’s wavelength and intensity based on the desired result and whether the dental procedure is on hard or soft tissue.
What Is the History of Laser Dentistry?
In 1960, an American engineer and physicist named Theodore Maiman successfully fired the first laser at the Hughes Research Laboratory in California by shining a high-power flash lamp on a silver-coated ruby rod. His discovery later paved the way for the subsequent development of other types of lasers, including dental lasers.
Researchers first explored laser dentistry shortly after Maiman developed the first ruby laser, and the first medical-grade laser was introduced in 1963. Concerns about the technology’s safety caused dental researchers to move from ruby-based lasers to CO2 lasers and Er:YAG lasers over time. Advancements in technology since then have made laser dentistry safe and effective when performed by qualified professionals.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?
It’s Minimally Invasive
Dental lasers are built to work without pressure, continuous vibration, and heat, allowing patients to feel lower pressure while sealing off nerves during use. For these reasons, they eliminate the need for dental drills that cause discomfort and may only require little or no anesthesia.
It Minimizes the Risk of Bleeding and Infection
Patients with gum disease are susceptible to gum bleeding due to harmful bacteria in the teeth and gum pockets. Unlike traditional dental instruments, the dental laser’s high-energy light beam sterilizes the affected area and seals blood vessels to encourage immediate blood clotting, reducing the risk of bleeding and bacterial infection.
It Protects the Mouth from Trauma
Laser treatments are known for their precise nature. Unlike handheld and high-speed drills that may cause hairline cracks on teeth and damage to soft oral tissue, dental lasers preserve the mouth’s healthy areas during procedures, ultimately reducing the need for dental restoration.
It Promotes a Shorter Healing Time
Traditional methods involving handheld dental tools can potentially cause injury to the surrounding tissue and prolong recovery times. Dental lasers cause minimal trauma because they exclusively target the affected soft or hard tissues, promoting reduced and more comfortable recovery times.
Safety and Risks of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is widely regarded as a safe and effective dental technology. However, like any medical treatment, it comes with some risks and potential complications, generally minor and temporary. It’s crucial to discuss them with your dentist before undergoing any dental procedure.
Some potential risks include tooth sensitivity, which is usually temporary and manageable with desensitizing toothpaste, rare gum irritation that typically resolves within a few days, a small risk of infection as with any invasive dental procedure, and, rarely, damage to surrounding tissue when a laser is not used correctly. Choosing a qualified and experienced dentist who has received proper training in laser dentistry helps minimize these risks.
Common Procedures and Applications of Dental Lasers
Dental lasers are versatile instruments used for a wide range of dental procedures, including soft tissue procedures like removing excess gum tissue and treating gum disease, hard tissue procedures like removing decay and preparing teeth for fillings, teeth whitening treatments where lasers activate whitening agents for faster results, and surgical procedures such as crown lengthening and implant placement.
Have More Questions About Laser Dentistry?
Our team at Dee For Dentist is always happy to walk you through what laser dentistry can do for your specific needs. Contact us to schedule a consultation and find out whether a laser-based approach is right for your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Dentistry
Does laser dentistry hurt less than traditional methods?
Many patients report less discomfort with laser dentistry, since lasers often require little to no anesthesia and avoid the pressure and vibration associated with traditional drills.
Can dental lasers be used on children?
Laser dentistry can be appropriate for children in many cases, since its minimally invasive nature and reduced need for anesthesia can make treatment more comfortable for younger patients.
Is laser dentistry more expensive than traditional treatment?
Costs can vary by procedure and practice, so it’s best to ask about specific pricing during your consultation to compare it directly against traditional treatment options.
What conditions can laser dentistry treat?
Lasers can be used to treat gum disease, cold sores, canker sores, tooth decay, and to perform procedures like crown lengthening, gum contouring, and teeth whitening activation.
Is every dentist trained to use dental lasers?
No. Laser dentistry requires specialized training beyond general dental education, so it’s worth confirming your provider’s specific laser training and experience.
