Have you seen the use of lasers in Star Wars movies? It seemed so cool, right? We know, but do you know what’s cooler? Having healthy teeth with the help of laser dentistry.
Yes, you heard it right. A dental procedure that ensures you have healthy teeth and gums to start for a long time.
Now let us shed some light on this procedure.
What is laser dentistry?
It is a process that uses a dental laser on our teeth to create incisions or to get rid of tissues in small amounts. To be precise in gist, this instrument calculates the wavelength of light and produces a concerted energy beam.
This might sound like it’s straight out of a Hollywood sci-fi movie, but it is not. The first application of laser procedure in dentistry was done in the 1960s by Theodore Maiman.
After that several dental researchers through thorough analysis concluded using laser dentistry to treat tooth decay and other oral issues. And it became one of the most sought-after treatments in the 1990s.
Types of Dental Lasers
A few types of dental lasers are used to treat different dental problems. Not all issues require the same wavelength of light, otherwise, it would have adverse effects.
1. CO2 – This laser:
- It removes soft tissue from your teeth.
- If you have a periodontal disease then it can be used to contour gingival tissues. Otherwise, It would result in serious oral issues
- It is used to treat oral ulcers and other dental injuries
2. Er: YAG – Use of this type of laser:
- Dentists use this laser to remove caries. Dental caries cause pain and infect oral health if not treated promptly.
Note: Caries is tooth decay or dental cavities (one of the most common diseases worldwide).
- Prepares for root canal treatments
3. Nd: YAG – This is used to
- treat the root canal
- Eliminates microorganisms and debris from the root canal
- Get rid of necrotic tissues
- Like the previous one, this also removes caries
4. Er, Cr: YSG – This type of laser also has similar implications on our teeth such as –
- Helps in enamel catching. Or in simple words, it helps in the improvement of mineral content
- Treats cavities in your teeth
- Remove small amounts of bone as per the requirement to treat with a minimal amount of heating or melting.
How are Laser Dental treatments performed?
The fine and thin electromagnetic radiation is focused into a beam of light at the target tissue to perform the entire procedure. This helps detect small changes in the affected tissue for further treatment depending upon the procedure.
The two types of procedures included are- hard tissue and soft tissue procedures. Hard tissue procedures include- detecting cavities, dental fillings, and treating tooth sensitivity.
While some soft tissue procedures include- lengthening of the crown, removal of soft tissue folds, and treating tongue frenulum attachment.
Benefits of The Laser Dentistry
- There is a much lesser risk of infection than in traditional dental procedures.
- Removes tooth decay and helps the enamel to prepare for a filing.
- You will face minimal discomfort while the process is on.
- It helps your gum to shape and clean bacteria during the restoration of the root canal.
- It also helps you to improve your muscle attachment and regenerates nerves to treat sleep apnea.
- This method also relieves you from the pains of canker sore that you have been suffering for a long time.
- Lower risk of your tissues getting damaged.
- Little or no bleeding at all during the surgery.
- If you have sensitive teeth, then we assure you that this method will reduce the pain.
- Increases the efficiency in whitening your teeth, with the help of a solution of peroxide bleach.
Disadvantages of Laser in Dentistry
- Patients with cardiac problems should avoid this procedure and opt for normal methods when they face oral distress
- It is an expensive method that is yet to be popularized in economically weaker countries
- There is a potential chance of transmission of disease when this method is in the process
- Not suggested to use for bad tooth decay cases
How long will it take to recover?
It takes hardly about 10 days to recover from a laser dentistry operation. With the right method of brushing in the operated area. Make sure to use fluoride-containing toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
In easy terms, follow the instructions given by the dentist.
Even though it sounds anxious when the word operation is used, it is not in reality. It is because only experts from City Dental – Rajkot Implant Hospital with correct knowledge and experience in this method operates on a patient.
Also, if there is a usage of more than one laser, then you will recover quickly as compared to the use of a drill or scalpel. Moreover, like other procedures, there is little or no chance of you being left with a wound that might affect you later.
Post-operative Expectations
While you might be afraid of gum bleeding after laser treatment which is quite common in the case of scalpel surgery, the risk is far less here.
Firstly, there won’t be any open, bleeding wounds and secondly, the bleeding is far less than in scalpel surgery.
Though it might depend upon the severity of gum disease or infection, the healing in laser treatments is quicker as compared to traditional gum treatments. It can roughly range from 2 to 4 weeks.
We can thus conclude that laser treatments are far smoother in terms of outcomes as compared to traditional dental treatments.
At City Dental Hospital, Laser Dentistry Experts will provide you with all the details about how to take care of your teeth and gums post-operation.
Laser Dentistry in pediatric dentistry
Yes, it can be. Most parents prefer laser dentistry for their children as it is beneficial for those who suffer from cavities at a young age.
Also, children are braver than some grown-ups. No, we don’t mean to say it in a literal way, but in a sense that since they are free of complications like grown-ups so they don’t get afraid easily.
And this procedure being a painless one works as a bonus.
This technology being efficient provides the right treatment to children for both types of dental tissues, be it soft tissue or hard.
Children are more cooperative during the process so surgical treatments with the help of laser dentistry become easy. Furthermore, they recover quickly after the treatment.
There is a chance for laser dentistry to become a gold standard practice in the pediatric world.
Risk factors of laser dentistry
While you might be worried about the risks involved in this procedure, you need to know the potential risk factors for better precautions and understanding.
Vision scarring and distortion can happen if the laser beam comes in direct contact with the naked eye.
Though rare, high-power laser beams can burn the skin. Improper use of radiation can lead to damage to other tooth structures like dental pulp or tooth-supporting bone.
When a laser beam is applied to tissues, a chemical mixture called a laser plume is released, which if inhaled can cause nausea and breathing difficulties.
Safety measures in Laser Dentistry
To prevent risk factors, the use of protective eyewear is suggested. Although the chances are low, dental lasers might be hazardous.
Even though it is said that there is no need for anesthesia, it does not lower the chances of using it.
Since this method is a long way into common people’s knowledge, experts use anesthesia to prevent any damage.
Contribution of City Dental - Rajkot Implant - Hospital towards laser dentistry
With time our team has studied this method and progressed in it. Now we have laser dentist specialists on our team who are ready to assure you that this procedure is as easy as any other simple dental treatment.
Apart from laser dentistry, the experts in our team use a power bleaching solution of hydrogen peroxide for the treatment of teeth whitening.
Other than that to help patients get a white bright smile, CDH dentists use porcelain veneers and composite bonding. This is not only to whiten teeth but also to shape crooked teeth.
Lastly, before we go, make sure to contact us for any oral health issues, be it laser dentistry, dental implant, or just a simple oral checkup.
