Dental Laser
Laser Dentistry
Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry refers to any dental procedures that involve the use of a laser. Common laser dentistry procedures include oral surgery or periodontal treatment (gum disease, gingivitis) often referred to as laser periodontal therapy, cavity treatment, and teeth whitening.
In laser dentistry, lasers are used to remove or alter hard and soft tissues in a variety of dental procedures. While lasers were introduced to the dental marketplace decades ago, they are not considered the mainstream in dentistry.
Laser dentistry can be a precise and effective way to perform many dental procedures. The potential for laser dentistry to improve dental procedures rests in the dentist's ability to control power output and the duration of exposure on the tissue (whether gum or tooth structure), allowing for treatment of a highly specific area of focus without damaging surrounding tissues.
Advantages of laser dentistry include:
- Minimal or no anesthesia required in most cases
- Minimal bleeding
- More controlled swelling
- Reduced postoperative infection/discomfort
- Less chance of infection
- Reduced time in dentist’s office
- Less pain
- Faster healing
- No noise (like a traditional dentist’s drill)
- No absorption of harmful chemicals
- Quick removal of tooth decay
- Preservation of tooth structure
- A more sterilized environment (dental laser kills bacteria)