The technology used in cosmetic dentistry has evolved over the years to incorporate the use of laser. Lasers allow dentists to be efficient and accurate during treatment. They enable the dentist to focus on the specific area of the mouth that needs treatment. Laser treatments are often preferred by patients because they help cut down recovery time and involve minimal pain during the procedure. This is an ideal form of oral surgery for patients who experience anxiety when they visit the dental clinic.
Common dental procedures where lasers can be used
Lasers have been adapted in the dental field extensively. We’ll go over some common procedures where lasers can be used:
Dental fillings
Traditionally, before a dental filling is applied, a local anesthetic injection is given to numb the area and a turbine drill is used to prepare the section for the filling. With the use of laser, dental fillings can have better outcomes because this technology can quickly eliminate bacteria inside the cavities. However, lasers cannot be used to replace crowns, onlays or fillings.
Reduce tooth sensitivity
Lasers can also be used to reduce sensitivity in the roots of the teeth by sealing the tubules that appear underneath the gums. This is an ideal treatment for patients with extremely sensitive teeth. It’s especially suitable for those who can’t take hot or cold foods due to sensitivity.
Identifying cavities
Lasers can also be used to reduce sensitivity in the roots of the teeth by sealing the tubules that appear underneath the gums. This is an ideal treatment for patients with extremely sensitive teeth. It’s especially suitable for those who can’t take hot or cold foods due to sensitivity.
Frenectomy
Individuals who are tongue-tied, commonly children and babies, are unable to move their tongues in certain directions. This condition can affect their development ability as they find it difficult to breastfeed, talk and sometimes eat. Laser can be used to treat this condition by releasing the tongue from its bond allowing it to function properly.
Gummy smile
Patients who have a gummy smile may also benefit from laser surgery. Lasers can be used to reduce the gum tissue that is exposed and instead show more of the tooth. The layers sculpt the gum tissue in such a way that the patient’s healthy teeth are shown off more.
Soft tissue folds
A condition that’s medically referred to as ‘epulis’ this occurs when a patient’s dentures do not fit properly. The soft tissue folds develop and can be taken out in a pain-free manner using lasers. Laser technology allows these procedures to be done without the use of stitches.
Crown lengthening
Laser technology can be used to reshape a patient’s bone and reveal more of their healthy teeth. This can be done before other restorations to provide a solid base for the upcoming procedures.
Whitening teeth
Many dentists are now using low-intensity lasers to whiten teeth. When laser technology is used for tooth whitening, it accelerates the bleaching process giving patients immediate results.
Treating cold sores
Low-intensity laser can also be used to alleviate the pain caused by cold sores. This technology is sometimes recommended to help fasten the healing process of cold sores.
Getting rid of benign tumours
Dentists sometimes recommend laser surgery to remove tumours on sections such as the cheeks, lips, gums or palate. The main advantage of this procedure is that it’s minimally invasive, so it doesn’t involve any stitches or pain.
Temporomandibular joint treatment
TMJ disorder is quite common today. Patients with inflamed TMJ can receive laser treatment to alleviate the pain and symptoms of this condition.
Nerve repair
Patients who have damaged blood vessels, nerves or scars can also benefit from laser surgery. Laser technology is used in a process known as photobiomodulation to repair these affected areas.
View gum tissues and teeth real time
A recently released laser technology known as Optical Coherence Tomography allows dentists to view the inside of the gums and teeth.
Treatment of sleep apnea
Patients with blocked airways who have trouble in breathing when sleeping, a condition known as sleep apnea, can also benefit from laser technology. If the sleep apnea is caused by overgrowth of tissues in the throat, which is quite common among older patients, the dentist can use lasers to reshape the throat tissue and alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea treatment that is done using laser technology can be achieved in two ways. That’s through laser-assisted uvuloplasty or laser-assisted palatoplasty (LAUP).
Main advantages of laser dentistry
Modern dental clinics are using laser technology when offering dental treatments because it offers a wide array of benefits compared to traditional procedures. Among the many benefits of laser dentistry include:
- Laser procedures especially those that involve soft tissues, have no stitches or sutures that have long recovery times.
- With laser, there’s little if any risk of damage to the surrounding tissues. Laser technology allows a high level of precision and efficiency.
- Quicker recovery times and better tissue regeneration.
- There’s also a reduced risk of bacterial infections. Lasers kill bacteria wherever they are used hence eliminate the risk of infection.
- Some laser treatments don’t require anesthesia.
- Minimal blood loss with laser treatments.
- A suitable alternative for anxious patients who fear needles.
