Lasers are used in dentistry in various dental procedures. All lasers use some form of light and, when used in dental or surgical procedures, act as a cutting tool. The use of laser is effective for the removal of tooth decay in root canal treatment, gingivectomy and frenectomy. It is also used for "setting" or "curing" fillings, where the light from the laser strengthens the bond between the filling material and the actual tooth, to ensure that the filling material adheres properly to the tooth. Lasers are commonly used in pulpotomy, apicoectomy and root canal treatments.Compared to the traditional dental bur, the laser is often considered an effective alternative because it can: - Cause less pain in certain circumstances, reducing the need for anesthesia;
- Potentially reduce anxiety in some patients who are not comfortable with the traditional dental drill;
- Minimize swelling and bleeding during the procedure, especially for soft tissues;
- Preserve a higher percentage of healthy teeth during cavity removal;
- Be more effective in reducing plaque buildup compared to traditional descaling.
There are 2 types of laser dentistry: hard tissue lasers and soft tissue lasers. Each type of laser works on specific tissue types due to their different wavelengths of light. Hard tissue lasers are used for teeth and bones, while soft tissue lasers are used for gums or other soft tissues in the mouth.
Contact us to schedule a consultation to determine if laser dentistry is right for you.