What Are the Benefits and Uses of Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry entails the use of lasers to treat various dental conditions. Laser dentistry became commercially available for use in dental practices for tooth tissue processes in 1989. The use of lasers for treating many dental procedures offers a more comfortable treatment option involving hard or soft tissue than non-laser tools and dental drills.
The acronym for a laser is light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. The device creates light energy in narrow and focused beams. Laser light produces a reaction when it comes into contact with tissue to help remove or shape it as required.
Various procedures are completed by laser dentistry in Breckenridge, CO, which include heating hypersensitivity, tooth decay, gum disease, and teeth whitening.
Although the FDA has authenticated the use of lasers, the American Dental Association is still to do so, although they have expressed hope about the potential of laser dentistry.
How Are Laser Therapies Performed?
Hard and soft tissue procedures are the two primary processes performed using laser dentistry. Hard tissue indicates the teeth, and soft tissue means the gums.
The standard hard tissue processes performed using lasers include:
- Detecting cavities early by finding evidence of decay in the tooth.
- Preparing teeth to have a cavity filled.
- Lengthening crowns.
- Removing soft tissue folds.
- Correcting tongue frenulum attachment.
In addition to the above, lasers also help view tissues, remove benign tumors, and treat obstructive sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, cold sores, and teeth whitening.
Laser treatments can vary in prices depending on the procedure required and the laser equipment used by the practice. However, laser treatments are more affordable than non-laser therapies because they allow dentists to complete the needed treatments in fewer appointments. Additionally, dental insurers determine reimbursements of the therapy without considering which method helped with the process.
Types of Lasers Used by Dental Professionals
Depending on the treatment needed by the patient dental professionals use hard or soft tissue lasers. Hard tissue lasers help cut through the tooth structure because the wavelengths are absorbed by a combination of water and a specific mineral in teeth. The lasers are generally used to prepare or shape teeth for procedures like composite bonding, restoring worn dental fillings, or removing tooth structure.
Soft tissue lasers are absorbed through water and hemoglobin, the protein present in red blood cells. These lasers help treat periodontitis by killing bacteria and promoting tissue regrowth. Soft tissue lasers can also seal nerve endings and blood vessels when they penetrate the tissue. As a result, patients experience little or no pain after treatment because of the penetration of the tissue. Lasers also help promote faster tissue healing.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Lasers promote a decreased need for stitches when soft tissue lasers are used for procedures like gum reshaping. Anesthesia is often unnecessary for some procedures. In addition, lasers minimize bleeding when treating soft tissues because the laser encourages blood clotting.
The chances of bacterial infections are minimized because the laser sterilizes the area. In addition, lasers promote tissue regeneration because they help heal wounds faster, and the procedures do not cause damage to the surrounding tissue.
Are there Any Downsides Associated with Laser Dentistry?
The risks with laser dentistry are relatively minimal. However, you must find a qualified dental professional because using the wrong lengths and power levels can damage tissue. In addition, some providers are concerned that advertisements are promoting the use of laser treatment beyond what patients might need in reality. Dentists providing laser treatment must ensure they protect your eyes with special glasses from the laser.
Finding A Laser Dentistry Specialist
If searching for a dental professional offering laser dentistry, you must look for a specialist who has undergone educational courses and received the appropriate training to perform laser procedures. Dental schools, dental associations, and the Academy of laser dentistry are popular sources of education for dental professionals promoting laser dentistry. Therefore the professional must have accreditation from the educational institutions to confirm they have received the required training.
If you intend to undergo dental treatments from laser dentistry specialists, you can also inquire with your insurance provider for recommendations or your friends and family members who might have positive experiences with these procedures. You might think websites and rating systems are also helpful, which some are. However, you must determine whether reviews are unbiased to ensure you seek treatment from an experienced and authentic provider.
Breckenridge Dental Group provides soft and hard tissue laser dentistry therapies for the conditions described in this article. If you wish to receive laser dentistry treatments, you help yourself by scheduling an appointment with this practice to experience comfortable and painless dental treatments.