Benefits of Laser in Dentistry

Posted by gghbn on June 3rd, 2018

Laser dentistry is increasing in popularity, and dental technology is making great strides in improving laser techniques and applications so that more consumers can take advantage of this newer, less intimidating method of keeping teeth healthy. It is also becoming a more affordable investment for dentists, who in turn are offering laser options more and more frequently to their patients. The shift from traditional dentistry with its pointy, sharp metal tools and scary whirring drills is being embraced by patients in great and greater numbers.

There are many benefits to new Laser Dentistry techniques. Of great concern is the idea that a laser is something that requires a huge effort to control, but the reality is that a skilled dentist can direct the laser's beam, reducing the damage to surrounding tissue, even more so than with traditional dentistry techniques. Any wounds created by laser surgery heal faster, due to the less invasive nature of the laser technique, thus allowing new tissue to generate at a more rapid rate. Bacterial infections are fewer because the laser beam acts as a sterilizer on the tissue it's affecting, lessening the chance of hostile bacteria setting up house in healing tissue. The laser also reduces bleeding because it cauterizes blood vessels as it works. Many laser techniques also eliminate the need for anesthesia, a process not without its own complications. And happily the use of soft tissue lasers often means that stitches are not required.

While the FDA has approved the use of dental lasers, the American Dental Association is still not fully on board. They are still investigating the benefits and drawbacks of laser technology. Regardless, the ADA is cautiously optimistic about the applications of dental lasers, and has not condemned their use.

Both common dental procedures and more uncommon procedures are now being done with lasers. Some common treatments include filling cavities. Lasers are being used to clean away the decay and prepare the cavity to accept a filling. The lasers are also used to harden the material used to fill the tooth. Teeth’s whitening is another procedure that is now commonly done with lasers, although a laser is not specifically used. The teeth are treated with a gel and a light is then trained on the teeth. The reaction between the light and the gel removes the stains from the teeth.

Lasers are also useful when working with the gums. Lasers can remove bacteria in preparation for a root canal, or to reshape gums that either cover too much of the tooth's surface, or in order to give a crown more tooth to adhere to. The gentler, less invasive laser is a logical choice when working on soft-tissue.

For more information on laser dentistry Visit Integrity Dental. They have a great staff whose laser dentists utilize the latest technology available.