All You Need to Know About Laser Dentistry
Posted by Dr. Sobieraj on Mar 11 2022, 08:20 AM
One of the most fundamental benefits of modern dentistry has been the development of dental laser technology. Lasers are increasingly being used in dental operations to treat problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, as well as to harden dental filling materials. They are also used to activate teeth whitening treatments, perform biopsies, and assist in the removal of oral lesions. Laser dentistry is used at Beautiful Dentistry to make your dental procedures as comfortable as possible.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
LASER is an acronym that stands for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation." Dentists utilize laser equipment to create a narrow and concentrated beam of light that reacts to specific tissue. To target specific tissue, each laser device emits a different wavelength. Soft tissue lasers, for example, target gum and soft tissue, such as the gums, whereas hard tissue lasers target hard tissue, such as teeth and bone.
Uses of Laser in Dentistry
- Removing and sculpting bone and gum tissue around an exposed wisdom tooth
- Removing inflammatory gum tissue and muscle attachments that limit tongue or lip movement
- Preparing dental enamel for composite bonding by removing small quantities of tooth enamel
- Restoring some worn-out fillings
Types of Lasers Used in Dentistry
Hard Tissue Lasers
A hard tissue laser is mostly used to treat your teeth. One of these lasers' wavelengths cuts through both water and bone, specifically the calcium phosphate found in your bones and teeth. These lasers may cut into your teeth very precisely, removing little portions for contouring or in preparation for operations. Hard tissue lasers are used for:
- Cavity detection.
- Managing tooth sensitivity.
- Teeth preparation for dental fillings.
Soft Tissue Lasers
Soft tissue lasers emit light at a wavelength that hemoglobin and water readily absorb. Because hemoglobin is a chemical found in blood, soft tissue lasers are suitable for gum work. Diode lasers, which are a form of continuous-wave laser, are used in some soft tissue lasers.
These lasers are great for cutting through soft tissue while also sealing exposed blood arteries. This is why you don't bleed much during laser dentistry and why your healing time is faster thereafter. Soft tissue lasers are used for:
- Lengthening crowns.
- Dealing with a tongue that won't move.
- Gum reshaping to create a more appealing grin.
- Denture-induced creases in the oral soft tissues are removed.
To learn more about our laser dentistry services, visit our office, Beautiful Dentistry, at 2125 E Warner Rd #101, Tempe, AZ 85284. You can also reach us at (480) 831-1700 and schedule an appointment.
