Laser technology is transforming the way that many medical and dental procedures are carried out, and today, there are more ways in which lasers can be used in dentistry than ever before. This enables patients to experience benefits including:
 

-         Greater accuracy in their dental treatments

-         Lower risk of human error

-         Minimal infection risk since the laser itself is sterile

-         Less damage to soft tissues surrounding your affected teeth

-         Less pain and so decreased need for anesthetic

-         A quieter and more comfortable treatment

-         Less risk of complications and faster, simpler recovery
 

The use of lasers in dentistry

Lasers are powerfully focused beams of high-energy light. These are so intense that they are capable of undertaking several different functions, which in dentistry include heating, slicing to create incisions and vaporizing soft tissue. Here are some of the most commonly performed procedures that utilize the benefits of laser technology.
 

Removing tooth decay

Conventionally, drilling is performed to remove areas of dental decay. However, many patients find the sound and vibrations of the drill uncomfortable and unpleasant. Lasers provide a good alternative as they can be used to kill bacteria in cavities so that they can be filled.
 

Gum contouring

If your gum tissue sits too high on your teeth, it can make them look much shorter than they should. You may also feel that there is too much gum tissue exposed when you smile. Rather than use sharp surgical instruments to adjust the tissues, lasers can be used to remove the excess and reshape them so that your teeth look more attractive.
 

Crown lengthening

This procedure focuses on reshaping both gum tissue and bone for healthier tooth structure, which is beneficial for placing restorations on teeth. Laser technology allows for greater precision and accuracy while also reducing the risk of infection from the process.
 

Teeth whitening

The process to whiten your teeth involves pasting a bleaching agent over your teeth. This bleaching agent contains chemicals that must be heated to create the reaction which whitens your teeth. Lasers help to speed up the bleaching process during the teeth-whitening procedure and give patients the gleaming smile that they deserve.
 

Tackling gum disease

Scaling and root planing the most common treatment that is performed to help treat gum disease. This procedure involves cleaning the surfaces of the teeth and their roots and is usually performed using surgical instruments. However, laser technology can be used to complete the same treatment while also stimulating stem cells in the tissues to form new bone and soft tissue. This can help regenerate tissue and strengthen your gums and jaw bone.
 

Root canal therapy

Root canal is needed when an infection reaches and affects the root of your tooth. Unfortunately, root canal infections are resistant to antibiotics meaning invasive treatment is the only option for patients. Conventionally this involves drilling down into the root and physically scraping the infected material from the root. However, lasers can also be used to remove the infection from the root canal with greater precision and success than by hand.
 

Taking biopsies of oral soft tissue and removing benign tumors

Lasers can create incisions in soft tissue which can then be used to take samples and remove benign tumors from the palate, gums and sides of the lips and cheeks. Lasers can also be used to seal the wounds so that there is no need for sutures.
 

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) therapy

The TMJ is the joint on either side of your face where your jaw meets your skull. If your teeth don’t come together properly, or if you clench/grind your teeth, you may suffer from TMJ pain. Fortunately, laser technology has been shown to be beneficial in reducing inflammation and pain in the joint, eliminating the need for more invasive treatments.  

If you would like more information about how lasers are used in dentistry, or you are interested in booking a laser dentistry treatment for yourself or a member of your family, please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling or popping into our modern, dental facility.