A dental laser is an instrument that emits a focused, intense beam of light directed at the tissue to be treated in order to remove or shape it.
Lasers used in dentistry can be classified based on application (hard or soft tissue), medium of use (gas or solid), or by the range of wavelength used (short or long). Soft tissue lasers are used for procedures involving soft tissues in the mouth, like gums, while hard tissue lasers are used to cut hard tissues in the mouth, such as teeth and bone.
To the dentist, laser technology has considerably simplified and improved patient treatment by vaporizing diseased tissue, killing the bacteria that causes the disease, and making it sterile.
Laser treatments cause less trauma and injury to teeth and gums compared to traditional procedures. Our dentists at Smiline Dental Hospital use dental lasers safely and effectively in several procedures.
The following table provides the advantages and disadvantages of Laser treatment:
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
No Heat, Vibration, or Pressure: Uses laser energy and a gentle spray of water; minimal or no anesthetic needed. | Potential Harm: Laser beams can cause burns to the retina; protective eyewear required for everyone in the treatment room. |
Comfortable Experience: Absence of noise and vibration keeps patients relaxed and calm. | Cost: Laser equipment can be an expensive investment for the dentist. |
Time-Saving: Multiple procedures can be performed in a single appointment, benefiting both patient and dentist. | Qualified Use: Requires dentists to be specifically trained in using the particular laser device. |
Precise Treatment: Removes only caries-affected areas, preserving healthy tooth structure. | Limited Applications: Cannot be used for filling proximal cavities, removing defective crowns or silver fillings, or preparing teeth for bridges. |
Minimal Blood Loss: Hemostatic, resulting in minimal bleeding. | |
Reduced Postoperative Issues: Causes less swelling, scarring, and pain, sterilizes the treatment site, and allows for quicker recovery. | |
Decreased Caries Activity: Believed to reduce the activity of caries in the enamel. | |
No Sutures Required: Wound closure with dressing and sutures is not necessary. | |
Medically Compromised Patients: Beneficial due to a reduced chance of infection. | |
Prevention and Treatment of Sensitivity: Helps in reducing dentinal sensitivity. | |
Analgesic Effect: Can induce an analgesic effect in certain restorations, reducing the need for anesthesia, and can alleviate temporomandibular joint pain. |
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