Dental lasers are designed specially for the purpose of dentistry, including oral surgery. These lasers should not be confused with cold lasers, that have different medical applications, such as phototherapy (For pain relief), headaches also inflammation. In the United States, the use of lasers on teeth was approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 1996.
Some of the uses of lasers in dentistry are given below:
Tooth Decay - With the help of lasers, decay inside the tooth is removed and surrounding enamel is prepared. Lasers also help in making the filing harder.
Gum Disease - During root canal procedure, lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria.
Lesion or Biopsy Removal - In case of canker sores, lasers are used to remove lesions from the mouth. Biopsy or a small piece of tissue for cancer treatment is also taken with the help of lasers.
Tooth Whitening - During the tooth whitening procedure, a hydrogen peroxide solution is applied on tooth-surface which is activated by laser energy. This helps in speeding-up the whitening process.
Along with the wide application of lasers in dentistry, there are several advantages and disadvantages of the use of lasers that I want to share with you. Advantages of the use of lasers as compared to the traditional dental drill method are as follows:
1. Need for anesthesia is reduced as pain caused is less in the case of dental lasers.
2. The feelings of anxiety and discomfort are reduced in patients. Let's be honest, patients are scared of dental drills!
3. During the treatment of soft tissues, lasers help in minimizing bleeding and swelling.
Use of lasers also has certain disadvantages, such as:-
1. Lasers cannot be used to fill cavities which are in between teeth, near old fillings or in the case of large cavities which have to be prepared for crowns/ caps.
2. Lasers cannot be used to prepare teeth for bridges.
3. Lasers are not used to remove crowns or silver fillings that are defective.
4. The need for anesthesia is not completely eliminated by lasers.
5. Laser treatments are more expensive.
Though there are certain disadvantages, the application of lasers in dentistry is rather widespread. They work by passing energy in the form of light and have several different functions for different treatments. Lasers vaporize the tissues that come in contact with them in case of surgical procedures, whereas in teeth-whitening procedures, lasers simply act as a heat source to enhance the effect of the bleaching agents. In the case of fillings, lasers helps in strengthening the bond between the filling and the tooth.
Hence, have bright teeth and keep smiling!
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