Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is a method used as an alternative to traditional dental treatments. This technology aims to perform dental treatments more effectively, comfortably, and minimally invasively. Its use in dentistry began in 1960 with some hard and soft tissue applications. In the last twenty years, research on laser applications has rapidly progressed. In hard tissue applications, lasers are used for cavity prevention, whitening, restorative removal and curing, dentin hypersensitivity, and growth modulation. In soft tissue applications, it includes wound healing, removal of hyperplastic tissue, and uncovering impacted teeth. One of the most significant advantages of this technology is minimizing pain and discomfort during treatment. Additionally, procedures performed with lasers generally provide faster healing times and more hygienic conditions.

What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry is a method used to treat certain dental conditions. It can be a potentially more comfortable treatment option compared to traditional piercing and cutting dental instruments for treating hard or soft tissues in the mouth. LASER stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” The device creates light energy in a very narrow and focused beam. This light energy can be used to remove or shape tissue. Laser dentistry can be used in many areas, such as cleaning tooth decay, treating gum diseases, teeth whitening, filling applications, and gum aesthetics.

When is Laser Treatment Used?

There are two main types of procedures used in laser dentistry. These include hard tissue and soft tissue procedures. Hard tissue refers to teeth, and soft tissue refers to gums. Some procedures used in hard tissue treatment include:

• Filling preparation: Often, no local anesthesia is needed in laser treatments. The laser can kill bacteria in the cavity and clean the decayed area of the tooth, creating a suitable surface for the filling. This method offers a less invasive and painless alternative.
• Teeth whitening: Laser-assisted teeth whitening is especially effective in removing stains and discolorations on the surface of the teeth. The laser light enhances the effect of the whitening gel, providing faster and more effective results.
• Dental surgery: Lasers can be used in surgical procedures such as tooth extraction, implant placement, or abscess drainage. Lasers can reduce bleeding during the operation, speed up the healing process, and decrease the risk of infection.
• Detection of cavities: With the laser method, dentists can detect evidence of tooth decay and identify cavities early.
• Treatment of tooth sensitivity: Lasers can treat hot and cold sensitivity in teeth by sealing the tubules on the tooth root.

Some procedures used in soft tissue treatment include:

• Treatment of gum diseases: Lasers are frequently used in the treatment of gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Lasers clean the gum tissue and destroy bacteria, which can stop the progression of the disease.
• Gum aesthetics: Lasers can be used to correct aesthetic problems caused by gum recession or gum disorders.
• Frenectomy: Lasers can be used to cut excessive or short tissues such as a tongue-tie or lip-tie. This procedure can resolve issues that restrict tongue or lip movements.
• Removal of soft tissue folds: With laser application, unsuitable soft tissue folds in dentures can be removed with less pain and without the need for stitches.
• Laser application can also clean tumors in the mouth and gums painlessly and without stitches.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?

Some of the advantages of laser dentistry compared to other methods include:

• The need for stitches may be reduced.
• Since the laser helps the blood to clot, bleeding in the treated soft tissues can be minimized.
• In some procedures, there may be no need for anesthesia.
• The likelihood of bacterial infection may be lower.
• Wounds may heal faster.
• There may be less damage to surrounding tissues.

Laser dentistry is an effective method used today in the treatment of many dental conditions. Individuals with dental discomfort can make an appointment at our oral and dental health clinic and start their treatment. To make an appointment, they can use the request form via phone or the internet.