Laser Dentistry
Lasers are used in several surgical and dental procedures. Dental lasers are a particularly suitable technique of painless dentistry as they are capable of minimizing bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments and also cause less pain.
How We Do It
At Orocare Dental Clinic, we have a diode laser system that is capable of soft tissue surgery, laser-assisted whitening (which can be done in just 20 minutes of chair time), and temporary relief of minor pain and TMJ-related conditions.
More about Laser Dentistry
Lasers are used to treat a number of dental problems:
- Tooth Decay: Lasers are used to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for receipt of the filling.
- Gum Disease: Lasers are used to reshape gums and sterilize/kills bacteria around the root surface of the tooth and gums.
- Biopsy or Lesion Removal: Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer. Lasers are also used to remove lesions in the mouth and relieve the pain of canker sores.
- Teeth Whitening: When used in teeth-whitening procedures, laser act as a heat source and enhance the effect of tooth-bleaching agents.
How Do Lasers Work in Dentistry?
When used for surgical and dental procedures, the laser acts as a cutting instrument or a vaporizer of tissue that it comes in contact with. When used for "curing" a filling, the laser helps to strengthen the bond between the filling and the tooth.
Lasers offer several advantages in dentistry when compared to traditional drills:
- Minimize bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments
- Cause less pain in certain instances (thus reducing the need for anesthesia)
- May preserve more of the healthy tooth during cavity removal
- Lessen dental anxiety in patients uncomfortable with dental drills
However, the use of lasers has its own limitations:
- Cannot be used on teeth with fillings
- Traditional drills may still be needed to shape the filling, adjust the bite, and polish the filling even when a laser is used
- Do not fully eliminate the need for anesthesia
Biolase ‘EPIC X’ diode laser
Biolase, Inc. (USA) is a global leader in the manufacture of laser systems for use in dentistry and medicine.