LASERS IN DENTISTRY
By Ruby Ann Dollins, DDS

What is a laser and how does it work?

A laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. When laser light comes in contact with tissue, it causes reaction. The light produced by the laser can remove, vaporize or shape tissue.

Are lasers used in dentistry?

Yes, lasers have been used in dentistry since 1990. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have determined that lasers can be used as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures. Lasers are often used in conjunction with other dental instruments.

How are lasers used in dentistry?

Dental Lasers can be used to:

• Correct speech problems caused by a tongue–tie, which prevents normal tongue movement
• Uncover partially erupted wisdom teeth
• Remove muscle pulls, as seen in orthodontic patients.
• Manage gum tissue during impressions for crowns
• Remove swollen tissues caused by medications
• Performs biopsy procedures-Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer.
• Laser are also used to remove lesions in the mouth
• Relieve the pain of cold and canker sores.
• Periodontal Treatment – remove inflamed or diseased gum tissues and reduce the amount of bacteria within a periodontal pocket.
• Remove or reshape excess gum and bone tissues during crown lengthening procedures
• Treat abscessed gums and infections in root canals
• Ideal for aesthetic smile design
• Activate whitening solutions that are used to lighten teeth.

What are the Pros and Cons of using dental lasers?

There are several advantages.

• It may not need to use a drill or administer anesthesia, allowing the patient to enjoy a more relaxed dental experience. Laser procedures can be more precise.
• It can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional therapies
• Reduce the amount of bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities
• It controls bleeding during surgery.

The disadvantages of lasers are that:

• Lasers can't be used on teeth with fillings already in place.
• Lasers can't be used in many commonly performed dental procedures. For example, lasers can't be used to fill cavities located between teeth, around old fillings, and large cavities that need to be prepared for a crown. In addition, lasers cannot be used to remove defective crowns or silver fillings, or prepare teeth for bridges.
• Traditional drills may still be needed to shape the filling, adjust the bite, and polish the filling even when a laser is used.
• Lasers do not eliminate the need for anesthesia.

Are dental lasers safe?
If a trained practitioner uses the dental laser according to accepted practices, then it is at least as safe as other dental instruments. However, just as you wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to the sun, when a laser procedure performs, you will be asked to wear special eyeglasses to protect your eyes from the laser.

Modern laser treatment provides the option of virtually painless treatment in the dental practice. Laser treatment offers benefits to patients in many different dental areas including endodontics, periodontics and surgery.

Make sure that your dentist has participated in educational courses and received training by the manufacturer. Many dental schools, dental associations, and the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD) offer dental laser education. The ALD is the profession’s independent source for the current dental laser education and credentialing.