Laser dentistry has become a common practice due to the effectiveness, minimal invasiveness, and precision of laser tools. In this article, we talk about what procedures laser is used for in dentistry and what advantages it offers.

What Is Laser Used for in Dentistry?

Modern dentistry mainly employs two types of lasers:

Hard Tissue Lasers: Dentists use these to cut through tooth enamel or jawbone structure.
Soft Tissue Lasers: Dentists use these to treat gums and other soft tissue in the mouth.

Below, we list the most common dental procedures that involve lasers.

Decay and Cavity Detection and Treatment

Typically, lasers can help detect signs of tooth decay in its early stages more effectively than traditional methods. Also, when used for treating cavities and decay, lasers can remove the damaged part of the tooth, keeping the overall tooth structure intact, unlike traditional drilling methods.

Periodontal Disease Treatment

Dentists use lasers to remove infected tissue and tartar from periodontal pockets (spaces between the gums and teeth roots), thus promoting faster gum tissue regeneration. Laser methods do not require stitching and, compared to traditional gum surgeries used for periodontal disease treatment, provide faster healing.

Teeth Whitening

Laser treatments can be used in combination with traditional hydrogen peroxide whitening. Sometimes, dentists refer to this procedure as laser-assisted teeth whitening. It speeds up the whitening process and can produce more noticeable results than traditional whitening methods.

Crown Lengthening and “Gummy Smile” Treatment

Dentists can use lasers to remove excess gum tissue and reveal more of the tooth’s surface, thus improving the appearance of a “gummy smile.” Laser crown lengthening is typically bloodless and offers a fast recovery.

Root Canal Disinfection

Lasers can be used in endodontic treatments to clean and disinfect root canals. This method might offer more precision and effectiveness than traditional methods.

Lasers can also sterilize and clean the root canal system more effectively than traditional methods. They can reach into tiny canals that may be difficult to access with mechanical tools, reducing the risk of reinfection.

Biopsy and Lesion Removal

Dentists sometimes use lasers to remove a small portion of tissue in the mouth for examination to determine if cancerous conditions are present in the mouth. Additionally, lasers are effective at removing benign growths in the mouth with minimal bleeding or damage to the surrounding tissue.

Frenectomy

Frenectomy is a procedure most commonly performed for infants with such conditions as lip-tie or tongue-tie. With the use of a laser, a doctor can remove and modify the frenum (tissue that restricts movement of the lips or tongue) with accuracy and precision.

Cold Sores and Canker Sores Treatment

Laser treatments are effective at killing viruses and sealing nerve endings, thus providing reduced healing time and pain relief.

Teeth Sensitivity Treatment

Dental lasers can seal tubules on the tooth’s root, thus reducing the tooth’s sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures.

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Laser treatments can be successfully used to reduce inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joint.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatments

In cases when sleep apnea is caused by tissue overgrowth in the throat, dentists can use lasers to reshape the throat, thus reducing breathing issues.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Treatment Methods in Dentistry

Below, we list the main pros and cons of laser treatments in dentistry. However, only your dentist will be able to determine if a laser procedure will be safe and effective in your case.

Advantages

Using lasers for surgical procedures can reduce the need for sutures
Laser procedures can offer minimized bleeding since lasers promote blood clotting
Some laser procedures can be performed without anesthesia
Lasers sterilize the area of the procedure, reducing the risk of bacterial infections
Laser procedures potentially provide reduced healing time
Using lasers can reduce the risk of damage to the surrounding soft and hard tissue due to the precision the tool offers.

Disadvantages

There are certain limitations to using lasers, particularly for treating teeth that already have metal fillings (silver amalgam or gold).
In some cases, laser procedures will still require the use of additional tools (for example, using drills to complete dental fillings).
Not all laser treatments are pain-free. Some may require anesthesia.

Make an Appointment Today

Specialists at the Chino Aesthetic dental office effectively use modern laser treatment methods to help you improve and preserve your oral health with minimal discomfort and faster healing. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at our office today.