Laser Dentistry – The Dentistry of the Future

Lasers are used in many medical applications these days. There are several different laser surgeries that doctors can perform, there is laser cosmetic surgery, and lasers are used to help correct vision problems. Lasers are also used for hair removal and to rid people of varicose veins. It shouldn’t be at all surprising that lasers are being used in dentistry. The only surprising detail about lasers and dentistry is that their use really isn’t all that widespread.

These days, only about five per cent of all dental offices have lasers that are used for procedures. Compare that to the number of lasers in use for medical treatments (including cosmetic procedures), and that five per cent seems rather small. However, laser dentistry is a relatively new field; there hasn’t been a great deal of research in the field, nor are many dental schools teaching students how to do laser dentistry procedures.

Laser dentistry does have a great deal of potential, though—as well as many advantages. Most people are likely aware that lasers offer a level of precision that cannot be reached with other tools; this is the reason why lasers are used for so many medical procedures. This precision is the biggest reason why laser dentistry has so much potential. Dentists using a laser device will have much greater control over treating the exact area that needs treated—without causing trauma to any surrounding healthy tissue. This means that there will be less bleeding and consequently, the patient may not even end up needing sutures.

With laser dentistry, patients may not need local anesthetic injections if they are getting certain procedures done as well. This, too, is due to the precision of the laser. The dentist can control the laser to have the beam hit only the area that needs treatment. For example, this works well for cavities needing fillings. The laser can be directed to kill the bacteria in a cavity before a filling is placed. This eliminates the need for the traditional turbine drill as well—and, what patient wouldn’t be happy to be able to avoid hearing that sound?

By using laser dentistry, bacterial infections are minimized, too. This is because the high-energy beam of the laser sterilizes the area where the treatment is being done. The laser beam also works to help coagulate blood vessels in the area being treated, thereby minimizing any blood loss.

More dentists will likely begin using laser dentistry as time goes on. It is likely that they will begin using the lasers with common, simple procedures first before using the lasers on more complicated types of treatments. Also, as the cost of dental lasers decreases, more dentists will likely adopt the use of the tool in their offices.

Laser dentistry technology is continuing to evolve and improve as well—new advancements are coming along frequently. Soon, dentists will be able to use these lasers to access all parts of the teeth, completely eliminating the need for the turbine drill.

Because of the simplicity, swiftness, and effectiveness of laser dentistry, it truly is the dentistry of the future.