Mention the word laser and images of light sabers will usually come to mind. From industrial and commercial fields to that of science and even in the military, you will be able to locate lasers being used one way or another as this has become a rather ubiquitous tool nowadays. In the case of lasers, these are commonly used in areas of medicine and health like for laser dentistry.
In laser dentistry, a special type of laser is used in the performance of surgical and dental procedures. Early practice of laser dentistry can be traced back to 1960s when it was found effective for soft tissue procedures. However, it was in 1997 when the US Food and Drug Administration cleared it for application on hard tissue like teeth.
What the lasers make use of is light energy and there are different wavelengths as well. When it comes to electrosurgery, the lasers of choice are the diode lasers which are best absorbed by red color tissues like gingivae. It is possible for dentists to make precise cuts with minimal blood loss when lasers are used for electrosurgery.
With regard to laser dentistry, it can be applied to gum disease treatments and oral cavity surgery with the yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. It is a carbon dioxide laser that is the most effective when it comes to the removal of tumors of the mouth, frenectomy or the surgical removal of the fold of tissue under the tongue, and biopsies. You should consider using an argon laser for cosmetic dentistry procedures including filling cavities, repairing chipped teeth, and sealing teeth to prevent decay.
In the case of laser dentistry, it comes with a cost that dentists and patients both feel. While pneumatic dental drills can be bought for $200 to $500, dental lasers usually cost between $8,000 to $50,000. The reason why a lot of patients fear dental drills is because of the intimidating sound it makes.
When it comes to a dental laser, the uses for it are still rather limited but it is able to minimize pain and damage on surrounding tissues because it provides precise results. Such a tool does not produce a sound similar to a drill and this is what makes dental procedures more comfortable and bearable. The long term benefits of laser usage outweighs the costs involved and this is why a lot of people prefer the use of lasers even if it is more expensive.
A number of people opt for teeth whitening done with dental lasers. Normally, what causes yellow or discolored teeth to lighten is the activation of the special gel that is applied by the laser. A single session is all you need if you want to get whiter teeth.
In the case of bleaching however, the process is different as whitening gel is used as well as a custom fit tray which is applied to a patient’s teeth. Because it is required that the tray be worn for several hours a day, the patient normally brings it home. The price is much lower for this treatment which can be as effective as laser whitening without making use of lasers.
Once you decide to proceed with a laser dental procedure it is assumed that you have already checked whether or not your dentist has had training for the equipment. It is possible to get educational courses on performing laser dentistry from laser manufacturers, dental associations, and dental schools. Some procedures require the usage of traditional methods and this is the reason why consulting with your dentist prior to getting any work done is always wise.
Today, as more studies are being conducted when it comes to laser dentistry, more discoveries of applications of lasers in dentistry await. There is a chance that this will lead to the discontinuation of usage for the dental drill and scalpel. It is possible for the fear that comes with a visit to the dentist to end.
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