What Is Laser Dentistry?
Posted on: 19 August 2015
Lasers are still a new tool in the world of dentistry, and many patients do not know much about laser dentistry. This FAQ is designed to answer questions you may have about laser dentistry.
Q: What is laser dentistry?
A: Laser dentistry is a type of dentistry that makes use of a laser as a cutting, curing or vaporizing tool during certain dental procedures.
Q: What are some of the procedures that lasers are used to accomplish?
A: Lasers are used to fill some cavities, treat gum disease, cut out tooth decay and cut out other lesions and areas of the mouth that must be removed. Lasers are also used in some teeth whitening procedures.
Q: What's the role of lasers in tooth whitening?
A: Lasers are used to activate the peroxide gel solution put on the teeth. Lasers can speed the tooth whitening process very effectively. Lasers can whiten teeth dramatically in about an hour.
Q: Is use of lasers in dentistry regulated?
A: Use of lasers has been approved by the FDA. Although the American Dental Association remains optimistic about the use of lasers in dentistry, it is still testing in an attempt to determine whether or not lasers offer actual advantages to patients.
Q: Why aren't lasers used more often?
A: Lasers can only be used in very specific circumstances. For example, they can't be used on teeth that already have old fillings, and they can't be used to fill cavities between teeth. In addition, lasers are very expensive for dental practices to purchase (tens of thousands of dollars, versus hundreds), which means that the procedures tend to be more expensive as well.
Q: Why would the dentist use a laser and not another tool?
A: Lasers are believed to be more accurate and less invasive than traditional tools like drills. Lasers are also said to cause less pain for the patient. When used to replace drills during some dental procedures, lasers can also be less psychologically disturbing or frightening for some patients. Lasers are also believed to reduce swelling and preserve healthy tooth material when used during cavity removal.
If you think you could benefit from laser dentistry and would like to know more, contact a certified dentist, such as Richard M Holmes DMD PA, in your area who uses lasers in his or her practice. He or she can set up a consultation with you and walk you through the advantages of laser dentistry.
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