Laser dentistry is one of the wonders of the modern world. It has been around for two decades now; and as the years have passed, the methods and technology used in it have improved. The procedure was once exotic and expensive. Now it is rather inexpensive and routine. When people hear the term laser, they tend to think of a device that generates tremendous energy and, therefore, is likely to cause tremendous pain. But it is important to note that the lasers used by dentists are quite different from those used in other fields of industry and medicine.
Dentists use lasers to treat a variety of tooth and gum related problems. Some examples include the following.
Dentists use lasers to remove tooth decay. This is one of the most pernicious diseases that anyone can become inflicted with. Dentists are able to use laser to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for a filling. A laser can also be used to harden the filling so that future loosening is prevented.
It used to be that everyone dreaded root canal. It was one of those procedures associated with great pain and discomfort. Although still not ease, root canal is not as tough and agonizing as it used to be. Dentists are now able to use lasers to reshape and remove bacteria during the process, minimizing the amount of scraping and poking required by their old instruments.
Cancer of the gums is one of the worst things that anyone can suffer. Lasers can now be used to remove small pieces of tissue—what is usually called a biopsy—in order to analyze it for cancer. Lasers can also remove lesions of the mouth and other sores so as to reduce the amount of pain one has to suffer from.
There are many advantages and benefits gained by using lasers during dental procedures and surgery. One of the greatest benefits is that in many instances the patient will fell less pain and therefore will not have to undergo anesthesia. Relatedly, a laser can help ease the anxiety of patients who feel uncomfortable with the standard dental drill. A laser can minimize the bleeding and swelling that typically occurs during dental procedures. The precision of laser surgery helps preserve the integrity of healthy teeth during a dental operation.
Laser dentistry is here to stay. And it is likely to get even better and more effective as time goes on.
