Bogota Dental Center
85 East Main Street
Bogota, NJ 07603
888-505-1145

Laser Dentistry

Dentists use a variety of techniques to treat patients. Laser dentistry is becoming more popular as a treatment option for oral health issues. Lasers are able to treat patients quickly and reduce the amount of recovery time needed after procedures.

History

Lasers have been used in dentistry since the 1990s. The Food and Drug Administration first approved lasers to be used as treatment on hard tissue like teeth and bones. More recently, dentists have expanded the use of laser dentistry to treat many dental problems including gum treatments and oral surgery. The American Dental Association (ADA) is optimistic about the role of laser technology in the field of dentistry; however, they have never given dental lasers the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The Seal of Acceptance ensures dentist and patient products and devices used to treat oral health issues are safe and effective.

There are many types of lasers in use. Dental lasers are different from the cold lasers used to treat headaches, pain and inflammation. Laser dentistry makes use of diode lasers, carbon dioxide laser and yttrium aluminum garnet lasers. Different types of lasers are used to treat different oral health issues.

Only a few dentists practice laser dentistry mainly due to the cost of dental lasers. Dental lasers are expensive and range in price from $8,000 to $50,000. Though laser dentistry is an effective treatment option for many oral health issues, it will be a while before it becomes widely used.

Treatments and Benefits

Dentists use laser dentistry to treat oral health issues related to tooth decay, gum disease, lesion removal and teeth whitening. Tooth decay is removed and prepare the surrounding enamel to receive the filling. Lasers harden the filling. Lasers are also used to reshape the gum line and remove bacteria or lesions found on the gum tissue. One of the most popular uses of laser dentistry is teeth whitening. Lasers quickly whiten teeth with the help of a peroxide bleaching solution. The solution is activated by the laser and break down stains on the teeth.

The use of lasers as dental instruments has many potential benefits. Oral treatments performed on the soft tissue of the mouth are more likely to benefit. Laser dentistry causes less pain during treatment for gingivectomies. Lasers used on soft tissue decrease morbidity after oral surgery and reduces the need for anesthetics. Laser treatment automatically cauterizes the tissue and reduces the amount of bleeding that would normally occur using standard dental instruments.

Lasers make it possible to complete procedures and oral health treatments more quickly and with little pain. The patient's fear is reduced and treatment can take place without causing the patient anxiety. Lasers also eliminate the noise standard dental instruments produce. Laser dentistry makes the experience less disturbing and more comfortable.