Lasers have specific applications in dentistry. Dental lasers act as cutting instruments or as vaporizers of tissue that they come in contact with. When used for “curing” a filling, lasers help to strengthen the bond between the filling and the tooth. When used in teeth whitening procedures, lasers act as a heat source and enhance the effect of tooth bleaching agents.
Gum Disease
Lasers are used in periodontal treatment to sterilize the periodontal pocket and remove diseased tissue. They are commonly used in conjunction with scaling and root planing.
Shaping And Trimming Gums
Lasers are utilized in cosmetic dentistry to “frame” the tooth by reshaping the gum or making more tooth available for the dental restoration, a procedure called crown lengthening.
Tooth Decay
Lasers are used to remove decay within a tooth. Lasers are also used to “cure” or harden a filling.
Biopsy Or Lesion Removal
Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer. Lasers are also used to remove lesions in the mouth; and relieve the pain of canker sores.
Teeth Whitening
Lasers are used to speed up the in-office teeth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching solution, applied to the tooth surface, is “activated” by laser energy, which speeds up of the whitening process.
