Laser Dentistry

In laser dentistry, dental procedures are performed using lasers. The use of lasers allows many dental procedures to be performed with great precision, few complications and very little pain. Lasers are versatile tools that can be used in the following dental procedures:

• Cavity detection
• Tartar removal
• Dental fillings
• Gum surgery
• Dental implants
• Teeth whitening
• Removal of benign tumors

Benefits Of Laser Dentistry

Benefits of laser dentistry over traditional dentistry may include:

• Minimal or no need for anesthetic
• Little or no bleeding
• Faster treatment time
• Reduction in bacterial infections
• Less post-operative pain and swelling
• Less damage to surrounding tissue
• Reduced need for medications or antibiotics after treatment

Types Of Lasers Used In Laser Dentistry

Different types of lasers are used for different dental treatments. The two most common types of lasers used by dentists are:

Hard-Tissue Lasers

Hard-tissue lasers are used to cut into teeth and bone with great accuracy. They are often used to shape teeth for composite bonding, remove small amounts of tooth material, and repair dental fillings.

Soft-Tissue Lasers

Soft-tissue lasers are able to kill bacteria and activate the regrowth of tissues. They are commonly used by periodontists in procedures for treatment of the gums.

LAPT – Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy

Laser- Assisted Periodontal Therapy- also known as LAPT- is a laser decontamination therapy that essentially decontaminates gums through the use of high-powered, minimally- invasive, pain-free laser light.
With LAPT, the laser light is designed to selectively target and eliminate the most common bacteria that lives around and inside the gum tissue. From time to time, your mouth will begin to build up excess tartar or calculus. This excessive buildup is most often associated with inflamed gums.
Inflamed gums are one of the first signs of gum disease, and LAPT is designed to target the bacteria that continue to cause inflammation quickly and effectively. LAPT targets biofilm in the gums, decontaminates the area, and exacerbates the healing process. As a non-surgical non-invasive, and safe approach to gum health, we are totally revolutionizing the oral-care industry today.

LAPT is only part of the treatment equation. Scaling and root planing (SRP) is the gold standard of care in non-surgical periodontal treatment. Evidence in dental literature shows that the addition of the diode laser treatment (LAPT) to Scaling and Root Planing will produce significantly improved and longer lasting results.Since a bacterial infection is the initiator of the chronic inflammatory response of periodontitis, the bactericidal and detoxifying effect of LAPT is advantageous. LAPT will lead to faster, more natural regrowth and healing of gum tissue.

Although proper daily oral hygiene is a must, it is often not enough to keep our mouths healthy. There are many contributing factors to our susceptibility to periodontal disease. Changes to your dental anatomy such as bone loss and tissue recession can inhibit your ability to achieve thorough removal of bacterial plaque at home. Genetics, your immune response, systemic diseases and medications can also play a role in our vulnerability to disease.

Although largely preventable, the CDC estimates that nearly 50% of adults in the US have some form of periodontal disease.

Other types of lasers are used to view the insides of teeth to detect cavities and other internal teeth-related issues.

Many patients find that laser dentistry is preferable to traditional dentistry, with its use of drills and other invasive tools. Pain and swelling are greatly reduced; the laser beam’s accuracy means that damage to surrounding tissue is minimized; and several procedures can be performed during a single appointment, resulting in fewer dental visits.