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Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling!

By Wanda Marie Thibodeaux | Published on April 2, 2009 | 0 Comments

For decades, going to the dentist has been seen as a horrifying and painful experience at worst and an annoyance at best. Part of the reason for this is that previous technologies weren’t patient-friendly. Today that is all changing with the advent of laser dentistry.

What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry is an FDA and ADA approved form of dentistry that uses a laser to energize a spray of water and air. This energized spray chips away at any tooth decay or lesions with the same results as traditional drill dentistry.

Who Can Use It?

Laser dentistry can be used by both children and adults, although its use in pediatrics is still not as widespread.

What Can It Do?

Laser technology is used most commonly to remove cavities and to remedy gum problems. However, it is also used for other dental procedures such as root canals and cosmetic bleaching.

Why Use It?

Laser dentistry has many benefits when compared to traditional dentistry, including the following:

• Elimination of the vibrations and pressure of the drill
• No need for anesthesia, since it is pain free
• More precise than the drill
• Can be completed in minutes instead of hours
• No frightening noises from the drill means a less traumatic visit, especially for kids
• Faster healing time
• No numbness due to the fact numbing medications aren’t used; no embarrassment from drooping “dentist mouth”
• More comfortable than the drill for the patient
• Lower risk of infection
• Less jaw discomfort, since the laser is fast and doesn’t require the mouth to be open for long periods
• Less missed work due to time-extensive traditional drilling or effects of anesthetics

These benefits mean that people are more likely to go see their dentist not only for reactive care, but also for preventative check-ups that can eliminate the need for painful and more expensive procedures later on.

Does It Have Limitations?

Laser dentistry does have some limitations based on how the technology works. It cannot be used to polish a filling, for instance, and it won’t work on teeth that already have fillings. Additionally, the technology is fairly new—it’s only been around for about a decade. This means that not very many dental clinics are equipped with the lasers and that procedures that use them still can be a bit pricey. Lastly, the newness of the technology also means that not all dentists are trained to use the lasers. Patients may have to travel quite a distance to a dentist who has the equipment and is trained to use it, especially if the patient is a child. Overall, however, laser dentistry is by far the best form of dentistry when it comes to patient comfort and is probably well worth overcoming the limitations that do exist.

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*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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