People are often surprised to learn that dental professionals have been using lasers for over 30 years to treat various dental issues. While the FDA has approved the use of lasers, the American Dental Association (ADA) has not approved lasers as an alternative treatment option. The ADA has a formal Seal of Acceptance, which confirms that a product or device meets its specific safety and efficacy standards. Although lasers have not been formally approved by the ADA, the organization has communicated that it is optimistic about the future use of laser technology within dentistry. Lasers used in dentistry differ from the cold lasers used in phototherapy. This treatment is commonly used to provide relief for patients with chronic pain, headaches, and inflammation.
Below is a summary of common uses for lasers in dentistry:
- Biopsy/lesions: The laser can perform a biopsy or remove a small piece of tissue. This allows medical professionals to examine the tissue for cancer. Lesions in the mouth can also be removed with lasers. They can also help eliminate the pain associated with canker sores
- Decay: Lasers can effectively remove decay from the tooth in addition to preparing the tooth to receive a filling
- Gum disease: Lasers remove bacteria associated with gum disease and reshape the gums. This may be used during a root canal procedure
- Teeth whitening: Lasers can also be used for teeth whitening. The dental professional will apply a peroxide bleaching solution to the tooth’s surface. The solution is then activated by the laser
Lasers in Dentistry
Lasers work by delivering energy in the form of targeted light. In medical and dental procedures, lasers are a cutting instrument to vaporize targeted tissue. For teeth-whitening, lasers are a heat source that enhances and expedites the tooth-bleaching solution.
Advantages and Disadvantages
A summary of advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of lasers in dentistry are outlined below.
Advantages
Below are key advantages associated with the use of dental lasers:
- Reduce pain associated with treatment
- Minimize or eliminate the need for anesthesia
- Help calm anxiety for patients worried about the loud sounds associated with dental drills
- Minimize or prevent bleeding and swelling of the gums
- Preserve healthy teeth when removing decay
Disadvantages
Disadvantages associated with dental lasers are outlined below:
- Dental professionals cannot use a filling on teeth with an existing filling
- It cannot be used in many common dental treatments. A laser cannot be used for the following:
- Treating cavities between the teeth
- Old fillings
- Large cavities that require a crown
- Removal of defective crowns or silver fillings
- Preparing the teeth for a bridge
- A traditional drill is often required to complete the following tasks: shape a filling, adjust bite, and polish fillings after the use of a laser
- Lasers cannot eliminate the need for anesthesia
- Laser treatment is generally more expensive. The cost of using a laser is significantly more than a dental drill when treating a cavity. A standard drill costs about $600, while a laser can cost thousands.
Call the office today to discuss any questions you have regarding our use of lasers. We look forward to working with you to discuss how we can help restore your oral health.