Laser Dentistry | Dr Vishal Tapadiya

What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry, as the name suggests, is the application of lasers in dental treatments. Dentists use lasers to perform various dental procedures involving the inside of the mouth such as removal of tissue, reshape gums or whiten teeth. The main advantage of laser dentistry over conventional dental drills is that it is a more comfortable option involving hard or soft tissue with negligible pain. This is also particularly ideal for children who tend to be anxious or afraid during a dental procedure.

What are Laser Treatment Procedures?

The two main treatment processes used in laser dentistry are hard tissue and soft tissue procedures. Hard tissue refers to the teeth as the laser can cut through the tooth and soft tissue refers to the gums. Hard tissue lasers are commonly used to contour teeth, repair fillings and remove unwanted or impeding tooth structure. Soft tissue lasers are more used to treat periodontal diseases.

Laser dentistry is used to treat a range of dental health issues such as:

• Hypersensitivity
• Tooth decay
• Gum diseases
• Whitening teeth
• Canker sore and cold sore pain
• Root canal infections
• Gum inflammation
• Gum reshaping
• Biopsies
• Exposing wisdom teeth
• Sleep apnea
• Damaged nerves
• Benign oral tumours

Based on the nature of the dental condition, an experienced dentist will opt for either a hard tissue or soft tissue laser process.

Hard Tissue Lasers

Hard tissue lasers are used mainly for teeth. With pinpoint accuracy, these lasers can remove small amounts of a tooth for shaping or as a prep before a procedure. Common applications of hard tissue lasers are:

• Early detection of cavities
• Treat sensitive tooth
• Prepping teeth for dental fillings without the use of local anaesthesia or drills

Soft Tissue Lasers

Soft tissue lasers are ideal for soft tissue procedures as it seals exposed blood vessels simultaneously. As healing is much quicker, it is considered to be one of the main benefits from this procedure. Soft tissue lasers are very popular in cosmetic dentistry as results are immediately apparent. Common soft tissue laser applications are:

• Increase the length of crowns
• Treat a thick frenulum attachment (frenectomy), which inhibits the movement of the tongue and can cause speech impediment
• Reshape gums as a part of smile makeover
• Remove folds in soft tissues caused by ill-fitting dentures without the need for sutures and thereby, eliminating any pain

Other laser procedures include:

• Optical coherence tomography to safely view tissues inside a tooth or the gum
• Regenerate nerves and blood vessels and repair scars

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Dentists prefer laser dentistry as it offers specific benefits to patients such as smooth procedures, minimised pain and discomfort and reduced healing times. Some of these benefits are:

• Suture-free with soft tissue lasers
• Minimal bleeding as the laser accelerates blood clotting
• Anaesthesia is not required with certain procedures
• Lower chances of bacterial infections due to the sterilisation properties of the laser
• Heals wounds and regenerates tissues faster
• Minimise damage to surrounding tissues
• Eliminates the sensation of uncomfortable vibrations from a drill
• Laser dentistry is more efficient, cost effective and comfortable

Post-Operative Expectations

The most noticeable post-operative experience is the absence of or negligible bleeding as compared to a scalpel procedure. The operated area is rendered infection-free and the patient will not feel any pain or discomfort. Recovery time is also expedited. Laser dentistry has proved to be a convenient solution to many dental problems, whether serious or cosmetic. However, it is also important that the patient follows cleaning and care instructions very carefully.

As Laser Dentistry is a specialised operational procedure, it is vital to choose the right establishment and dental professional in order to ensure an optimal and successful outcome. Tapadiya’s Dental Casa has state-of-the-art laser technology and equipment and backed with Dr Tapadiya’s expertise offers a patient the assurance and security of a comfortable post-operative experience.