Laser dentistry is a dental technique that utilizes these particular beams of light in order to perform procedures. There are many different procedures that can be done with this technique. The benefits that come with it are also notable and can reduce the risks of the methods. There are two common aspects in the dental profession that benefit immensely from this innovation. These are the hard tissue (tooth) and soft tissue (gum) procedures. Others can also be performed using these light beams.
Hard Tissue
In this category, there are three notable jobs that laser dentistry can be used in. These include, but are not limited to, sealing tubules to decrease tooth sensitivity, prepping for composite compound fillings and detecting cavities. In the sealing of tubules, it is utilized to close the tubules to decrease the possibility of hot and cold sensitivity of the teeth. The tubules are found in the outer enamel but the sensitivity goes from the outer layer to the root of the tooth. When preparing for a filling, the cavity needs to be cleaned and all the germs and bacteria in it killed. The beams have the capacity to kill them instantaneously and thoroughly. Dentists do not use these on amalgam fillings because of the reaction that it has to it. They prefer to use it on composite compound which is usually the practice these days. The thoroughness of the light when it comes to eliminating the bacteria results to an improvement in the duration of the restoration. In cavity detection, laser dentistry is utilized to detect the byproducts of the actual decay that is caused by the presence of bacteria on the surface of the teeth.
Soft Tissue
For the soft tissue, this technique is usually utilized for removal of soft tissue folds, correcting a tight or restricted frenula, improve a gummy smile and lengthening a crown. In the removal of excess gums, this technique can do a better job than an actual operation because of the cleanliness of the light beams when cutting the folds. A restricted or tight frenula often results to speech impediments and the baby being unable to thrive because of a restrictive tongue movement. Cutting the frenula to a more natural length can correct these conditions. The use of laser dentistry reduces the blood flow and cauterizes the wound for a speedy recovery. In order to improve a gummy smile, the dentist needs to expose the underlying tooth structure and reduce the soft tissue around it. This can be done with the use of the light beams. This is also a method used in reshaping the gums and the teeth in order to lengthen the crown. This method helps in providing a strong foundation for future restorations.
Other Procedures
Other applications in which laser dentistry can be used are the removal of tumors located in the oral cavity, kill the bacteria in cold sores and improve healing time, teeth whitening, safe viewing of the teeth and gums in real time, correct sleep apnea and many other procedures.
Source by Ace Abbey