Laser Dentistry

Laser Dentistry – London/ON

Laser dentistry is one of dentistry’s latest advances. The Laser delivers energy in the form of light. Depending on the intended result, this energy travels at different wavelengths and is absorbed by a “target.” In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, gum tissue, or whitening enhancers. Each one absorbs a different wavelength of light while reflecting others. Laser dentistry can be used for both tooth and soft tissue-related procedures. Often times no local anesthesia is required. Unlike the dental drill with laser dentistry, there is no heat or vibration, making the procedure quite comfortable for most patients. For soft tissue (surgical) procedures it eliminates the need for suturing and healing is much faster.

Lasers can be used to diagnose cavities. They can find hidden decay in teeth in the early stages, and in some cases, the decay can be reversed through hygiene and fluoride treatment and may never need filling.

Crown Lengthening: Lasers provide optimum operator control, finely trace the incision lines, and precisely sculpt the gingival margin.

Caries/Decay Removal: Er: YAG laser is the treatment of choice for preparing dental hard tissues. In most instances, the Er: YAG laser numbs the tooth, so there is usually no need for anesthetic. A high-speed handpiece may cause microfractures in the enamel, whereas there is no risk of microfracture with the laser.

Trough Formation: Trough is created around the tooth structure before the impression procedure. Which eliminates the need of retraction cord placement, electrocautery, and hemostatic agents. The laser provides efficient, predictable, no or minimal bleeding during the impression procedure, thus minimising the post-operative pain and chair time.

Veneer Removal: The laser energy transmits through the ceramic glass and is absorbed by the water molecules present in the adhesive. De-bonding occurs at the silane-resin interface. The technique takes approx. Two seconds to 2 minutes for ceramic restorations, based on the thickness of the ceramic restoration

Implants-Second Stage Uncovering: CO2 laser and almost all types of lasers are used to remove overlying soft tissue. Immediate impressions can be taken after second-stage surgery due to minimal blood contamination and tissue shrinkage.

Smile Design: Diode, erbium, and pulsed Nd: YAG lasers are currently used for smile designing. Soft tissues are prepared with laser for proper gingival contour, symmetry, axial inclination, and perfect smile zone.