LASER DENTISTRY

This is a revolutionary technology in dentistry and it is used to treat a lot of dental conditions. LASER is an acronym for Light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation’’. It was first used for dentistry in 1960. Aruma dental and implant clinic is one of the very few clinics in Mumbai and all over India which has been using Lasers effectively for a long time. We have rich experience with technology and have a highly satisfied patient base.

Dr Arun kachapilly has an experience of more than 10years in the field. He has been a part of research on lasers. Here is the link for the same.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4866256/

The various dental conditions that can be treated by the usage of LASER are:

  • Gum diseases
  • Carious teeth
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Accelerates the teeth whitening
  • Removing extra tissue over a third molar
  • In the removal of an old filling
  • Removing extra gum tissues
  • Performing painless biopsies

How does Laser work?

A laser consists of a single wavelength of light. It has three major parts

A source of energy

An active medium for lasing

Two or more mirrors that act as resonators

In dental lasers, the laser gets delivered to the target tissue through a fiberoptic cable or via an articulated arm. When a laser gets absorbed by the tissue, the temperature of that area increases and it creates a photochemical effect. The intensity of the photochemical effect depends upon the water content of the tissues. By controlling the temperature conditions different effects like ablation, protein denaturation or carbonization occur.

Different types of lasers used in dentistry:

Based on the lasing medium:

  • Gas lasers
  • Solid lasers

Based on application

  • Hard tissue
  • Soft tissue

Benefits of laser dentistry

  • It is a painless procedure. The discomfort of anesthesia and drills is eliminated.
  • Less bleeding in surgical procedures
  • The surrounding tissues have fewer chances of damage and hence there is better healing. Laser surgery does not even require postoperative suturing in that area.
  • The laser beam is self-sterilizing and hence reduced the rate of infection in that area.

We have been using lasers for a lot of procedures. Below listed are some of the uses of lasers in our dental office

Soft tissue application of lasers

  • Treatment of malignancies

The beneficial effects of the usage of a low power laser for treatment of malignancies in the oral mucosa, especially squamous cell carcinoma have been proved.

A study conducted has reported positive results during the treatment of these carcinomas. It has shown benefits in the treatment of many benign tumours as well.

  • Catalyzing wound healing

Low doses of laser stimulate the proliferation of tissues. Data indicate a positive effect on the healing of aphthous ulcer and dentinogenesis after pulpotomy. It has been seen that photostimulation of recurrent herpetic lesions and aphthous ulcers can give pain relief.

  • Gingival contouring and crown lengthening procedures

Conventionally gingivectomies were associated with pain, bleeding, and a lot of discomforts. With the advent of Lasers, the same procedures can be carried out without pain and discomfort.

  • Operculectomies and Frenectomies:

It can be used for exposure of partially erupted or impacted teeth.

A high labial frenum can cause space in between anterior teeth so it can be surgically released from its attachment. This procedure is called frenectomy

  • Removal of inflamed or hypertrophic tissue

Redundant inflamed tissue around the teeth or any other overgrowth can be successfully removed with Lasers.

  • Treatment of gummy smile
  • For the removal of soft tissue folds due to ill-fitting dentures

Hard tissue applications:

Caries removal and cavity preparation

LASER can be used to prepare cavities after caries removal. The procedure does not cause any sensitivity or discomfort.

Dentine hypersensitivity

A very common complaint that patients have in the dental office is dentinal hypersensitivity. YAG laser is used to seal the exposed dentinal tubules. The treatment is effective and long-lasting.

Used in teeth whitening:  It speeds up the bleaching process.

Diagnostic usage

Lasers are used for the diagnosis of caries and subgingival calculus.

Remineralization of enamel

White spots on enamel are a very common finding. Lasers have been shown to remineralize enamel to some extent.

Treatment of TMJ joint problem

Lasers are effective in reducing pain and inflammation in the joint.

Other applications:

  1. Analgesics affect
  2. Nerve repair and regeneration
  3. Reduction in postsurgical pain

Are lasers safe?

Lasers are very safe to be used in a dental office. We take proper precautions for the usage of lasers. Your safety is our responsibility.