Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling!

Posted: Sep 02, 2009 |Comments: 0 | Views: 155 |

For decades, going to the dentist has been seen as a horrifying and painful experience at worst and an annoyance at best. Part of the reason for this is that previous technologies weren't patient-friendly. Today that is all changing with the advent of laser dentistry.

What is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry is an FDA and ADA approved form of dentistry that uses a laser to energize a spray of water and air. This energized spray chips away at any tooth decay or lesions with the same results as traditional drill dentistry.

Who Can Use It?

Laser dentistry can be used by both children and adults, although its use in pediatrics is still not as widespread.

What Can It Do?

Laser technology is used most commonly to remove cavities and to remedy gum problems. However, it is also used for other dental procedures such as root canals and cosmetic bleaching.

Why Use It?

Laser dentistry has many benefits when compared to traditional dentistry, including the following:

Elimination of the vibrations and pressure of the drill
No need for anesthesia, since it is pain free
More precise than the drill
Can be completed in minutes instead of hours
No frightening noises from the drill means a less traumatic visit, especially for kids
Faster healing time
No numbness due to the fact numbing medications aren't used; no embarrassment from drooping "dentist mouth"
More comfortable than the drill for the patient
Lower risk of infection
Less jaw discomfort, since the laser is fast and doesn't require the mouth to be open for long periods
Less missed work due to time-extensive traditional drilling or effects of anesthetics

These benefits mean that people are more likely to go see their dentist not only for reactive care, but also for preventative check-ups that can eliminate the need for painful and more expensive procedures later on.

Does It Have Limitations?

Laser dentistry does have some limitations based on how the technology works. It cannot be used to polish a filling, for instance, and it won't work on teeth that already have fillings. Additionally, the technology is fairly new-it's only been around for about a decade. This means that not very many dental clinics are equipped with the lasers and that procedures that use them still can be a bit pricey. Lastly, the newness of the technology also means that not all dentists are trained to use the lasers. Patients may have to travel quite a distance to a dentist who has the equipment and is trained to use it, especially if the patient is a child. Overall, however, laser dentistry is by far the best form of dentistry when it comes to patient comfort and is probably well worth overcoming the limitations that do exist.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/laser-dentistry-no-more-drilling-1189117.html

    Article Tags:

    about laser dentistry

    ,

    benefits of laser dentistry

    ,

    cosmetic laser dentistry

    ,

    dentist

    ,

    dentistry without anesthesia

    ,

    laser dental

    Laser has been used in dental treatments since 1994 to treat a variety of concerns.

    By: Ed Mcgoldrickl Health> Dental Carel Aug 12, 2011

    Visit us at www.LomalindaDentistryDentists.com and receive your free E-book and additional videos on the benefits of modern dentistry for you. Dental lasers can save time and many of you, money!

    By: LomaLindal Healthl Aug 11, 2010

    State-of-the-art technology is used in a number of common and not-so-common procedures. Many procedures preformed by a Redlands Dentist utilizing lasers are performed without the need of needles, shots and anesthesia. Cosmetic procedures done in minutes without knives, bleeding or sutures! Great thing is . . . it less expensive too!

    By: LomaLindal Health> Dental Carel Jul 31, 2010
    Praveen Anand Nagesham

    India provides attractive cost Laser Dentistry with cutting edge dental care with unique quality dental tourism packages. Laser dentistry can be a precise and effective way to perform many dental procedures. The potential for laser dentistry to improve dental procedures rests in the dentist's ability

    By: Praveen Anand Nageshaml Health> Dental Carel Sep 15, 2009 lViews: 314

    Learn Current Trends Laser Dentistry With World Leading Exponents - Quickly and Easily!

    By: Valipat Munpanl Healthl May 19, 2006 lViews: 231
    Perfect Smile Dental

    Putting up with damaged or missing teeth is something which modern cosmetic dental dentistry has turned into a thing of the past. Dental implants will fill any gap and replace any tooth, or even teeth, in a manner which is simple, convenient and highly effective.

    By: Perfect Smile Dentall Health> Dental Carel Jun 04, 2012

    There are some things you may want to skimp on to save a few pennies: shoes you'll only wear once or twice, generic cereal that tastes just like the real stuff or sticky notes for your office that don't cost an arm and a leg. When it comes to your teeth and the health of your mouth, though, spare no expense. Finding dentists in Las Vegas is made easier when you know exactly what to look for.

    By: Kerry Knolll Health> Dental Carel Jun 03, 2012

    When you are trying to decide on which dentist that you should go to in order to have a dental procedure performed, you can easily become overwhelmed by all of the choices that you will have. Chances are extremely high that there are large amounts of dentists that are practicing in your area.

    By: Fiona Natalial Health> Dental Carel May 31, 2012
    sylvia

    The list of excuses for not brushing or flossing is endless, but according to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology, these are two tasks that should not be omitted from the daily hygiene routine.

    By: sylvial Health> Dental Carel May 31, 2012
    sylvia

    Researchers recently demonstrated an association between gum disease and the increased risk of stroke due to potential blockages of the main blood vessels leading to the brain (carotid artery). These blockages, or atheromas, contain calcium and can be detected on dental panoramic radiographs.

    By: sylvial Health> Dental Carel May 30, 2012

    There’s no question that sparkling white teeth can really do wonders for a person’s smile. Unfortunately, years of abuse can cause teeth to take on a less attractive yellow appearance over time. Habits such as excessive coffee drinking, smoking, and poor dental hygiene can all cause teeth to become yellow or stained over time, though simple genetics often play a role in the process as well. Fortunately, people who are unhappy with the color of their teeth do have the option of taking advantage o

    By: Yodlel Healthl Dec 29, 2009

    Trends in Siding

    By: Yodlel Home Improvementl Dec 17, 2009

    Ninety-nine percent of us use drugs, which can be prescribed like penicillin and Prozac, over-the-counter medicine or recreational drugs, both legal and not—and all have some level of side effects and risk. So where does drug use go wrong?

    By: Yodlel Health> Mental Healthl Nov 27, 2009

    Sadly, misconceptions about drug use abound, and all too often these become obstacles on the path to recovery or drive people to abuse drugs in the first place. Without further ado, here are some of the most common myths concerning drug use:

    By: Yodlel Healthl Nov 27, 2009 lViews: 317

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that people who have undergone a traumatic, dangerous or extremely stressful event, such as soldiers and rape victims, can develop. Witnessing traumatic incidents or hearing about them can also cause PTSD. Most people will experience some form of trauma in their lifetimes, and almost one out of 10 pople will develop PTSD, according to the Canadian Medical Health Association.

    By: Yodlel Health> Mental Healthl Nov 27, 2009

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast