 |
Laser Dentistry: Science Fiction Or The Future Of Oral Health?
Author: James Wagner  | Posted: 26-09-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 22 | Rating: (53)  (?) 
Laser dentistry offers patients several important benefits, yet only about 5% of dental offices currently have the equipment to perform laser procedures. As patients realize the advantages of laser treatments in oral health as well as in cosmetic dentistry, the number of offices offering laser dentistry is sure to rise significantly.
Laser Dentistry Offers Important Benefits
Laser dentistry is often less painful and invasive than traditional methods. For example, a patient could opt for laser surgery to avoid anaesthesia during some procedures. Patients with cosmetic or oral health issues, especially those with low pain tolerance or a fear of dental procedures, may favour laser dentistry over surgery or other treatments.
Other benefits of laser dentistry include:
*Most dental procedures performed by laser do not necessitate the use of sutures, where traditional surgical methods would require them to control bleeding and promote healing.
*Lasers are precise; therefore, damage to the surrounding tissue is rare and usually minimal.
*The high-energy beam helps the blood to clot, resulting in less bleeding and discomfort. It also promotes cellular healing, leading to faster recovery times.
*The laser beam sterilizes the area the dentist is working on, which helps to prevent post-operative infection.
Dentists appreciate the accuracy, speed and control of laser treatments. They can perform more delicate or precise procedures quicker and with less patient discomfort. Because it is a relatively new technology, laser dentistry is improving and becoming more affordable every day. It is expected that as costs drop and demand increases, laser technology will soon be available in most dental offices.
How Do Dental Lasers Work?
There are many different types of dental lasers, but all can be classified as one of two kinds: Hard or Soft Tissue Dental Lasers.
Hard Tissue Lasers are used to accurately cut or shave bones and teeth. They may be used to repair some types of fillings or to prepare teeth for bonding.
Soft Tissue Lasers penetrate soft tissues such as the gums. The laser actually cauterizes the affected nerves and blood vessels, promoting faster healing and reducing post-operative pain.
Other lasers are used to view the inside of teeth using Optical Coherence Tomography, or provide energy to help the cells heal. It is believed that lasers will soon replace the dentist's drill - once the technology is in place to allow the dentist to access the entire tooth without surgery or drilling, those invasive, painful procedures will become obsolete.
Laser Dentistry - Is It Right for Your Procedure?
Dental lasers are used in a number of different ways. Discuss your options with your dentist - if they do not use the technology, they may refer another dentist who does. Together, consider your pain tolerance, the dentist's experience using lasers to correct your problem, your expected recovery time and the anticipated results should you choose laser dentistry instead of traditional methods.
Laser dentistry is used to treat, diagnose or prevent the following oral health issues:
Detecting Cavities - A low-intensity laser beam can provide a reading of the by-products of tooth decay, allowing the dentist to determine when cavities are present.
Optical Coherence Tomography - This revolutionary technology permits the dentist to view the inside of the teeth or gums, a procedure which would have required invasive surgery or harmful x-rays before.
Temperature Sensitivity - The tubules responsible for tooth temperature sensitivity, located at the root, can be sealed with laser technology.
Tumour Removal - Dentists can use lasers to remove benign tumours inside the mouth. This is a relatively pain-free, sterile operation as the laser reduces bleeding, kills bacteria and negates the need for sutures.
Tooth Fillings - Laser treatment is not only easier at the time of the procedure, but could lead to better long-term results. When a laser is used to remove the decay, it kills the bacteria deep in the tooth, preventing future cavities.
Nerve Regeneration - Lasers are used by other health professionals, such as Chiropractors and Massage Therapists, to regenerate damaged nerves and blood vessels. Known as Photo-biomodulation, this technique is useful in treating oral scar tissue and soft tissue damaged by other procedures or conditions.
Soft Tissue Folds - Denture-wearers with improperly fitted teeth may develop soft tissue folds, a painful condition that is easily treated with laser therapy.
Muscle Attachment - Some infants and children suffer from a tightened or restricted frenulum, which can result in an inability to breastfeed or a speech impediment. Laser treatment is effective in treating this condition.
Laser treatment has quickly become a crucial component in any cosmetic dentistry, as well. It is used in:
Teeth Whitening - Dentists use low-intensity lasers to speed the bleaching process in cosmetic teeth whitening procedures.
Gum Reshaping/Crown Lengthening - Laser dentistry is effective in reshaping gum tissue when part of the healthy tooth structure is hidden by overdeveloped gums. This is also used to prepare teeth for restorative procedures.
Treating Cold Sores - Dentists use low-intensity lasers to reduce the pain, swelling and redness of cold sores.
Where to Find Laser Dentistry Services
As more dentists practice laser dentistry, new procedures are tested and perfected. Patients appreciate the reduced risk and recovery time of laser procedures and as more and more demand that this technology be used in their dental offices, dentists around the world are complying.
Choose a dentist trained in laser dentistry for your cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening and oral health needs. Ask friends and relatives for referrals, or have the dentist you choose provide references you can contact. Depending on your oral and overall health histories, current problems and treatment expectations, laser treatment may be a viable option for you. Discuss recovery times, the need for anesthesia and any other questions you have with your dentist.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/laser-dentistry-science-fiction-or-the-future-of-oral-health-221384.html
About the Author:James Wagner is a freelance writer and medical researcher. You can find more information here on teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and general dental care. http://www.whiteteethanswers.com
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
Restore Your Smile With A Custom Cosmetic Dentistry Plan
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
When teeth are damaged or worn from age, accidents, diet or other factors, cosmetic dentistry patients have an array of options from which to choose a solution to restore their teeth's natural beauty. Consulting with a cosmetic dentist to determine which treatment options will work for you is the...
Tooth Reshaping - Simple, Subtle
By: James Wagner | 02/10/2007 | Medicine
Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is a quick and easy solution for minor problems such as crooked, chipped or overlapping teeth. Because it is performed in a single session to the cosmetic dentist, many patients prefer dental contouring to other more complicated procedures.
Cosmetic dentists shave small areas of the...
Dental Veneers - Your Ticket To A Hollywood Smile
By: James Wagner | 03/10/2007 | Medicine
In recent years, dental veneers have become popular thanks to their gleaming, beautiful appearance and the ease with which they are applied. Cosmetic dentists regularly perform this procedure as more and more patients are discovering that a bright, beautiful smile is within their reach.
Dental veneers had a bad reputation several...
Invisalign® - Effective, Discreet Teeth Straightening
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
Crooked, uneven teeth have been a source of embarrassment for decades. However, the cure was often worse than the condition itself, as large metal braces made treatment obvious and just plain unattractive.
What's more, braces have always been an expensive dental treatment. Many families could not afford to have their children...
Cosmetic Gum Surgery - Restore The Brilliant Smile Of Your Youth
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
Surgery of any type (especially dental) sends chills up the spine. However, cosmetic gum surgery performed by a qualified cosmetic dentistry expert is relatively simple and can greatly improve the appearance of your smile.
Cosmetic surgery is mainly the solution to two types of problems: the "long tooth" look and...
Dental Implants - An Effective Solution For Tooth Loss
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
When teeth are irreparably damaged or lost due to mouth trauma, aging or poor oral hygiene, cosmetic dentists often turn to dental implants as the ideal solution. There are other treatments available, such as bridges or dentures, but none appear as natural or work as effectively as implants.
The loss...
Tooth Bonding - A Simple Solution For A Brighter Smile
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
The application of composite resin tooth bonding is a quick and simple for solution for minor cosmetic dentistry problems such as worn enamel, small chips, cracks, gaps and discolouration. Performed by a cosmetic dentist in a single visit, tooth bonding can have you out of the office with a...
Teeth Whitening - The Shortcut To Your Whitest, Brightest Smile
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
With the myriad of teeth whitening options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which product is right for you. For the quickest and most dramatic results, dentists specializing in cosmetic dentistry still offer the best solution with laser teeth whitening.
There are many other options available to...
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
White teeth?
By: Aby | 07-01-2007
What is the best way to get your teeth whiter? I tried different kind of tooth pastes , none of them really work , need some help on the subject.
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Medicine Articles
Management of Diabetes
By: Aries King | 20/08/2008
Well, it is generally said that there is no cure for diabetes but only ways to manage it.
About there not being a permanent cure may be somewhat correct but about managing it, it is absolutely right.
Proper management will give you several additional and may I add beneficial years to your...
Cats,Dogs And Disbetes
By: Aries King | 20/08/2008
Most people have the misconception that only humans can develop diabetes.
This however is not true. Dear Hamlet, your mongrel can be diabetic. Pets to develop diabetes. This definitely can be down heartening but the pet owner should not think all hope is lost.
Many pet owners upon finding out that their...
A Sauna With Snow Will Cure Cabin Fever
By: Jim Kesel | 20/08/2008
Have you ever taken a sauna with snow? Taking a sauna is good for you any time of the year. Traditional Finnish saunas heated with a wood burning sauna stove are the best. With a sauna all the bodies stress and tensions are drawn out by the sun's radiant heat...
Patients Prescribed Tramadol Less Likely To Develop Dependency
By: Michael Connelly | 20/08/2008
A discussion about Tramadol, a synthetic opioid that is one of the most commonly prescribed pain relief medicines worldwide. Although it is in the same class as morphine and codeine for treating moderate to severe pain, studies have shown that patients who use Tramadol for an extended period of time are less likely to develop a dependency to it.
Nail Fungus - the Causes, Prevention and Useful Facts
By: Wong Darren | 20/08/2008
Our respective surroundings may be good to live in but the body is never safe from various diseases living round us. There are many different kinds of bacteria, good and bad that make use of our body as good host for breeding. Take tinea unguium for example, the name itself...
Top Rated Malpractice Attorneys in Los Angeles
By: John Hilde | 20/08/2008
Find the best and most experience malpractice attorneys in the Los Angeles area. Free advice on consultation.
Gamma Knife Surgery: Preferred Destination India
By: Mitesh Janiyani | 20/08/2008
Metro cities in India like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad offer world class medical healthcare facilities to international patients who wish to have their gamma knife surgery in India.
Reversing Hair Loss - The Proven Hair Re-Growing Agents
By: Wong Darren | 20/08/2008
Reversing hair loss is a feat that most men would want to achieve. Unfortunately, very few are able to get back lost hair once the hair fall becomes massive. Reversing hair loss is definitely not easy but it's not impossible either.
Before using any particular herb or product, it is best...
More from James Wagner
Dental Veneers - Your Ticket To A Hollywood Smile
By: James Wagner | 03/10/2007 | Medicine
In recent years, dental veneers have become popular thanks to their gleaming, beautiful appearance and the ease with which they are applied. Cosmetic dentists regularly perform this procedure as more and more patients are discovering that a bright, beautiful smile is within their reach.
Dental veneers had a bad reputation several...
Tooth Reshaping - Simple, Subtle
By: James Wagner | 02/10/2007 | Medicine
Tooth reshaping, or dental contouring, is a quick and easy solution for minor problems such as crooked, chipped or overlapping teeth. Because it is performed in a single session to the cosmetic dentist, many patients prefer dental contouring to other more complicated procedures.
Cosmetic dentists shave small areas of the...
Restore Your Smile With A Custom Cosmetic Dentistry Plan
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
When teeth are damaged or worn from age, accidents, diet or other factors, cosmetic dentistry patients have an array of options from which to choose a solution to restore their teeth's natural beauty. Consulting with a cosmetic dentist to determine which treatment options will work for you is the...
Total Smile Makeover - Our Top Five Tips For Success
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
For some, the chance for a bright, shining new smile is a dream come true. Many patients save money for years or even take out loans so that they can afford the cosmetic dentistry help they need.
In the past, extensive dental work was a painful undertaking with...
Teeth Whitening - The Shortcut To Your Whitest, Brightest Smile
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
With the myriad of teeth whitening options on the market, it can be difficult to decide which product is right for you. For the quickest and most dramatic results, dentists specializing in cosmetic dentistry still offer the best solution with laser teeth whitening.
There are many other options available to...
Tooth Bonding - A Simple Solution For A Brighter Smile
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
The application of composite resin tooth bonding is a quick and simple for solution for minor cosmetic dentistry problems such as worn enamel, small chips, cracks, gaps and discolouration. Performed by a cosmetic dentist in a single visit, tooth bonding can have you out of the office with a...
Dental Implants - An Effective Solution For Tooth Loss
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
When teeth are irreparably damaged or lost due to mouth trauma, aging or poor oral hygiene, cosmetic dentists often turn to dental implants as the ideal solution. There are other treatments available, such as bridges or dentures, but none appear as natural or work as effectively as implants.
The loss...
Cosmetic Gum Surgery - Restore The Brilliant Smile Of Your Youth
By: James Wagner | 26/09/2007 | Medicine
Surgery of any type (especially dental) sends chills up the spine. However, cosmetic gum surgery performed by a qualified cosmetic dentistry expert is relatively simple and can greatly improve the appearance of your smile.
Cosmetic surgery is mainly the solution to two types of problems: the "long tooth" look and...
|
|
Health 
