LASER dentistry

The light is monochromatic. It contains one specific wavelength of light (one specific color)
The light is coherent where the photons are organised and the waves of light move in unison
Collimation. This means the light is very directional. A laser light has a very tight beam and is very strong and concentrated. A lightbulb, on the other hand, releases light in many directions, and the light is very weak and scattered

Different types of lasers release light at wavelengths unique to that LASER.

They have affinity for different substances. For example medical LASERs have been developed where the energy can be absorbed by red pigments, dark pigments, bone and water. Some of their uses include coagulation, eye surgery , neurosurgery, plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, skin resurfacing, removal of blemishes, hair removal.

Our Dental LASER

We have a K.E.Y 3 LASER. This is an Erbium YAG laser manufactured by Kavo in Germany. It is versatile because it can act on both hard and soft tissues.

The wavelength of this laser (2940 nm) coincides with the peak absorption of water. A tooth happens to be about 70% water. The resulting action is the vaporization of water in the tooth structure, eroding or ablating the surface.

Tooth Decay has an even higher water content, so the LASER acts on it even more quickly. Water is sprayed on the tooth surface during cavity preparation to assist the process. LASER is much more precise at cutting than any drill and as it works with such precision on the target area, surrounding tissues are not heated or damaged in any way.

The Erbium Yag LASER does not affect materials that do not contain water. This enables us to perform work close to or next to metals and porcelain without the risk of damage.

What can our dental LASER do?

Some of the procedures which are performed by dental lasers include:

An alternative to the dental drill

• A LASER can anaesthetise a tooth for a short period
• Caries removal/cavity preparation - most Anaesthetic Free
• Bacterial decontamination of tooth surface prior to filling
• LASER etching

As an aid in cosmetic dentistry

• Gummy smile correction,
• reshape and straighten gums next to porcelain veneers for that perfect smile
• Tissue retraction for impressions - eliminates need to pack cord

LASERs as an alternative to the surgical scalpel

• Re-contouring of bone and gum (crown lengthening).
• Oral surgery -Gingivectomy ,Gingivoplasty, Frenectomy ,Leukoplakia removal, Biopsies,
• Tissue fusion - replacing sutures
• Implant exposure (2nd stage of implants)
• Incisions and draining of abscesses

LASERs can be used in Endodontics (root canal treatment)

• Low pain removal of nerve tissue
• Drying and Sterilization of the root canal
• Single visit therapy sometimes possible

LASERs in the Treatment of gum disease

• Calculus removal below gum line
• Periodontal pocket decontamination
• Destroys bacteria involved in gum disease
• Promotes healing of gums and reattachment to root surfaces
• Acute gum infections

Treatment of Other Oral lesions

• Treatment of aphthous ulcers
• Treatment of cold sores/ herpes – early intervention can prevent sore from developing

What are the benefits of LASER dentistry?

There are several. This technology offers benefits to the patient as well as enabling the dentist to provide higher quality dentistry. Here are some of the major benefits:

• Low-pain treatment:
  The LASER operates using very short pulses of energy. The pulses are so quick that the reaction threshold of nerves is not reached. Because of this anaesthetics are often not required for many procedures.
• Sterile procedure: the LASER sterilises in action
• Germ-destroying effect: Bacteria are vaporised instantly resulting in maximum germ reduction. LASER energy heats up and evaporates the moisture within bacterial cells.The cells explode and die.
• Reduced procedure time and efficient operation with less trauma
• Minimally invasive and precise: areas outside the laser beam are unaffected.

What are the advantages of a LASER over the drill?

• Anaesthetic not usually necessary- this means no needle and resulting numbness
• No drilling noise
• No vibration
• No microfractures of surrounding tooth structure(common with conventional drilling)
• Precise control over size and depth of cavity preparation
• Selective removal of caries( disease softened tooth)
• LASERed surface is sterile- important when treating deep caries as bacteria left behind may lead to infection of pulp.
• May reduce need for root canal treatment
• Conserves healthy tooth structure (see minimal intervention)
• Increased bond strength of white fillings to tooth
• Reduced sensitivity after filling

What are the advantages of LASER surgery?

• LASERs are more gentle than other methods of cutting hard and soft oral tissue
• Sterilises treatment area
• Minimal anaesthetic required
• Less bleeding and swelling
• Reduced need for stitches
• Promotes fast healing: Operations with Lasers result in little or no post surgical discomfort

LASERs used in “extreme makeover dentistry” and “instant orthodontics”

They are used in conjunction with the porcelain veneers to straighten smile lines and produce symmetry in a smile.(called instant orthodontics)

• Immediate cosmetic results possible
• LASER treatments gently remove gum tissue to change the shape of the gum line.

What will I experience during LASER treatment?

No longer fear the sound or vibration of the drill!

You may experience the sound of popping like making popcorn. You will also feel a gentle stream of water washing away the debri, and a rush of air, since air suction is often used to keep the area cool and cleaner.

Sometimes you will feel a slight tapping sensation and some warmth. But you should be able to relax and be comfortable while the dental LASER is in use.

Can LASERs be used in replacement dentistry?

Our LASER can remove composite resin filling materials .

But it is not possible to use the laser to remove amalgam fillings, gold , porcelain or other metallic restorations. As they do not contain water , a conventional drill is necessary.

Are LASERs safe?

Yes. In the hands of a qualified trained dentist, lasers are very safe. As with any device used in the dental practice, we have undertaken the appropriate training courses with local instructors and overseas experts in laser dentistry.

The primary safety measure required during laser surgery is protective eyewear.

Dental LASERs can actually minimize the risk of lateral damage to surrounding tissue when compared to other methods.This is because of the precise and specific control over power output, duration of exposure and spot size. This concise control is unique to LASERs and in the right hand, actually makes the laser a safer tool, hence the success of medical lasers in the extremely sensitive areas of neurology and ophthalmology.

Is drill free dentistry really possible?

Yes it is! If a tooth that has a problem (caries, holes, broken or cracked) and it has not been previously treated we have the technology to repair it without using the conventional drill with one or a combination of the following:

• LASER
• Healozone
• Air abrasion
• Prescribed therapeutic products.

Drill free dentistry is a reality!!