Although lasers are not very well known in Spain, in America and Europe they are and, in fact, they should be used by all dentists, since they have important advantages over traditional methods. Specifically, laser treatments are less invasive, less painful and heal much sooner.
By using lasers, the dentist offers the patient treatments that cannot be done with conventional dentistry and that have a series of very important benefits for the patient’s oral health.
Types of lasers in dentistry
Currently, there are two types of lasers used in dental clinics.
On the one hand, there are surgical lasers, which are used to perform surgeries and cuts on hard tissues, such as bone and teeth, and soft tissues, such as gums, tumors, etc. Among the most popular surgical lasers we can highlight the Erbium YAG laser.
On the other hand, there are non-surgical or soft lasers. This is a type of laser that is used as an anti-inflammatory, antalgic and healing agent. Used in combination with dyes, they are also used in photodynamic therapy for the treatment of gum disease or in peri-implantitis treatments.
What they are used for and their benefits
Among some of its uses, it is used in surgery for the removal of cysts and tumors, for complex dental extractions, for the placement of implants and for the treatment of caries.
Lasers are also used among other treatments to eliminate dental sensitivity to cold and heat, for the treatment of herpes and canker sores, and for the disinfection of root canals in endodontic treatments. Also for teeth whitening and mouth joint pain treatments.
Difference between laser and conventional treatments
Laser treatments allow less bleeding to occur during surgery. In addition, the postoperative period is less swollen and less painful. On the other hand, tissue healing is much faster than with conventional surgery.
When the laser is used in small surgeries, in many cases anesthesia is not required, making it ideal for treating children.
In the treatment of caries, no anesthesia is required and the diseased tissue is removed completely and safely. The annoying vibration sensation caused by conventional devices is also eliminated, since the laser acts without contacting the tooth. This makes it ideal for pediatric dentistry as well.