A laser is an instrument that produces a very narrow, intense beam of light energy which may or may not be visible to the human eye. When laser light comes in contact with tissue, it causes a reaction. The beam of light produced by the laser has the ability to remove, vaporize, or shape soft tissues.

In recent years, laser technology is used in routine and advanced dental procedures. Lasers provide a gentle approach with more predictable results as compared to traditional methods and surgical devices. In certain procedures, as a patient, you can expect higher quality of care, faster treatment and healing times with less overall discomfort. There are different classifications of Lasers. Here we are going to talk a little about Soft Tissue Lasers and some of their applications and benefits in dentistry.

Laser Dentistry Benefits

  • Efficient and effective soft-tissue removal
  • Virtually Painless and Natural Results
  • Reduced Trauma During and After Treatment
  • No Anesthesia, stitches or sutures, i.e. Fewer Dental Visits
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • Accurate and Precise

Soft Tissue Laser Technology Applications in Dentistry :

Although a complete list of laser applications in dentistry huge, here are some of the common day to day applications of lasers in dentistry.

Soft Tissue Surgery

Traditionally this procedure is done using scalpel or sutures. The same procedure when done with laser technology, results in decreased post-operative pain. It helps the dentist to achieve improved restoration retention and the results are aesthetically suitable.

Periodontal Procedures

Sometimes during scaling and root planing, it becomes difficult to remove bacteria occurring deep under the gums. Lasers can be used in that case as a complement to the routine techniques. It allows dentists to use a non-surgical approach, gaining easier access to deeper calculus deposits and selectively target only darker, necrotic tissue, leaving healthy tissue alone, allowing for better healing and results.

Implant Recovery

Soft-tissue modification or removal around the implant can be done quickly and easily using laser technology. This minimizes the trauma/bleeding and improves the seating and esthetics for the Dental Implants.

Treating Aphthous Ulcers

Commonly known as canker sores, aphthous ulcers are lesions found on the “loose” tissues of the mouth including the inner aspects of the lips, buccal mucosa, tongue, soft palate and the floor of the mouth. Dentists were symptomatically treating these ulcers by applying topical agents or steroids. With the help of lasers quick healing can be achieved without the use of any chemicals or corticosteroids.

Frenectomy

Frenum is a band of tissue that attaches the upper lip to the gums and the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Frenectomy is a procedure that consists of releasing the frenum if it is too thick or too long to allow for better range of motion. A soft tissue laser can be used for this procedure and the results can be achieved without any bleeding or sutures. There is no need for anesthesia and treating time is short.

Laser root canal

Lasers can be used to sterilize and disinfect the tooth in otherwise non responsive root canal cases.