Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1995 to treat a number
of dental problems. But, despite FDA approval, no laser system has
received the American Dental Association's Seal of
Acceptance, which assures dentists that the product or device meets
ADA standards of safety and efficacy, among other things. The ADA,
however, states that it is cautiously optimistic about the role of
laser technology in the field of dentistry.
Still, some dentists are using lasers in the following
situations:
- Tooth decay: Lasers are used to remove decay within a
tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for receipt of the
filling. Lasers are also used to "cure" or harden a filling.
- Gum disease: Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove
bacteria during root canal procedures.
- Biopsy or lesion removal: Lasers can be used to remove a
small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) and send it for testing to
determine if it is cancerous; to remove lesions in the mouth; and
relieve the pain of canker sores.
- Teeth whitening: Lasers are used to speed up the
in-office teeth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching
solution, applied to the tooth surface, is "activated" by laser
energy, which speeds up the whitening process.
How do lasers work?
All lasers work by delivering
energy in the form of light. When used for surgical procedures, the
laser acts as a cutting instrument or a vaporizer of tissue that it
comes in contact with. When used for "curing" a filling, the laser
helps to strengthen the bond between the filling and the tooth.
When used in teeth whitening procedures, the laser acts as a heat
source and enhances the effect of tooth-beaching agents.
What are the pros and cons of using laser over the
traditional dental drill?
Pros
Compared with the traditional dental drill,
lasers:
- May cause less pain in some instances, therefore reducing the
need for anesthesia
- May reduce anxiety in patients uncomfortable with the use of
the dental drill
- Minimize bleeding and swelling during soft tissue
treatments
- May preserve more healthy tooth during cavity treatment
Cons
The disadvantages of lasers are that:
- Lasers can't be used on teeth with fillings that are
already in place.
- Lasers can't be used in many commonly performed dental
procedures. For example, lasers can't be used to fill cavities
located between teeth, cavities around old fillings, and large
cavities that need to be prepared for a crown, nor can they be used
to remove defective crowns or silver fillings, or prepare teeth for
bridges.
- Traditional drills may still be needed to shape the filling,
adjust the bite, and polish the filling even when a laser is
used.
- Lasers do not eliminate the need for anesthesia.
- Laser treatment tends to be more expensive since the cost of
the laser is much higher than a dental drill.