Laser dentistry is the use of laser technology for dental diagnostic and treatment purposes. Laser dentistry can be used to treat a wide range of dental problems. Hard tissue dental lasers first came into the picture in 1989, starting with treatments for dental tissues. Since then, laser dentistry has expanded, revolutionizing the way we handle most dental procedures. Laser dentistry ensures that your dental procedure is a lot more comfortable and safer.
LASER — short for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation” — is a narrow and focused beam of light channeled through a small pen-like device. Laser energy generates a strong and immediate reaction upon contact with soft and hard tissues, allowing it to reshape and sculpt the tissue. Hard tissue dental lasers are used to modify and treat hard tissues, like teeth and jawbones. Soft tissue dental lasers are used to modify and treat soft tissues, like gums and tongue.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves hard tissue laser dentistry for a wide range of dental applications and conditions, including treatments for hypersensitivity, gum disease, and dental decay. Hard tissue dental lasers cut through a tooth’s structure to modify them. A hard tissue dental laser’s wavelengths are absorbed by water and a specific mineral found in teeth. Upon contact, the laser energy modifies the tooth’s hard tissues, making it suitable for various restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures.
