Laser Dentistry

The idea of using lasers in dentistry began in the 1960s. It took about thirty years, however, for lasers to be safe enough to use routinely. Nowadays, lasers are used for a wide range of dental procedures—and the benefits are amazing, especially for kids.

At Dr. Beanca Children's Dentistry, we use lasers in many different ways—from identifying areas of tooth decay to performing gum surgery. This cutting-edge technology is especially beneficial for children, making for dental visits that are a breeze. Keep reading to learn more about laser dentistry, including where it started, how it works, and how it can help brighten your child's smile.

The History of Laser Dentistry

Let's start with the basics: LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser is a beam of light that can be targeted and used in a multitude of ways. Albert Einstein is credited with coming up with the idea behind lasers; he theorized that photoelectric amplification could emit one single frequency (or stimulated emission). He didn't harness this power himself, however. That didn't happen until the late 1950s/early 1960s.

The world's first laser was made by a student at Columbia University in 1959. By 1963, the lasers being made were of medical grade. The early 1960s was also when dentists began experimenting with laser dentistry. Lasers using rubies had the ability to successfully eliminate tooth enamel at this time, but dentists were concerned that the tooth's pulp might be getting damaged in the process.

Ruby lasers gave way to CO2 and Er:YAG lasers, and by the early 1990s, lasers made specifically for use in dental offices began to be more widely available. Lasers have evolved over the decades—and continue to evolve—and they have become wonderful tools for dentists all over the world.

How Laser Dentistry Works

A laser is a narrow beam of light that delivers energy. When directed at tissue, it acts as a cutting or vaporizing tool. At Dr. Beanca Children's Dentistry, we use two different types of lasers, soft tissue and hard tissue. A soft tissue laser can be used to manipulate or eliminate any soft tissue in the mouth. This may include the gums, lips, and tongue. A soft tissue laser can also evaporate bacteria, fungi, and viruses—since it works as a natural sterilizer. A hard tissue laser works on the harder parts of your mouth—your teeth and jawbone. These lasers can shape teeth and be helpful for the treatment of tooth decay.

Why Laser Dentistry?

There are so many benefits to laser dentistry—particularly where children are concerned. So many dental procedures are invasive and painful. Those same procedures are often necessary for a person's overall dental health. In the past, many of these procedures required anesthesia and had a long recovery period. When lasers can be used, these problems are often eliminated. Traditional dental tools can also be loud and scary for dental patients, particularly young ones. Lasers do not make much noise, and the overall dental experience may be much less difficult.

Laser dentistry is safe, too. As long as the laser is being used correctly, it can be both healthier and safer than more traditional dental tools. Lasers do not have sharp points that can damage or irritate gums and teeth. Finally, procedures done with lasers generally take less time than procedures done with old-school dental tools. Less time in the dental chair is good news for everyone!

Procedures Using Lasers

There are many dental procedures which can be done with lasers. These include, but are not limited to, the following.

Cavity Detection

A dentist can use a laser to detect some of the early signs of tooth decay. If caught early, measures can be taken to save the tooth.

Filling a Cavity

Traditionally, a drill has been used to remove bacteria from a cavity. This can be a loud, painful experience. A laser can also remove bacteria, but in a much quieter, less painful way.

Root Canal

Instead of the traditional tools used for a root canal, lasers can do the job. Not only can lasers remove the damaged tissue, but it can clean the area out more effectively than traditional tools can. There is also a reduced chance of infection, less bleeding, and a shorter recuperation time.

Fighting Tooth Sensitivity

It is not uncommon for teeth to develop sensitivity to hot or cold food or drinks. Lasers can be used to seal the tubules on a tooth root to prevent signals between the root and the nerve and, thus, remove any issues with sensitivity.

Gum Reshaping

If gums are not shaped properly—whether due to poor dental hygiene or simple genetics—lasers can be used to resolve the problem. Gums are very sensitive and may swell or bleed a great deal when traditional tools are used. There is less bleeding and swelling when lasers are used—and this means a shorter healing time, too.

Tongue Frenulum Attachment

Some kids are born tongue-tied. In this condition, a band of tissue runs from the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. This can make it difficult for a child to speak clearly, lick their lips or something like an ice cream cone, or play instruments. It is possible for this condition to improve as a child grows older. However, if the condition does not improve, a laser can be employed to snip the frenulum, solving the problem. This is a relatively painless procedure, often done with no anesthesia.

Whitening

If teeth become stained or discolored, lasers can speed up the peroxide bleaching solutions used to whiten teeth.

Tumor Removal

If a tumor forms in any of the soft tissue areas of the mouth, a laser can be used to remove it in a much less painful way than traditional cutting tools.

Is Laser Dentistry for You?

If your child is in need of dental work and you believe that laser dentistry may be the way to go, don't hesitate to contact Dr. Beanca Children's Dentistry. Dr. Beanca Chu can evaluate your child to determine whether they are a good candidate for treatment with lasers. We'll work with you on a treatment plan to return your child's smile to maximum brightness.