Dental treatment involves treating the inside of the mouth, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, so many people may be concerned about what kind of equipment is used. In this article, we will introduce dental lasers and the treatments they use.

What is a dental laser?

Safe and no side effects

Dental laser light has the characteristic of only reacting to certain substances, and only reacts to the bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal disease, making it effective in sterilizing and removing bacteria. Laser light also activates tissue and promotes cell regeneration. It is safe and has no side effects, so even pregnant women and those with pacemakers can receive treatment with peace of mind.

It is an effective treatment method

Since it has no effect on healthy teeth, it is possible to safely treat problem areas without damaging healthy teeth. When making an incision with a normal scalpel, bleeding occurs a lot and suturing is required, but the laser stops bleeding and sterilizes the area at the same time as making the incision, so it is also effective in relieving pain and inflammation, and wounds heal quickly with a short treatment period. Compared to conventional treatments, it has the advantage of causing less pain and discomfort, and does not require anesthesia, or if it is used, only a small amount is needed.

Notes

• When the laser is applied, you may feel a pain similar to that of a rubber band being snapped.
• Please refrain from ingesting any stimulants for a few days after laser treatment.
• After laser irradiation, brush your teeth without touching the irradiated area with a toothbrush.
• If the pain is severe, please inform your dentist so that we can administer anesthesia to the surface of your gums.

Treatment using dental lasers

Melanin removal from gums

By irradiating the laser on gums that have melanin pigmentation due to smoking, etc. and evaporating the epithelium, new epithelium can be regenerated and the gums can be made a beautiful pink color. If necessary, the melanin pigment in the gums will gradually become lighter by irradiating the laser at intervals of about one to two weeks.

Laser use to relieve pain from stomatitis, angular cheilitis, and oral mucosal inflammation

The laser is applied to the inflamed area. A film forms within a few days after treatment, reducing pain when touching the inflamed area and speeding up healing.

Laser combined use in caries treatment

After removing the cavities, the invisible cavity-causing bacteria can be killed by irradiating the laser. Compared to treatment without irradiating the laser, the recurrence rate of cavities can be reduced.

Laser therapy for tooth roots

In most cases where tooth decay has progressed to the point where it is unbearable pain, the nerve at the tooth root is infected with bacteria. In such cases, the nerve must be removed, and the bacteria and pus that have accumulated at the tooth root must be removed and cleaned. At that time, a thin tool called a "reamer" is used to clean the tooth root. Even with this thin tool called a "reamer," it is difficult to clean thoroughly all the way to the tip of the root, which can lead to re-cavity or slow healing. Therefore, by using a laser in combination, it is possible to thoroughly sterilize the inside of the tooth root and quickly calm the inflammation. Lasers can sterilize parts that were previously difficult to sterilize, making it possible to prevent the recurrence of cavities with a high probability faster than with conventional root canal treatment.

Laser therapy for periodontal disease

PlaqueIf you allow it to accumulate between your teeth and gums (hereafter referred to as the periodontal pocket), the pocket will deepen before you know it, leading to periodontal disease. If periodontal disease worsens, it can dissolve the bone that supports your teeth, and in the worst case scenario, your teeth will fall out. It is important to keep the periodontal pocket clean to prevent periodontal disease, but once you have periodontal disease, it is difficult to cure it just by brushing your teeth, and it takes time to treat. By irradiating the periodontal pocket with a laser in the treatment of periodontal disease, it has the effect of sterilizing and disinfecting the bacteria in the periodontal pocket, evaporating the unhealthy granulation tissue inside the gums, and promoting the discharge of pus. It also improves blood circulation in weakened gums, allowing them to be regenerated into healthy, firm gums. Please note that the duration and number of treatments may vary depending on the progression of periodontal disease.

Using lasers to relieve tooth sensitivity

Sensitive teeth are a condition where the roots of teeth become exposed or worn down, making them susceptible to tooth sensitivity. Usually, treatment involves coating the tooth with resin, but because plaque tends to accumulate between the teeth and gums, which can lead to gingivitis, we recommend laser treatment. When the laser is applied to the area where sensitivity occurs, the symptoms will be alleviated after a few days.

Summary

Because dental treatment is invisible, it may cause more anxiety than other treatments. I hope that this column will help ease some of that anxiety. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask your local dental clinic.