Lasers can remove decay and prepare enamel for fillings often without the need for local anesthesia. Unlike the vibration and heat of a drill, lasers use "micro-explosions" of water molecules to remove tissue, which preserves more of the healthy tooth structure.
Modern dentistry categorizes laser use into three primary domains: Lasers in dentistry -- current concepts
are primarily absorbed by hemoglobin and melanin, making them exceptionally efficient for "soft tissue" surgeries, such as gingivectomies, where they provide simultaneous cutting and cauterization. Current Clinical Applications Lasers can remove decay and prepare enamel for
are highly absorbed by water and hydroxyapatite, making them the gold standard for "hard tissue" procedures like cavity preparation and bone contouring. Current Clinical Applications are highly absorbed by water
The primary driver for laser adoption is the . Lasers eliminate the whining sound and bone-shaking vibration of the drill, which are the leading causes of dental anxiety. Furthermore, because lasers seal blood vessels and nerve endings as they cut, patients typically experience less downtime and a reduced reliance on pain medication. Challenges and Future Directions
For periodontal (gum) therapy, lasers are used to decontaminate diseased pockets and remove inflamed tissue. The bactericidal effect of the laser reduces the need for systemic antibiotics and significantly minimizes post-operative swelling and bleeding.
At the heart of dental laser application is the concept of . Different laser wavelengths are absorbed by specific "chromophores" in the mouth, such as water, hydroxyapatite (the mineral in teeth), or hemoglobin.