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Family Health Magazine
DENTAL HEALTH

Using Lasers in Dentistry
Safe, affordable patient-friendly technology

The very mention of the word ‘laser’ brings to mind star wars technology or, at the very least, high-tech images. Lasers have revolutionized the practice of eye surgery in Canada and around the world. They are also used in every day in cosmetic procedures done in various medical clinics. However, we do not often think of a link between laser surgery and dentistry.

Still, an association between lasers and dentistry is beginning to emerge. Modern technology has produced a generation of safe, affordable, patient-friendly laser machines. These lasers have quickly found a place in the practice of dentistry. New wavelengths and the addition of a water spry in some dental lasers have encouraged the use of lasers in dental procedures. Procedures range from enhanced tooth bleaching to correcting soft tissue problems to removing decay in diseased teeth.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved over 30 separate dental procedures in which lasers can be used. They include cutting cavity preparations in teeth, removing soft tissue sores with surgery, and even some parts of preparing teeth for a root canal.

Use of lasers in dental procedures may be the biggest advancement in dental technology in 50 years. A recent issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association reported that 82 per cent of dental patients surveyed felt that lasers should be a part of the dentist’s treatment equipment.

History

To understand why lasers are so groundbreaking, just talk to the generation of dentists who began working in the late 1950s and early 1960s. At that time, the old slow speed, belt driven hand drill with a steel bur was replaced. The new device used compressed air to produce cutting speeds of greater than 150,000 revolutions per minute. Lengthy and often painful procedures were shortened. A modern dentistry era was launched.

Today’s dentists use a vastly improved version of the air rotor hand drill to cut through teeth, and at slower speeds, bone. This rotor, along with the use of modern local anaesthesia (painkiller), has done much to reduce the pain of tooth repair. However, the lips, gums and face may feel ‘frozen’ for some time after dental work is done. In rare cases, patients may either be allergic to the local anaesthesia or have uncomfortable side effects.

Dentists must control three other problems created by these high-speed cutting instruments. The heat, vibration and sound produced can kill vital tooth pulp or crack the enamel structure of the tooth. As a result, a root canal or cap (crown) may be required. In extreme cases, the tooth can be lost. Certainly no one enjoys the high-pitched whine of the hand drill as it cuts tooth structure.

In contrast lasers, particularly the Waterlase™ YSGG, eliminate the vibration and destructive aspects of the heat that comes from cutting tooth structure and bone that surrounds and holds teeth in the jaws. The laser’s work is done without noise, other than a start-up thump. Of course, lasers do produce heat. However, that heat is specific to a very small area of affected tissue. It is not spread through the entire tooth. Water spray works with YSGG laser energy to produce an effect known as hydrokinetics, a patented cutting tool.

Lasers can eliminate various types of soft tissue problems in the mouth and oral region. Painful lesions like canker or cold sores are no match for laser therapy. They can be instantly eliminated, often without anaesthesia. Tissue cut by lasers heals faster and seldom results in scarring. Since the laser clots blood, there is no or very little bleeding at the site of the surgery. Without blood in the way, a surgeon is able to see better when using a laser to make incisions.

Analgesia

Another benefit to using lasers in dentistry is the painkilling effect. With lasers, there is no need for local anaesthesia in many procedures. No shot, no drill, no pain! Injections are still a dreaded part of dental care for anxious patients. Most patients readily accept a technique that lessens or eliminates the need for a shot.

Safety

It is reasonable to be concerned about safety, especially when we think of star wars military technology being used in health care. Modern dental lasers are focused in a very small working area of less than two millimetres. Both the patient and dental staff must wear specially designed safety glasses. These glasses block out any possible scatter laser emissions.

Lasers have become a staple in many branches of the health care system. Only recently has technology evolved to where they can be used to cut hard structures like tooth and bone in dental offices. Lasers operate quietly with no vibration and less heat, and reduce or eliminate the need for painkillers. Both dentists and patients are taking notice. You may find that a laser is already being used in your dentist’s office. If you are interested in the technology, or have concerns or questions, just talk to your dentist.