Erbium: YAG Laser Therapy

There are different types of lasers available today. The so-called Erbium:YAG laser (synonym: Er:YAG laser), a solid-state laser, is particularly suitable for use in dentistry.It is used by dentists to gently and almost painlessly remove caries, prepare teeth to receive a filling and kill bacteria. Furthermore, the Erbium:YAG laser is also used in surgical procedures.

Here it is important that the laser light is absorbed as well as possible by the tissue. The more laser light that can be absorbed by a tissue, the less energy is required to achieve tissue ablation. At the same time, lower heat generation occurs in tissues with high absorption. High temperatures damage tissue and must be avoided for this reason.

Indications (areas of application)

Caries removal

Usually, the removal of caries is performed with a drill. Many patients find this procedure uncomfortable or even painful. The drilling noise also makes some patients feel uncomfortable. This is where the laser offers the optimal solution. A laser does not generate vibrations like a drill, but emits short pulses that are barely perceptible.

Furthermore, there is no strong heating of the tooth, as would be the case with a drill. As a result, most patients find this treatment more pleasant and less stressful. Pain is rare and there is usually no irritation of the nerves. The annoying noise of the drill is also eliminated. It must be mentioned, however, that laser caries therapy is not possible in every case. The treating dentist can decide on the basis of his experience whether the treatment is efficient and useful in the individual case.

Enamel conditioning

In the context of filling therapy, the laser is also used to condition the tooth surface. This refers to a technique that enables a bond between tooth structure and the subsequent filling. This is usually achieved by the so-called enameldentin-etch-adhesive technique, but can also be performed by laser.

Root canal sterilization

In the context of root canal treatment, this is a dental treatment in endodontics, a bactericidal (bacteria-killing) effect has been demonstrated for the Er:YAG laser. The bacterial count in the root canal can be reduced by laser treatment.

Periodontics

The Er:YAG laser makes it possible to remove subgingival calculus (tartar below the gums on the root surfaces) as well as kill periodontopathogenic germs and remove tissue that has undergone inflammatory changes as part of periodontal treatment.

Oral Surgery

  • In the context of surgery, the laser is used on the one hand for targeted cutting, but on the other hand also for the ablation of bone or for hemostasis by coagulation (coking) of small blood vessels.
  • In the field of implantology, implants lying under the mucosa can be exposed in order to provide them with crowns after the healing period.
  • Small surgical procedures such as frenulotomy or frenectomy (cutting / removal of the frenulum) but also a gingivectomy or gingivoplasty (removal / modeling of gums) can be performed quickly and with little bleeding with the help of the laser.
  • Since laser cutting results in coagulation of small blood vessels, sutures can often be omitted – for small procedures.

Bleaching

In the process of bleaching (whitening teeth), laser activation can be used to enhance the effect of the bleaching agent. Here, however, the diode laser is often used.

Benefit

Due to its wide range of applications, the erbium:YAG laser has proven its worth in dentistry. Caries can be removed almost painlessly. In periodontal treatment, the laser is used to simultaneously clean gum pockets and reduce the number of germs.

Small surgical procedures can be performed gently and with little bleeding, and the success of a root canal treatment can be increased by germ count reduction.