The word laser – Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation – is an abbreviation from the English language, which translated means “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation”.
In medicine, the laser has been used successfully since the early sixties.A distinction is made between different types of lasers:
- Solid-state laser
- Gas laser
- Liquid laser
The classification of solid, gaseous and liquid refers to the material used in the lasers.Depending on the power level, there is a division into soft lasers, which are used for biostimulation, medium and high power lasers.
Lasers in conservative therapy
Indications (areas of application)
- Removal of superficial caries
- Bacteria reduction
- Desensitization of hypersensitive teeth
- Fissure sterilization
- Fissure sealing
Caries treatment
A laser does not generate shocks, as a drill does, but sends short pulses that are barely perceptible.Furthermore, there is no strong heating of the tooth, as is otherwise the case. As a result, most patients find this treatment more pleasant and less stressful. Pain rarely occurs and there is usually no irritation of the nerves. The annoying noise of the drill is also eliminated. However, it must be mentioned 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.
Germ reduction
Especially in the field of germ reduction, the laser offers optimal possibilities. After grinding a tooth for a crown or bridge, tiny bacteria often remain attached to the tooth surface. If these are not carefully removed, caries can form again under the crown and destroy the tooth.This is where the laser intervenes, specifically cleaning the surface of the tooth and thus creating the best possible result.
Desensitization
Sensitive teeth or tooth necks are so sensitive to pain because the dentin of the tooth is exposed. The dentin contains small tubules that conduct stimuli from the outside directly to the tooth’s nerve.
The laser seals these channels so that stimuli – such as heat or cold – are no longer transmitted. As a result, the tooth is pain-free.
Fissure sealing
Fissures are the fine, up to 5 millimeters deep, dimples and grooves on the occlusal surfaces of the molars/premolars. Food residues and bacteria often settle in these, so that plaques (coatings of saliva components, metabolic products of bacteria, food residues and bacteria) can form. If the fissure is not cleaned carefully and regularly, the so-called fissure caries develops.Fissure sealing is a modern prophylactic procedure in which the depressions are filled with composite, a type of plastic. By filling the fissure, the tooth is sealed airtight and the penetration of bacteria and microorganisms that can cause caries is prevented. Laser treatment of the fissure ensures that no germs remain under the sealant.
Your benefit
Lasers are now an indispensable tool in any dental practice.Treatment is usually painless and produces impressive results that cannot be achieved with conventional methods.
