Ground-breaking laser dentistry to solve your oral health problems.
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
Laser dentistry refers to the process of carrying out dental procedures with the aid of sophisticated laser technology, in addition to, or rather than traditional methods.
Why have Laser Dentistry?
Like any form of laser surgery, laser dentistry requires exceptional skill and precision on the part of the clinician; dentists who carry out laser procedures are therefore highly trained. Laser dentistry can be very expensive but can have excellent, long-lasting results. One of the major benefits of laser dentistry is that it often eliminates the need for anaesthesia; many patients experience a considerable degree of anxiety and nervousness when faced with the idea of going under anaesthesia so this can be a significant factor when choosing what kind of procedure to undergo. The use of lasers also increases the healing ability of the surrounding tissue meaning it heals faster and more cleanly; lasers also reduce bleeding as the light intensity helps the coagulation, or clotting, of the blood around the infected area. The laser also acts as a steriliser, which ensures a minimal amount of bacteria is allowed into the affected area; this subsequently reduces the possibility of further infection and discomfort.
Examples of Procedures
Laser dentistry can be used in several dental procedures; these include both hard (tooth) and soft (gum) tissue operations. One of the most common hard tissue procedures is removing a composite filling and preparing the tooth for a new filling or restoration; the laser is able to clean the cavity thoroughly and remove decay; it is not, however, suitable for replacing existing amalgam fillings, crowns or onlays. Lasers can also be used to clean out the root canals, which may prevent having to undergo root canal treatment in the future.
Tooth whitening is an increasingly popular laser treatment; this is conducted using relatively low intensity lasers and is achieved by bleaching the teeth. In terms of soft tissue treatment, lasers can be used in a process called crown lengthening, which involves reshaping the gum in order to create a stronger foundation for restorations. Laser treatment can also benefit those who have limited movement of the tongue, such as being tongue-tied; this kind of procedure can also aid speech problems.
Laser dentistry can also be used to treat sleep apnea and cold sores and can be used to remove benign tumours from the mouth, lips or cheeks.
Disadvantages of Laser Dentistry
The major disadvantage of laser dentistry is the cost; procedures, especially the more complex ones, can be extremely expensive. Laser dentistry is often regarded as a cosmetic procedure and is not available on the National Health Service. Laser treatment is often carried out in private practices. Although research indicates that there should be no negative implications of undergoing laser dentistry in the long-term and many professionals regard laser treatment as wholly safe, the long-term effects of laser treatment are realistically unknown as it is still a relatively new practice.
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Article Submitted By:
Matthew Etherington
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Date: Sun, 7 Nov 2010 Time: 11:00 PM
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