Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive treatment that can be used for a variety of dental procedures. In dentistry, lasers are most commonly used to treat tooth decay and gum disease, and to aid in biopsies and teeth whitening.
Lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light. There are two main types of lasers used in dentistry: hard tissue and soft tissue lasers. Hard tissue lasers can cut through water and bone, and are used for detecting cavities and preparing teeth for fillings. Soft tissue lasers are ideal for cutting into soft tissue and are used for reshaping gums, lengthening crowns, and performing biopsies. Lasers are sometimes used for in-office whitening procedures to help speed up the whitening process.
There are many benefits to using lasers in dentistry. Because of the light energy, the need for anesthesia is often reduced and there is typically less post-operative sensitivity. This light energy also significantly reduces healing time.