Lasers in Dentistry

Technology has allowed the medical field to make many procedures faster and less painful. This applies to dentistry as well. Lasers have become widely accepted in many types of medical practice, and were first used in dentistry in 1994. Lasers work by producing energy in the form of light. It is rather amazing that a tiny beam of light can actually be used as a cutting instrument. It vaporizes the tissue. This light energy also produces heat, which is why it is used to bond fillings and help lighten/whiten teeth. However, if a tooth already has a filling in it, lasers cannot be used. Compared to traditional cutting tools, a laser is extremely sterile—completely germ-free – and actually kills bacteria. Areas worked on by laser typically heal faster than with traditional methods. Lasers can be used in several ways by dental offices. They can remove decay within a tooth or be used to harden/set a filling. Laser dentistry is very precise. It’s an effective way to perform certain dental procedures. It requires the dentist’s ability to control the power level of the laser as well as the length of time that the laser is exposed to the tissue or tooth.

Dr. Anshul Sachdeva is graduate from Magadh University, Bodhgaya and completed his Masters in Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla. The author is working as Assistant Professor at JCD Dental College, Sirsa and running a private clinic. He has presented many papers and posters in various national conference.