Laser treatment at the dentist

The dental laser is a laser that can be used in dentistry for various procedures.

What is laser treatment at the dentist??

Laser beams are highly focused light beams of certain wavelengths. Due to the energy it carries, the laser beam has various effects in the tissue, ranging from surgical cuts to stimulation of wound healing. By adjusting the radiation dose, numerous different treatments can be carried out.

Depending on the type, the dental laser can partially or completely replace a scalpel or a drill during dental treatment. The laser works without contact and therefore does not generate vibrations or pressure on the tooth and the tooth environment. The laser pulses are extremely short and depending on the laser type, additional cooling takes place.

Areas of application for dental lasers

Laser beams are already used in modern dentistry in the following areas:

implantology

The tooth laser can be used for all surgical interventions that are necessary to improve the soft tissue situation around dental implants. Due to the low bleeding and painless procedure, it is in many cases possible to carry out the implantation immediately after the uncovering operation. This shortens the treatment time. The laser operation is also not very stressful and the pain after the procedure is so slight that the ability to work is not impaired.

Peri-implantitis (inflammation of the dental implant)

Peri-implantitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane and bone around an implant. In such cases, the implant surface must be cleared of inflammatory tissue and destructive bacteria as much as possible to ensure the healing of the bone and the surrounding mucous membrane. Using a laser, it is possible to clean the implant surface with good results. In many cases, it is also possible to allow lost bone tissue to grow back onto the implant.

Caries

By using a laser, caries can be discovered and treated particularly early. Areas in the mouth that are difficult to access can be easily reached. The dental laser is used for caries treatment like conventional drilling. The advantage of the laser method is above all a lower noise level with little pain. The dentist directs the laser directly onto the carious areas, or the laser beam is aimed specifically at the carious tissue, so that small lumps can be separated. The bright light can also be used to diagnose and treat tooth decay that was previously barely visible to the human eye.

Periodontitis (periodontology)

In periodontology, the laser can enable painless and gentle treatment, because the laser beam only sends very short light pulses that are not perceived by the nerve fibers. At the same time, the blood vessels are obliterated, so that the laser light ensures a largely bleeding-free operating area. Laser treatment in periodontology is carried out in addition to conventional gum treatment. The photothermal laser effect enables more effective and long-term germ reduction to be achieved and the inflamed tissue is gently removed. This is a prerequisite for removing the inflammation in the case of plaque-induced periodontitis and for maintaining the teeth.

Root canal treatment (endodontics)

The root canal treatment aims to leave the tooth in the mouth as a functional chewing unit. For this, bacteria in the root canal system must be reduced. In addition to the preparation of the root canals with appropriate files, various irrigation solutions, medication and the saliva-tight seal, this treatment can be supported with the laser. The laser removes any remaining infected tissue and thus reduces the bacterial density.

Oral surgery (frenectomy)

Frenectomy is the removal of the lip ligament. This treatment is carried out in orthodontics in children, so that the gums fit tightly on the front teeth. This ensures good oral hygiene and a beautiful shape of the gum line. Laser removal can be done less invasively. Scalpel and suture are not necessary. The type of treatment also guarantees a shorter operation time, better healing and less scarring.

Skin and mucous membrane diseases

When treating aphthae or herpes in the oral cavity, the laser can ensure painless and very efficient therapy. The feeling of tension, swelling and discomfort decrease more quickly in most patients.

Wisdom tooth removal

With the dental laser, wisdom tooth removal can be carried out particularly thoroughly and efficiently. The precision of the laser means that even areas in the immediate vicinity of the nerve can be treated in such a targeted manner that the pain center remains untouched. The healing process is particularly fast, swelling or bleeding is significantly reduced and the use of antibiotics can be avoided in many cases due to the antibacterial properties of the laser.

root canal treatment

Even deeply branched root canals can be safely reached with the laser and the laser light has a germicidal effect. Thanks to these properties, the roots can be treated thoroughly without any contact, which often makes subsequent operations unnecessary.

Hypersensitive tooth necks

When treating sensitive tooth necks, the dentist laser seals the pain-sensitive tooth surface. A single treatment is often sufficient and can be felt after just a few hours.

gums

If the gum needs surgery, the laser can replace the scalpel. The treatment runs with little or no bleeding and ensures significantly faster wound healing and significantly less pain than the conventional method. Infection of the wound is almost impossible and antibiotics can often be dispensed with.

Gingival pockets

The laser kills the aggressive and toxic bacteria that are responsible for your disease in a targeted manner, deep down and in the surrounding tissue. Eating and drinking are possible again shortly afterwards.

bleaching

The dental laser is also used in aesthetic dentistry. Lightening with the laser is a particularly gentle process. The laser light works quickly, reliably and delivers a color result that lasts up to 3 years and longer immediately after treatment.

Dental laser treatment for anxiety patients

Treatment with a dental laser offers safety and comfort to patients with dentist anxiety in particular. The laser works precisely, with little or no pain. In addition, the pain after treatment is less. Anesthesia is often not necessary and wound healing takes place without complications. Anxiety patients often feel more comfortable and safer with laser tooth treatment than with laser treatment. Noises and vibrations of the drill are eliminated.

Cost of laser treatment at the dentist

The cost of laser treatment at the dentist depends on the type and scope of the treatment. The amount is around 20 euros per tooth as part of a periodontal treatment and ranges up to 350 euros for surgical interventions. How high the costs are in the individual case can only be clarified by talking to the dentist and making an estimate.

Laser treatments are not part of the regular care provided by statutory health insurance companies, so patients have to bear the costs themselves. In the case of pregnant and breastfeeding women, the health insurance fund may cover the costs of the laser treatment if the treatment is acute.

Advantages of laser treatment at the dentist

The laser beam is very fine and can be used precisely. Only the tissue that is really ill is affected. Healthy tissue is protected.
Local anesthesia is often not necessary.
Less medication and antibiotics are required after treatment.
The pulse of the laser beam is extremely short, so that it causes little or no pain.
In modern laser devices, the speed of the light pulses can be reduced to the indiv >As a rule, laser treatment poses no more risks than conventional treatment. However, it should be noted that not every laser is suitable for every type of treatment, because there is no general-purpose laser. Your dentist can give you more information about the type of laser for your treatment.

Laser treatments are more expensive than traditional treatments.

Laser treatment can also take more time than conventional treatment.

What types of lasers are there??

Soft laser (cold laser, low level laser)

The soft laser works with low power and has an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, blood circulation and analgesic effect. In addition, wound healing is positively stimulated when treated with the soft laser. It is mainly used for periodontitis treatments, surgical interventions (implantations or extractions), periodontal inflammation, root canal treatments, herpes, canker sores, temperature-sensitive tooth necks, pressure points from prostheses and hypersensitive teeth.

The soft laser is applied several times to the relevant tooth sites for approx. 20 to 60 seconds. Due to the locally increased blood flow, there is a short-term treatment reaction in which there is no pain. The soft laser therapy is therefore particularly suitable for anxiety patients or people with increased pain sensation.

MID-Laser

MID lasers work at a higher power level, but work just like a soft laser by stimulating the tissue without changing it.

Hard laser

Hard lasers work with powers of several watts. You can remove or cut tissue and kill pathogens gently and effectively. The hard laser is mainly used for periodontal therapy and root canal treatments. Surgical interventions (otherwise with a scalpel or electric tom) such as shortening the lip ribbon or removing tumors are also possible.

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