For decades, going to the dentist has been seen as a horrifying and painful experience at worst and an annoyance at best. Part of the reason for this is that previous technologies weren’t patient-friendly. Today that is all changing with the advent of laser dentistry.
Laser dentistry can be used by both children and adults, although its use in pediatrics is still not as widespread.
What is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is an FDA and ADA approved form of dentistry that uses a laser to energize a spray of water and air. This energized spray chips away at any tooth decay or lesions with the same results as traditional drill dentistry.
Who Can Use It?
Laser dentistry can be used by both children and adults, although its use in pediatrics is still not as widespread.
What Can It Do?
Laser technology is used most commonly to remove cavities and to remedy gum problems. However, it is also used for other dental procedures such as root canals and cosmetic bleaching.
Why Use It?
Laser dentistry has many benefits when compared to traditional dentistry, including the following:
- Elimination of the vibrations and pressure of the drill
- No need for anesthesia, since it is pain free
- More precise than the drill
- Can be completed in minutes instead of hours
- No frightening noises from the drill means a less traumatic visit, especially for kids
- Faster healing time
- No numbness due to the fact numbing medications aren’t used; no embarrassment from drooping “dentist mouth”
- More comfortable than the drill for the patient
- Lower risk of infection
- Less jaw discomfort, since the laser is fast and doesn’t require the mouth to be open for long periods
- Less missed work due to time-extensive traditional drilling or effects of anesthetics
These benefits mean that people are more likely to go see their dentist not only for reactive care, but also for preventative check-ups that can eliminate the need for painful and more expensive procedures later on.
Does It Have Limitations?
Laser dentistry does have some limitations based on how the technology works. It cannot be used to polish a filling, for instance, and it won’t work on teeth that already have fillings. Additionally, the technology is fairly new—it’s only been around for about a decade. This means that not very many dental clinics are equipped with the lasers and that procedures that use them still can be a bit pricey. Lastly, the newness of the technology also means that not all dentists are trained to use the lasers. Patients may have to travel quite a distance to a dentist who has the equipment and is trained to use it, especially if the patient is a child. Overall, however, laser dentistry is by far the best form of dentistry when it comes to patient comfort and is probably well worth overcoming the limitations that do exist.
That's new. Laser doesn't hurt, right? But I assume it's expensive.
-pete
dentist los angeles – April 8, 2009 , 3:22 AM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Edmonton Dentures – September 2, 2009 , 4:03 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Best Teeth Whiteners Online – September 2, 2009 , 5:26 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Edmonton Dentistry – September 2, 2009 , 7:35 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Cosmetic Dental Health Care Plans – September 2, 2009 , 7:50 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! – September 2, 2009 , 7:58 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! « DoNhuMuu.com – September 2, 2009 , 8:41 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Dental Health Care – September 2, 2009 , 8:51 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Edmonton Braces – September 2, 2009 , 9:57 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Dental Hygiene Program – September 2, 2009 , 10:26 PM
[...] Laser dentistry does have some limitations based on how the technology works. It cannot be used to polish a filling, for instance, and it won’t work on teeth that already have fillings. Additionally, the technology is fairly new-it’s only been around for about a decade. This means that not very many dental clinics are equipped with the lasers and that procedures that use them still can be a bit pricey. Lastly, the newness of the technology also means that not all dentists are trained to use the lasers. Patients may have to travel quite a distance to a dentist who has the equipment and is trained to use it, especially if the patient is a child. Overall, however, laser dentistry is by far the best form of dentistry when it comes to patient comfort and is probably well worth overcoming the limitations that do exist. About the Author: Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
dental articles from 2 Dental.com » Blog Archive » Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! – September 2, 2009 , 11:18 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! « American Dental Teeth Whitening Report – September 2, 2009 , 11:29 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Edmonton Orthodontics – September 3, 2009 , 1:00 AM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Teeth Care – September 3, 2009 , 2:33 AM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Edmonton Orthodontist – September 3, 2009 , 10:12 AM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! - World Public Health – September 4, 2009 , 4:22 AM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Dental Care | Medical Health Center – December 3, 2009 , 8:08 PM
[...] online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! Filed under dental services Tagged Dentistry, Drilling, Laser, more Comment (RSS) [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | dental services – March 10, 2010 , 12:40 PM
[...] and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! var addthis_pub = ''; var addthis_language = 'en';var addthis_options = 'email, favorites, digg, [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Health Center | Health News, Wellness, and Medical Information – April 23, 2010 , 7:19 AM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Jaw Ear Pain – May 9, 2010 , 10:12 AM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Jaw Sore – May 13, 2010 , 2:49 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | Ear Jaw Pain – May 26, 2010 , 11:34 PM
[...] Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! (19) [...]
The Latest Technology in Dentistry | Guide to Dentistry – June 4, 2010 , 12:30 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
There Is Something Good In Everyday » Blog Archive » Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! – October 31, 2010 , 11:40 AM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Dentistry Indian Land SC | Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! - BallAntyne Dentist – November 2, 2010 , 10:24 PM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Dentistry Indian Land SC | Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! | South Charlotte Dentist – November 5, 2010 , 5:45 AM
[...] Wanda Marie Thibodeaux is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a dentist or more dentistry articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! [...]
Laser Dentistry: No More Drilling! « Cosmetic Dentist Sydney Clinic – November 16, 2010 , 1:53 AM