Laser dentistry is the use of lasers to treat several different dental conditions. LASER stands for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation.” The instrument creates light energy in a very narrow and focused beam. This laser light produces a reaction when it hits tissue, allowing it to remove or shape the tissue.
Lasers are used to reshape gum tissue associated with “gummy smile,” in which the gums’ length covers much of the tooth. Crown lengthening reshapes both gum tissue and bone for healthier tooth structure, which helps with placing restorations on the teeth. Those with a thick or tight frenulum (the fold of skin under the front part of the tongue that anchors to the mouth floor) may benefit from a laser frenectomy. This treatment helps children whose restricted frenulum causes them to be tongue-tied, have difficulty breastfeeding, or have a speech impediment. Lasers can remove soft tissue folds from ill-fitting dentures without pain or sutures.
The vivid use of lasers in periodontology has led to a different approach to the treatment aspect for periodontal disease ranging from the prophylaxis to treating advanced periodontal disease. The risks of laser dentistry are relatively small. Your dentist will have you use special glasses to protect your eyes from the laser.
With conventional mechanical instruments, complete access and disinfection may not be achieved during the treatment of periodontal pockets. Lasers have the potential advantages of bactericidal effect, detoxification effect, and removal of the epithelium lining and granulation tissue, which are desirable properties for the treatment of periodontal pockets. Thus, laser systems, applying the ablation effect of light energy which is completely different from conventional mechanical debridement, may emerge as a new technical modality for periodontal therapy soon.
