Benefits and applications of laser dentistry

There are two types of lasers in dentistry :

1. Soft tissue lasers

• diode lasers
• carbon dioxide lasers
• Nd:YAG laser

2. Soft and hard tissue lasers

• Er:YAG laser
• Er,Cr:YSGG laser

Benefits of Laser Dentistry :

• Procedures performed using soft tissue dental lasers may not require sutures (stitches).
• Certain laser dentistry procedures do not require anesthesia.
• Laser dentistry minimizes bleeding because the high-energy light beam aids in the clotting of exposed blood vessels, thus decreases bleeding.
• Bacterial infections are minimized because the high-energy beam sterilizes the area where surgery is performed .
• Damage to surrounding tissue is minimized.
• Minimal swelling and scarring.
• Wounds heal faster and tissues can be regenerated quickly.
• Less post-surgical discomfort and pain.

Application of Laser Dentistry :
Hard Tissue Laser Dentistry Procedures

• Cavity Detector
• Dental Fillings/Tooth Preparation
• Tooth Sensitivity
• Teeth whitening

Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry Procedures

• Crown Lengthening
• Gummy Smile
• Muscle Attachment
• Soft Tissue Folds

Other Laser Dentistry Applications

• Viewing Tooth and Gum Tissues
• Benign Tumors: Dental lasers may be used for the painless and suture-free removal of benign tumors from the gums, palate, sides of cheeks and lips.
• Cold Sores
• Nerve Regeneration: Photobiomodulation can be used to regenerate damaged nerves, blood vessels and scars.
• Sleep Apnea: 
• Temporomandibular Joint Treatment