Dental lasers are transforming how treatments are performed, offering precise and often pain-free options for patients. This technology can minimize bleeding, speed up healing, and reduce the need for anesthesia. However, while dental lasers bring many benefits, they may not be suitable for all procedures, and costs can be higher than traditional methods. Understanding these factors can help determine if laser dentistry is the right choice.
Advantages of Dental Lasers
There are both advantages and disadvantages to dental treatment with lasers. Let’s start with the advantages:
Pain Reduction
Lasers in dentistry reduce the amount of pain that a patient feels during treatment. Dentistry becomes safer when there is less need for anesthesia. Lasers have not eliminated the need for anesthesia, but fillings may no longer require a shot before the procedure begins.
Less Bleeding
Procedures involving soft tissues in dental work cause bleeding with traditional cutting methods. Lasers cut into soft tissue to perform the dental procedure, but the blood vessels are sealed while the laser cuts the tissue. This eliminates the blood loss that is typical during these procedures.
Eliminates Anxiety
The dentist’s drill causes anxiety in some dental patients.
Lasers offer patients a safe and effective treatment option that does not produce the same anxiety and nervousness. Reducing anxiety and helping patients feel better about visiting the dentist may help some patients get the dental treatment that they need.
Speed
Dentists are able to perform laser treatments faster than traditional methods. This allows the dentist to see more patients in a day.
Patients also spend less time in the dentist’s chair with laser technology.
Disadvantages of Dental Laser
Cost
Laser dental procedures are expensive when compared to the cost of traditional treatment. The cost of the equipment to perform laser procedures requires dentists to pass this cost on to patients.
Dentists recoup the money spent on laser equipment, but the cost may also be defrayed by faster appointment times.
Limited Use
A disadvantage of lasers is the limited use that they currently have in dentistry. The technology is still evolving and it is only a matter of time before lasers completely innovate the way that dentistry is performed.
Currently, lasers cannot be used in work involving an existing filling or in preparing a tooth for a dental crown. Cavities between teeth also cannot be worked on with laser technology.
Reduced Risk of Infection
Using lasers in dental treatments can reduce the risk of infection. Lasers disinfect the area as they work, minimizing the presence of bacteria in the treatment site. This reduces post-procedure infections and speeds up recovery times. Patients may experience less inflammation and pain after procedures when lasers are used.
Precision in Treatment
Dental lasers provide a higher level of precision, allowing dentists to target only the affected area without impacting surrounding tissue. This accuracy is especially valuable in procedures on soft tissue, where reducing trauma can help in faster healing. The precision of laser technology also contributes to better treatment outcomes, as healthy tissue is preserved.
Learn More About Dental Lasers
While dental lasers offer numerous benefits, they are not universally applicable or cost-effective for all treatments. However, as technology advances, lasers may become more versatile, potentially transforming dental care.
For patients seeking comfort, reduced anxiety, and faster recovery, laser treatment remains a valuable option, despite its current limitations.