Soft Tissue Laser and Laser Applications in Dentistry
Dental technologies are continuously improving, laser technology represents one of the most significant innovations in the field. Soft tissue laser is an accurate and effective tool used to treat a wide range of gum and other soft tissue issues in the mouth.
What is a laser and how does it work in dentistry?
Simply, a laser emits a concentrated beam of light with a specific wavelength.
In dentistry, a certain type of laser beam is used to target soft tissues in the mouth, such as the gums, tongue, and mucous membrane.
When the laser is directed at the tissue, two important things happen:
Removal and Vaporization of Tissue:
The water naturally present in the tissue absorbs the laser beam, ausing it to heat up, and consequently, the tissue is either removed or vaporized very precisely
Sterilization of the Area:
Laser beams are known for their sterilizing properties, effectively killing bacteria in the treated area.
Types of Soft Tissue Lasers Used in Dentistry:
There are different types of soft tissue lasers, each with specific uses and effects. The most common types used in dentistry are:
Diode Laser:
This type of laser is the most commonly used in dentistry, known for its small size and high accuracy. It is typically used to treat:
- Gingivitis
- Gum bleeding
- Mouth ulcers
- Excess tissue removal
- Gum contouring (treatment for gummy smile)
CO2 Laser:
This type of laser is characterized by its ability to cut tissue with high precision and is usually used in complex gum surgeries such as:
- Gum cutting
- Gum reshaping
- Removal of benign fibrous tumors
Applications of Soft Tissue Lasers in Gum Treatment:
Gum diseases are among the most common oral problems, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Soft tissue lasers offer effective solutions for treating these diseases, including:
Excess Gum Removal:
Laser is used to remove excess gum tissue covering part of the tooth crown.
Crown Lengthening:
Laser is used to reshape the gums around the tooth crown, improving the smile’s appearance and addressing attached gum issues.
Gum Surgery:
Laser is used in complex gum surgeries to reshape the gums and correct defects, such as gum recession or deep pockets in the gums.
Treating Gum Diseases:
Laser is used to eliminate bacteria causing gum diseases, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
Other Applications of Soft Tissue Lasers in Dentistry:
Soft tissue lasers are not only used for gum treatments but also in various other procedures, including:
Oral Tissue Biopsy:
Laser is used to take biopsies of oral tissues for diagnosing mouth diseases.
Tongue-tie Release:
Laser is used in a simple surgery to release a short lingual frenulum restricting tongue movement.
Gum Depigmentation:
Laser is used to improve the appearance of gums around the teeth and hide defects such as dark or uneven gums.
Bleeding Control:
Laser is used to stop bleeding after gum surgery or other dental procedures
Treating Mouth Ulcers:
Laser is used to speed up the healing of painful mouth ulcers, such as canker sores.
Benefits of Using Lasers:
Soft tissue lasers offer many advantages, making them an ideal choice for treating a wide range of gum and soft tissue problems in the mouth, including:
Reduced Bleeding and Pain:
Laser helps to effectively stop bleeding and reduce pain after surgery, speeding up the healing process and alleviating patient discomfort.
Faster Healing:
Studies show that tissues treated with lasers heal faster than those treated with traditional methods.
High Precision:
Laser beams can be directed with high precision, allowing for extremely accurate procedures without damaging surrounding tissues.
Sterilization of Treated Area:
Laser helps to sterilize the treated area, reducing the risk of infection.
Laser Teeth Whitening:
Laser teeth whitening is a modern technique used to lighten the color of teeth and remove stains and discoloration.
How does laser teeth whitening work?
whitening agent is applied to the teeth, and then a laser beam is directed at them. The laser light helps to accelerate the whitening process, providing faster and more effective results compared to traditional whitening methods.
Advantages of Laser Teeth Whitening:
- Noticeable results can be achieved after just one session of laser teeth whitening.
- Laser can lighten teeth to a greater extent compared to other whitening methods.
- Laser teeth whitening is safe for gums and does not cause any irritation.
- Long-lasting Whitening Effect
Soft tissue laser represents a real revolution in the world of dentistry, offering effective and safe solutions for treating a wide range of gum and soft tissue problems in the mouth.
