Laser dental treatment: features of the procedure, description and advantages

In the modern dental field, many new methods of treating diseases of the teeth and gums are used. Most procedures are accurate and effective. Laser dental treatment is a progressive method that has a gentle effect, but at the same time eliminates defects. Its principles and features are described in the article.

general information

A laser device or a quantum generator is called a device that exudes a directed flow of electromagnetic waves. When exposed to this beam, vascularization of soft tissues is observed, which stops bleeding.

Electromagnetic waves act on the particles of water present in the hard tissues of the teeth, leading to their boiling, exploding and evaporation. So the affected areas of the teeth are destroyed, without a negative effect on healthy tissues due to irrigation with water.

Advantages

Laser dental treatment is associated with the following benefits:

1. The absence of vibration and heating of hard tissue when exposed to electromagnetic waves, which prevents the soreness that usually appears in the treatment with a drill.
2. Since the procedure is painless, you do not need to use an anesthetic, which can lead to allergies.
3. The duration of treatment is markedly reduced in comparison with classical methods of therapy.
4. The channels that appeared due to the development of caries are sterilized, which protects against its secondary occurrence.
5. Due to the high directivity of the beam, the risk of damage to healthy tissue, inaccurate incisions and microcracks is excluded.
6. Since there is no direct contact with tooth tissues, accidental infection of the gums or teeth is excluded.
7. The laser accelerates the healing of incisions.
8. No noise, unpleasant odor and discomfort.

Due to the above advantages, the procedure is in demand. According to reviews, laser dental treatment should be done only by a professional in order to eliminate the risk of negative consequences.

disadvantages

Like many dental procedures, laser dentistry has negative aspects:

1. High price. The price of laser tooth treatment for caries or pulpitis is much higher than the classical methods of therapy.
2. Low efficiency in complex pathologies. If the condition is neglected, then it is usually necessary to use radical measures in comparison with laser therapy.
3. Increased requirements for a specialist. The doctor must have special knowledge, so this treatment is not provided in all clinics. And if the qualifications are insufficient, then there is a risk of soft tissue damage.
4. The probability of a filling. During the treatment of caries with a laser with increased power, the tooth tissue is very hot, which does not cause much harm, but in the future it can lead to loss of the filled material from the cavity.
5. The complexity of the preparation. Glasses with a tinted glass are required, which worsens the doctor's vision, and because of this, an accidental opening of the pulp chamber or other error is likely.

When applied

Dental laser treatment, dentists recommend performing with:

• caries;
• hard dental deposits;
• pathologies in the gums - granuloma, cyst, pulpitis;
• high sensitivity of enamel, bleeding gums;
• the presence of pigmented dentin sites;
• neoplasms and complications resulting from orthodontic or orthopedic treatment.

Although laser therapy is used in these cases, you should first consult your dentist. The doctor will determine whether to perform this procedure or is it better to choose a different treatment method.

When treatment cannot be performed

Laser therapy is prohibited when:

• heart and vascular diseases;
• oncology;
• bleeding of various etiologies, low blood coagulation;
• diseases that are associated with severe excitability of the nervous system;
• renal failure;
• active form of tuberculosis;
• pregnancy.

If you have these contraindications, you must consult a doctor. It is likely that an effective treatment method will be selected that does not harm health.

Equipment

In the treatment of various diseases of the oral cavity, laser devices are used, which differ in the intensity and depth of penetration of electromagnetic rays:

1. With caries, an erbium or diode installation is used. With them, hard tissue is prepared for fixation of the seal and sterilization of the canals.
2. A carbon dioxide laser is used in the treatment of gum disease - gingivitis and periodontitis.
3. A helium-neon laser has a wavelength in the range of 610-630 nm. Due to its good penetration into tissues, the device is used for physiotherapy.
4. In whitening, an argon laser is used, which has a wavelength of 488-514 nm.

The clinics use different settings: Smart 2940 D Plus, Soft-Laser. They can have one laser or a complex. Each installation has a disposable tool kit.

Methodologies

Depending on the procedure, several methods are distinguished:

1. With contact exposure, the emitter is densely located to the treated place. This allows the rays to penetrate deeply, which is often used to process alveolar holes.
2. The non-contact technique involves the location of the emitter 1-8 cm from the treated area. This method of exposure is effective in eliminating swelling of the gums and its anesthesia.
3. A stable technique is used with a minimum size of the processed space. In this situation, the site of exposure does not change during the procedure.
4. The labile technique is effective for a large lesion site. During the treatment period, a laser movement is observed at a speed of 1 cm / sec to cover the entire pathological site and adjacent tissues.

With caries

In the treatment of caries, laser systems with low power rays are used. This eliminates the negative impact on healthy tissue and effectively eliminates places affected by caries. Laser therapy is performed as follows:

1. The dentist examines the oral cavity, identifies problems and creates a treatment plan.
2. Anesthesia is not always carried out. At the initial and middle stages of the disease, this procedure is excluded, since there will be no effect of rays on the nerve endings.
3. The tooth surface is cleaned of plaque, and the carious area is removed from softened tissues.
4. The dentist performs the preparation of painful areas with a laser. The doctor should control and reduce the power of the beam when approaching the pulp.
5. The treated area is covered with a special tool that protects the dentinal canals and improves the adhesion of the filling material.
6. Complete the process by installing fillings and tooth restoration.

Laser therapy of caries minimizes the risk of microcracks and chips on healthy tissue. Under the influence of electromagnetic rays disinfection of the cavity is observed, therefore, the risk of infection is excluded.

From cyst

Laser tooth cyst treatment is effective. The reviews of experts confirm the excellent result. It is only necessary to follow the rules of procedure. Laser treatment of tooth or cyst granulomas is possible only if the neoplasm is not more than 5 mm.

Therapy with electromagnetic rays is conservative, since it affects the affected tooth. First, the oral cavity is examined, radiography and preparation are performed. Laser cyst treatment without tooth extraction is carried out as follows:

1. In order for the beam to penetrate into the required area, the tooth is unsealed or a hole is drilled in it. If desired, this procedure is performed under local anesthesia or without it.
2. When the cavity is prepared, a laser emitter is directed into it. The power of the beam is determined by the severity of the pathology. Under the influence of an electromagnetic wave, evaporation of the liquid present in the bag and its destruction are observed. Cauterization of damaged vessels occurs, which reduces the risk of secondary inflammation.

After the cyst is removed, the drilled tooth sections are disinfected, the channels are sealed and sealed. If necessary, perform tooth modeling.

With periodontitis

Therapy is carried out only when the disease is in the initial stage. When a directed electromagnetic flux acts on the gums, the removal of pathogenic microflora is observed, which eliminates inflammation. Periodontitis treatment is performed as follows:

1. The dentist examines the patient’s oral cavity, fixes the level of development of the pathology and prescribes treatment.
2. When a decision is made on the method of performing the operation, a solid plaque is removed above and below the gum of the tooth.
3. Gums and periodontal pockets are treated with a special tool that destroys pathogenic bacteria.
4. After 5-10 minutes, the dental gel must be washed off and all the pockets should be treated with a laser beam. The duration of exposure for each tooth is no more than 2 minutes.

When laser therapy is carried out, the teeth and gums are covered with a thin film that protects periodontal pockets from microorganisms. To achieve maximum results, dentists advise to perform the procedure again after 6 months.

Precaution

Failure to comply with the rules for the use of laser during treatment can harm the patient, so before the procedure you need to find out about the doctor’s qualifications and experience. It is also important that the following requirements are observed:

1. Sunglasses are put on the patient and specialist, which protect the eyes from electromagnetic radiation.
2. During the session in the office should be a bright light.
3. To remove infected fluid, saliva ejector and cofferdam are used for cooling.

During pregnancy and for children

Many are of the opinion that during pregnancy it is necessary to abandon dental treatment. This is due to the high susceptibility of women, insufficient study of the effects of the laser on the health of mothers and children.

Use a laser in the treatment of diseases of the teeth and gums can be for children from 7 years. In this situation, therapy has some features:

1. Treatment is allowed only at the initial stage of the disease.
2. The equipment must have a radiation power regulator.
3. Due to the gentle action of the laser, anesthetics do not need to be used, so the procedure can also be carried out with children who are highly sensitive to different drugs.

These are all the features of the procedures. Otherwise, they do not differ from the treatment of adult patients.

Cost

Laser dental treatment in Moscow and other cities is performed in dental clinics. At the same time, the cost of such therapy far exceeds the amount that would have been spent using classical methods:

1. Whitening 1 jaw costs 8.5-11 thousand rubles.
2. Sterilization of 1 periodontal pocket - 250-380 rubles.
3. Treatment of alveolitis - 900-1100 rubles.
4. Therapy of periodontitis of 1-3 teeth - 1700-2000 rubles.
5. The price of laser tooth cyst treatment is 1500-1800 rubles.

At the same time, the cost in different clinics may vary. And the maximum price for laser cyst treatment without tooth extraction is about 1800 rubles. Although the cost of therapy is high, the effect of it is positive.