LASERS IN DENTISTRY
In 1960 s Maiman developed the first laser prototype based on Albert Einstein's Theory of spontaneous and stimulated emission of radiation.Dental laser is a type of laser designed specifically for use in dentistry.
Several variants of dental lasers are in use with different wavelengths and these mean they are better suited for different applications.
Dental Laser was first used by Goldman et al and Stern et al with Ruby laser on enamel and dentin.
Principal of working of a Laser
All lasers work by delivering energy in the form of light. When used for surgical and dental procedures, the laser acts as a cutting instrument or a vaporizer of tissue that it comes in contact with. When used for "curing" a filling, the laser helps to strengthen the bond between the filling and the tooth. When used in teeth-whitening procedures, the laser acts as a heat source and enhances the effect of tooth-bleaching agents.
TWO TYPES
1. Lasers for soft tissues
2. Lasers for hard tissues
SOFT TISSUE LASERS
- diode lasers
- carbon dioxide lasers
- Nd-Yag lasers
- Er-Yag lasers
INDICATIONS
. Removal of caries
. Frenectomy
. Gingivectomy
. Gingivoplasty
. De-epithelisation
. Gingival depigmentation
. Incisional and Excitional biopsy
. Removal of granulation tissue
. Aptous ulcer irradiation
second stage exposure of implants
.Coagulation of free gingival graft donor site.
ADVANTAGE
increases wound healing
DISADVANTAGE
high power is required, long target exposure
HARD TISSUE LASERS
- Er:Yag laser
- Er;Cr:Yag laser
Erbium lasers are both hard and soft tissue capable.They can be used for a host of dental procedures, and allow for more procedures to be done without local anesthesia. Erbium lasers can be used for hard tissue procedures like bone cutting and create minimal thermal and mechanical trauma to adjacent tissues. These procedures show an excellent healing response. Soft tissue applications with erbium lasers have rapid healing times with minimal postoperative pain.
Conclusion
Lasers are only an adjunctive tool for mechanical therapy.
Compared to the traditional dental drill, lasers:
- May cause less pain in some instances, so reduces the need for anesthesia.
- May reduce anxiety in patients uncomfortable with the use of the dental drill.
- Minimize bleeding and swelling during soft tissue treatments.
- May preserve more healthy tooth during cavity removal.
by,
DR.RENJU T GEORGE
SIGNAL DENTAL SPECIALITY CLINIC
PALARIVATTOM,COCHIN
INDIA.
