DENTAL LASER

DENTAL LASER

First introduced in 1960 by Theodore H. Maiman , laser is an acronym for '  Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation'. From then on it has developed day by day and  now lasers are being extensively used  in the field of dentistry.
A dental laser is type of laser instrument that are used in dentistry. Several variants of dental laser are used with different wavelengths according to their different applications. Dentists are using laser for
caries prevention , bleaching, restorative  removal and curing , dentinal hypersensitivity , removal of hyperplastic tissue  , photostimulation of herpetic lesion.


HOW LASER WORKS?

The laser light is delivered from the laser to the target tissue via fiberoptic cables , hollowwave guide or articulated arm. Focusing lenses,  cooling system and other controls complete the system. All laser works by delivering energy in the form of light. When the laser is absorbed , it elevates the temperature and produces a photochemical effect depending on the water content of the tissues. Different laser wavelength have different absoption coefficients​. When used for surgical and dental procedures , laser acts as a cutting instrument or vaporizer of tissue that comes in contact with. And when used for teeth whitening, the laser acts as a heat source and enhances the effect of tooth bleaching agents.


TYPES OF LASER

1. CARBON DIOXIDE LASER :
     This laser have a wavelength of a very high affinity for water , which results in rapid removal of soft tissues and hemostasis with a very shallow depth of penetration.

2. NEODYMIUM YTTRIUM ALUMINUM  GARNET LASER ( Nd : YAG)
    It has a very high absorption by the pigmented tissues which makes it very effective for cutting and coagulating dental soft tissues.

3. ERBIUM LASER :
     This laser is a choice for treatment​ of dental hard tissues because of its wavelength that have the high affinity for hydroxyapatite and highest absorption of water.

4. DIODE LASER :
     It have a wavelength ranging from 810 nm to 980 nm and are poorly absorbed by the soft tissues. But the distal end of the diode glass fibre is charred which in turn​ heats up the glass fibre tip. The soft tissue is cut with the hot charred glass tip and not by the laser beam. 

      
USE OF DENTAL LASER
1.  For aesthetic gingival re-contouring and crown lengthening
2.  For exposure of unerupted and partially erupted tooth.
3.  Frenectomies.
4.  Post herpetic neuralgia and apthous ulcer.
5.  Wound healing
6.  Photoactivated dye disinfection using laser.
7.  Photodynamic therapies for malignancy
8.  Removal of tissues
9.  Cavity preparation and restoration
10. Etching
11. Dentinal hypersensitivity
12. Tooth whitening
13. Post surgical pain
14. Nerve repair and regeneration
15. Curettage


BENEFITS OF DENTAL LASER
1. Reduces anxiety in patients.
2. Reduces morbidity after surgery.
3. May cause less pain in some instances which reduces the need for anesthesia.
4. Minimize bleeding and swelling after surgery.
5. Preserves more healthy tooth during cavity preparation.

DISADVANTAGES OF DENTAL LASER
1. Drills still be needed to shape and polish the filling.
2. Do not eliminate the need of anesthesia.
3. Tends to be more expensive.
4. Lasers cant be used with fillings already in place.


COST OF LASER
The cost of laser ranges from $ 4,000 to  $ 130,000 that is approx Rs. 2, 91, 000 to Rs 94,62,000 in indian currency.


CONCLUSION

Laser technology had a several decades of development and in future growth is expected making laser an important and essential component in dental practice.

                    

                        DR. ANJUSHA SHARDA

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