Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1990. Lasers can be used as a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of dental procedures and are often used in conjunction with other dental instruments.
There are several advantages to using laser in dentistry . Dentists may not need to use a drill or administer anesthesia in some procedures, allowing the patient to enjoy a more relaxed dental experience. Laser procedures can be more precise. Also, lasers can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional therapies; reduce the amount of bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities; and control bleeding during surgery.

• Tooth decay: Lasers are used to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for receipt of the filling. Lasers are also used to “cure” or harden a filling.
• Gum disease: Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria during root canal procedures.
• Biopsy or lesion removal: Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) and send it for testing to determine if it is cancerous; to remove lesions in the mouth; and relieve the pain of canker sores.
• Teeth whitening: Lasers are used to speed up the in-office teeth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching solution, applied to the tooth surface, is “activated” by laser energy, which speeds up the whitening process.
• Crown Lengthening: Dental lasers can reshape gum tissue (soft tissue laser) and bone (hard tissue laser) to expose healthier tooth structure. Referred to as crown lengthening, such reshaping provides a stronger foundation for the placement of restorations.
• Gummy Smile:Dental lasers can reshape gum tissue to expose healthy tooth structure and improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
• Muscle Attachment (Frenula): A laser frenectomy is an ideal treatment option for children who are tongue tied (restricted or tight frenulum) and babies unable to breast feed adequately due to limited tongue movement. A laser frenectomy may also help to eliminate speech impediments.
• Soft Tissue Folds (Epulis): Dental lasers may be used for the painless and suture-free removal of soft tissue folds often caused by ill-fitting dentures.

Compared with The Traditional Dental Drill, Lasers:
• May cause less pain in some instances, therefore reducing 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 healthier tooth during cavity treatment

The Waterlase iplus Laser from Biolase is available in Charme Polyclinic