Hard and Soft Tissue Dental Lasers

There are two main types of dental lasers, hard tissue and soft tissue. Each laser uses a different wavelength that makes it suitable for cutting this type of tissue. This happens because each type of tissue absorbs the wavelength of the light beam differently.

 

Hard Tissue Dental Lasers

Hard tissue lasers are mainly used on teeth. The wavelength of these lasers can specifically cut the calcium phosphate found in the bones and teeth. These lasers can precisely cut the tooth by removing small parts of it for the purpose of shaping or preparing it for other dental procedures. Hard tissue lasers are used in the following cases:

  • Cavity detection. Lasers can trace a cavity when it is still in the early stage, detecting signs of caries.
  • Treatment of dental hypersensitivity. Teeth that are sensitive to heat and cold can be cured, as lasers seal the tubes at the roots of the teeth.
  • Cavity preparation. Local anesthetics and traditional drills can often be avoided with the use of lasers. Lasers can kill bacteria in a cavity, leading to long-term dental health.

 

 

Soft Tissue Dental Lasers

Soft tissue lasers use a wavelength of light, which hemoglobin and water of dental tissues can easily absorb. Hemoglobin is the molecule found in the blood that makes soft tissue lasers ideal for gum treatments. Some soft tissue lasers are diode lasers, a type of continuous wave laser. These are perfect for cutting soft tissues and at the same time sealing exposed blood vessels. This is why there is not much bleeding during a laser treatment and the wound heals faster. Soft tissue lasers are ideal for aesthetic dentistry because they offer immediately visible results. They can be used in the following cases:

  • Smile reshaping. Excessive gingival display has as a result what is known as “gummy smile”. A treatment with soft tissue lasers can bring back your attractive smile.
  • Crown lengthening. This procedure reshapes both the gum tissue and the bones for a healthier tooth structure, which helps in the placement of dental restorations.
  • Lingual frenectomy. Patients who have restricted or tight lingual frenulum (a band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue with the floor of the mouth) can benefit from lingual frenectomy with laser. This treatment is especially helpful for children who, due to ankyloglossia, have difficulty breastfeeding or articulating words.
  • Soft Tissue Folds (Epulis) removing. Lasers can remove folds created by misplaced dentures without pain and sutures.

 

Other laser procedures include:

  • Removal of benign tumors. Lasers can remove tumors from the palate, gums and sides of the lips and cheeks without pain and sutures.
  • Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. Lasers can reshape the throat and relieve related respiratory problems when sleep apnea is caused by excessive growth of tissue in the throat.
  • TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment. Lasers can help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
  • Nerve regeneration. Lasers can help regenerate damaged blood vessels, nerves and scars.
  • Teeth whitening. The whitening process in the dentist’s office is achieved with the use of laser.