Each type of laser has specific biological effects and procedures associated with them. Diode lasers are a type of soft tissue laser. If you've ever used a laser pointer, diode lasers work in a similar way. They are generally compact in size and very affordable, making them a major attraction in the world of dentistry.
Diode lasers are used in laser teeth whitening, channel printing, gingivectomies, and more. Intraoral soft tissue procedures are their primary use and can encompass a wide range of procedures in this category. Dental professionals use hard tissue or soft tissue lasers, depending on the treatment. Some will use both types if treatment allows.
Knowing what laser dentistry is will help you better understand why dentists use it to treat patients. This type of dentistry uses a dental laser that produces narrow and efficient beams of light to remove or alter hard and soft tissues in the mouth. The two main types of lasers that dentists use during laser procedures are hard-tissue lasers and soft-tissue lasers. Each laser uses a different wavelength that makes it suitable for cutting that specific type of tissue.
This works because each type of fabric absorbs the wavelengths of light in different ways. By altering the wavelength of light (and sometimes the pulse), scientists have discovered how to create lasers with wavelengths of light compatible with tissues in the mouth. You know that laser dentistry can be used for a variety of procedures, from fillings to periodontal treatments, but you're not sure how to select a dentist. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved laser dentistry as a treatment option for several dental conditions.
You can also ask your insurance provider for recommendations and ask friends and family who have had positive experiences with laser dentistry. Laser treatments like these can vary in price, depending on the procedure being performed and the laser equipment used. If you've ever had non-laser gum surgery, you can expect that your post-operative experience after laser dentistry will likely be smoother. Dentists choose laser dentistry because of the many benefits that make procedures run smoothly and also reduce patient discomfort and healing time.
Laser dentistry potentially offers a more comfortable treatment option for a number of dental procedures involving hard or soft tissue compared to drills and other non-laser tools. Popular sources of education are dental schools and dental associations, as well as the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD). Although dental lasers have existed for decades, the expensive equipment and limitations of each device have prevented some dentists from investing in them. Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive option when faced with gum surgery, tooth decay treatment, or other oral problems.
Before your dentist can perform a dental laser treatment, you must receive training for each specific dental laser device. Laser dentistry is a popular method of dental care that people find less painful or more effective than traditional methods. Laser dentistry is sometimes ideal for children who feel anxious or fearful when having dental treatment.