The Origin of Laser Treatments in Dentistry
Laser treatments were introduced to dentistry in the early 90’s and quickly became a topic of great interest. Laser treatments could be used for a range of different procedures, including the reshaping of gums, removal of overgrown tissues and even teeth whitening. The possibilities with laser treatments seemed endless, however, due to the high cost of lasers when they were first introduced, most dental practices chose not to use them, or they came at a great cost to patients.
Laser Dentistry Today
As technology evolved, lasers became more affordable and common in everyday dental treatments. The main benefit of laser treatments is how minimally invasive they are, and the fact that patients rarely need anesthesia when undergoing laser treatments. Nowadays, you can find multiple courses that offer hands-on instruction on when and how to use lasers on your patients, including our own Laser Periodontal Therapy Course.
The Pros & Cons of Laser Dentistry
Although laser treatments seem to be a step towards the future, there are still cons associated with procedures that utilize lasers. Firstly, not all treatments can be performed with a laser, so investing in a laser will not eliminate the need for a dental drill. Secondly, although lasers are more affordable now, than they were in the past, they are still more expensive than traditional treatments. Lastly, procedures that use lasers may take longer to complete than traditional treatments.
However, the pros of laser treatments may possibly outweigh the cons. Firstly, and the most important, is the patient experience. Laser treatments are less invasive and less painful than traditional methods, and can eliminate the need for freezing, as the laser can numb the tooth itself. Secondly, the healing process is better, as the laser does not damage the tissue and has a reduced risk of bleeding during procedures. Lastly, your patients will feel more at ease by reducing the use of the traditional drill, which means smoother procedures for both yourself and your patients.
