Some technologies are directly out of a sci-fi movie, especially lasers. If you can recall, many movies visioned a future that extensively used lasers in weapons and fancy gadgets. However, let us break it for you, the future with laser technology is way better and exciting than anticipated. One such example is the use of lasers in general dentistry to treat cavities.
Why are we so pumped about the use of lasers? This is because now dentists can treat cavities without using noisy drills. Hence, laser therapy can emerge as an alternative for those who get unsettled at the sight of a drill, especially children.
What Are Cavities And How Do Dentists Treat Them?
Cavities are dental bugs that invade your tooth, and once they cling to the tooth, it’s quite an arduous task to get rid of them. You can recognize cavities by their infamous blackish-brown spot on your perfectly white teeth. In the initial stages, it’s possible to defend your tooth and drive invaders out by practicing top-notch oral hygiene.
However, if cavities dig deep, you will need professional aid. Mainly, dentists treat cavities by drilling in the tooth and then scooping out the diseased parts of the tooth. Afterward, the dentist will sterilize the chasm and then fill the hole with a bonding agent followed by a dental filling. However, if the cavities have reached far, then dentists resort to some severe measures such as crown replacement or root canal.
How Does Laser Therapy Fits The Picture And Used To Treat Cavities?
Laser therapy is used mainly in an initial stage treatment when the cavities are limited to the enamel or dentin. This is because the laser can damage the tooth’s pulp.
A laser is a concentrated beam of electrons that carries energy and discharges it once the beam strikes the target. Hence, when dentists point it at cavities, the laser obliterates them out of existence. Consequently, leaving the area sterile and free of cavities. Afterward, the dentist proceeds by the standard protocol of placing a dental filling.
Laser therapy makes the whole process quick and easy, which benefits both the patient and the dentist. The procedure is almost painless, especially if the dentist uses a water-based laser
system that keeps the tooth hydrated. As a result, laser therapy also mitigates the use of anesthesia.
Too Good To Be True?
Laser therapy does feel like an ideal treatment for cavities; however, it might just fall short of our expectations. For example, lasers cannot be used on a tooth with a dental filling in place. However, the primary hindrance laser therapy faces are technology and expertise. The laser setup requires a high capital investment by the dentist. Furthermore, dentists who are willing to use lasers in their practice must undertake additional training to use the apparatus effectively. Hence, due to high capital cost and training, the use of laser therapy is still limited.
Nonetheless, regular checkup to this date remains the easiest way to combat cavities. Therefore, give Angleton Family Dental a visit for a complete checkup, or you can call us at 979-308-4450 to book an appointment.
