Lasers in general in dentistry

1. Laser in Dentistry
Ibrahim Jalal Mohammed
Prosthodontics Department

2.  It is a device that emits light through a process of optical amplification based on the
stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation.

3.  The potential for laser dentistry to
improve dental procedures rests by
allowing for treatment of a highly
specific area of focus without
damaging surrounding tissues.

4. 1. Diagnosis
 Detection of pulp vitality by usage of Doppler Flowmetry.
2. Hard Tissue Applications
 Caries removal and cavity preparation.
 Re-contouring of bone (crown lengthening).
 Endodontic (root canal preparation ,sterilization and Apicectomy).
 Laser etching.

5. 3. Soft Tissue Applications
 Laser-assisted soft tissue curettage and
peri-apical surgery.
 Bacterial decontamination.
 Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty.
 Gingival retraction for impressions.
 Implant exposure.
 Biopsy incision and excision.
 Treatment of aphthous ulcers and Oral
lesion therapy.
 Hemostasis.
 Laser-assisted flap surgery.
 Removal of granulation tissue.
 Operculectomy and Vestibuloplasty.
 Incisions and draining of abscesses.
 Removal of hyperplastic tissues and
Fibroma.

6. 4. Laser-induced analgesia
 Laser light energy can stimulate nerve regeneration, relax muscles, accelerate
healing in damaged tissues, and reduce inflammation and pain.
5. And others like:
 Removal of root canal filling material and fractured instrument
 Softening gutta-percha
 Removal of moisture/drying of canal

7.  A Soft tissue laser used effectively
in treating patients with oral
lesions.
 Oral indications are: a. Excision of
pre-malignant lesions b.
Excision/biopsy c.
Hemiglossectomy.
 Disadvantages: a. Cornea at risk
b. Hemostasis may not be
adequate on very vascular area
(posterior tongue).

8.  A soft tissue laser Can be
combined with CO2
 Oral indications:
a. Coagulation of very vascular
lesions or near major blood
vessel.
b. Excision in vascular areas such as
posterior tongue.
c. Gingivectomy.
d. Frenectomy .

9.  Less pain in some instances
(reducing the need for anesthesia).
 Reduce anxiety in patients
uncomfortable with the use of the
dental drill.
 Minimize bleeding (high-energy
beam photocoagulation) and
swelling.
 Reduce bacterial infections
(sterilizes the area being worked
on).
 Preserve more healthy tooth
during cavity treatment.

10. They can’t be used on teeth with
fillings that are already in place.
Traditional drills may still be
needed to shape the filling, adjust
the bite, and polish the filling even
when a laser is used.
Do not eliminate the need for
anesthesia.
 More expensive since the cost of
the laser is much higher.

11. Implantology