What is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry that uses lasers to treat a variety of dental conditions. Lasers are highly focused beams of light that can be used to remove or reshape tissue in the mouth. Laser dentistry can be used for both hard and soft tissue procedures,making it a versatile tool for dental professionals. There are several benefits to using lasers in dentistry. Lasers are minimally invasive and often result in less bleeding and discomfort than traditional dental procedures. Lasers can also be used to reduce the need for anesthesia in some cases.
Some common applications of laser dentistry include:
Treatment of Gum Disease: Lasers can be used to remove infected or diseased gum tissue, promoting healing and reducing the risk of further damage.
Cavity Removal: Lasers can be used to remove decayed tooth material and prepare the tooth for a filling or other restoration.
Teeth Whitening: Lasers can be used to activate a whitening solution, resulting in a brighter, more youthful-looking smile.
Biopsy: Lasers can be used to remove a small sample of tissue from the mouth for examination.
Reshaping of the Gums: Lasers can be used to reshape the gums to improve the appearance of a gummy smile or to correct uneven gum lines. High-tech X-rays in the form of digitized X-rays are being increasingly used in dental offices, replacing traditional radiographs. This new technology is more efficient and faster, as an electronic sensor or phosphor plate is placed in the patient’s mouth to capture the image, which is then relayed or scanned to a computer. The digital images can be stored and compared to previous or future images to monitor dental health. The radiation dose is significantly reduced because the sensor and phosphor plates are more sensitive to X-rays than film.
Digital X-rays also have other uses besides detecting cavities, including examining the bone below the teeth to determine the level of support and checking the placement of implants. They also help endodontists to ensure that root canals have been performed correctly.
Lasers for Tooth Cavity Detection In traditional dentistry :- Dentists typically use an instrument called an explorer to find cavities by poking around in the mouth during a checkup. If the explorer & quot; sticks in a tooth, they investigate further for decay. However, many dentists are now adopting a higher-tech option for detecting tooth decay – the diode laser. This advanced tool allows dentists to compare the levels of decay at subsequent visits or advise on removing the cavity and filling the tooth. When a diode laser is used on healthy teeth, they do not glow or fluoresce, resulting in low readings on the digital display.
On the other hand, decayed teeth emit fluorescence in proportion to the amount of decay, leading to higher readings on the display. Its important to note that the diode laser may not work as effectively on teeth that already have fillings, but for other teeth, it could enable earlier detection of cavities. Its also worth mentioning that diode lasers do not replace X-rays; they are effective in detecting decay in grooves on the chewing surface, while bitewing X-rays are useful for detecting decay between and inside teeth.
CAD/CAM technology is a dental technology that utilizes computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacture. This technology can help reduce the number of dental visits required for certain procedures such as crowns and bridges. Traditionally, a dentist would make a mold of the tooth and create a temporary crown while waiting for a dental laboratory to create a permanent one. CAD/CAM technology helps a computer to take a picture of the tooth after it has been drilled to prepare for the crown, and this image is used by a machine to create the permanent crown right in the dental office. This process can save patients time and make dental care more efficient.
Artificial intelligence:- The integration of A.I. algorithms in dentistry can enable clinicians to make better clinical decisions and find the most suitable treatment modalities for their patients. With access to health data and genomic information, A.I. tools can instantly offer personalized treatment options with probabilities of success. In addition, A.I.-based algorithms can help specialists better diagnose dental conditions, such as using machine learning to quantify immune cells in the vicinity of oral cancer cells or neural networks to detect dental decay and periodontal disease from radiographs.
Smart toothbrushes are becoming increasingly popular in the market, with advanced features like sensors, timers, and connectivity to mobile apps. These toothbrushes can track your brushing habits and provide real-time feedback on areas that need more attention. They can also remind you when its time to replace the brush head or schedule a dental appointment. Some smart toothbrushes even have built-in cameras to show you the inside of your mouth and provide personalized oral care recommendations. With the rise of Internet of Things (IoT)technology, smart toothbrushes are expected to become a staple in every bathroom, helping people maintain better oral health and prevent dental problems.
Augmented Reality (AR) has become a familiar term to many, often associated with popular social media apps that use the technology to add filters to photos and videos. However, AR has also found practical applications in dentistry for both educational and clinical purposes. In reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, AR technology has been used to help patients visualize what they will look like after treatment.
Companies like SmartTek and Kapanu have developed AR apps that use a phone or tablet camera to superimpose virtual depictions of an improved set of teeth before the procedure. This allows patients and dentists to customize features such as tooth height and spacing to their liking before starting the actual treatment.
Virtual Reality (VR) is being increasingly used in dentistry for both education and clinical applications. VR provides an immersive experience to the user by completely blocking out the outside world with a dedicated headset. Students and dental surgeons can use VR to simulate procedures and improve their skills in a controlled, virtual environment. Nobel Biocare was the first to record a dental surgery through VR in 2015, and the technology has been used to help dentists improve their empathy skills through simulations that put them in the shoes of theirpatients or in challenging situations.
On the patient side, VR has shown promise in reducing dental anxiety. In one study, patients wore VR goggles displaying calming natural scenes and remembered their treatments more positively afterward. VR tools like OperaVR can be used to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. With VR technology, dental surgeries can also be streamed globally to allow medical students to virtually assist in procedures from the surgeon’s perspective.
Laser Dentistry represents a groundbreaking advancement in dental care, revolutionizing traditional procedures with its precision and effectiveness. Its minimally invasive nature enhances patient comfort and accelerates recovery.