Laser Dentistry in Byford

Some people are surprised by how much lasers can actually do and how far they advance medicine in general. In dentistry, there are a few types of lasers, and they are used for different purposes.

1. Erbium Lasers
   An erbium laser is a type of hard tissue laser. In dentistry, there are two types which are classified by the type of crystal they’re powered by and their wavelength. Contrary to traditional dental tools, these hard tissue lasers reduce vibrations and noise. These machines can prepare enamel and bone, among other things. By using lasers instead of high-speed dental tools, there is usually less anesthesia and faster healing since there is less trauma to the mouth.
   
   
2. Carbon Dioxide Lasers
   CO2 lasers are excellent for removing soft tissue quickly. The problem is that it tends to be expensive, bulky, and can damage hard tissue. In contrast, it allows for minimal tissue penetration, which results in a quicker procedure.
   
   
3. Diode Lasers
   A diode laser is a type of soft tissue laser. Diode lasers work much like laser pointers. Dentists tend to like them because they’re compact, affordable, and easy to use. Laser teeth whitening, impression troughing, gingivectomies, and other dental procedures make use of diode lasers. They are primarily used for intraoral soft tissue procedures, and they can cover a wide range of procedures in this area.

A dental laser produces a very small beam of concentrated light waves, which determines its accuracy and precision. The way lasers work is another reason they are so safe and precise. In any hard or soft tissue, dental lasers target water atoms, and in decaying tissue, more water atoms are present than in healthy tissue. This means that your little one’s mouth will not be damaged by the laser.

Dental lasers seal off nerve endings as they cut because they are made of a concentrated beam of light. This way, pain during the procedure is reduced, and it feels like a spray of water in your mouth. By cauterizing while they cut, dental lasers also reduce swelling and bleeding complications after the treatment.

• There may be a decrease in the need for sutures.
• The laser reduces bleeding in soft tissues because it promotes clotting.
• Anesthesia may not be necessary in some cases.
• Laser sterilization reduces the risk of bacterial infections.
• The body can regenerate tissue, so wounds can heal faster.
• Less damage may be done to the surrounding tissue.

Lasers are generally considered safe in dentistry, but certain risks can occur if precautions are not taken. Here are a few of them:

• Risk to eyes.
  Lasers can cause injuries or damage to the eyes. Laser light burns the structures of the eyes when it comes into direct contact with them. Consequently, the eyes are scarred, and vision is distorted.
  
  
• Risk to skin.
  Lasers can cause skin burns in rare cases due to the high optical power concentration.
  
  
• Risk of damage to other tooth structures.
  When laser irradiated on teeth and diseased gums, the dental pulp (innermost layer of the tooth) and underlying bone may be damaged.
  
  
• Inhalation of laser plume or byproducts.
  A chemical mixture is emitted, known as a laser plume when laser light is applied to tissues. There is harmful carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and organic material in the laser plume. Breathing in these materials can result in nausea and difficulty breathing.

The cost of a laser-tissue dental procedure depends on the procedure. Teeth whitening is a common procedure and it is important to speak with a dentist before undergoing laser teeth whitening since the cost depends on individual circumstances. Prices may range between $300- $500 per tooth with laser teeth whitening. We recommend visiting our dental clinic for a teeth whitening consultation. Your dentist will confirm the cost of your procedure after evaluating your smile.

Laser gum therapy may seem expensive, but it does not have to be. Although the cost of laser surgery varies, it is typically comparable to traditional cut-and-sew surgery. Depending on how many areas you need to be seen to, laser gum treatment can cost up to $1,000 in Western Australia. However, a definite cost will be given during your consultation with our dentist.

You may be able to get laser dentistry covered by your health fund. Due to the way dental insurance works, it covers specific dental procedures regardless of how they are performed.

It’s a matter of procedure, not technique. Dental insurance covers treatments, such as fillings or periodontal treatments, whether lasers or other methods are used. In order to determine if your treatments are covered, it is recommended that you clarify what procedures your policy covers.