Diverse dental procedures benefit from laser dentistry, such as addressing hypersensitivity, treating tooth decay, managing gum disease, and teeth whitening. The use of lasers can enhance the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and comfort of dental treatments. While the FDA has approved laser dentistry for various dental conditions, it's important to note that the American Dental Association (ADA) has not yet done so, although they are optimistic about the field's potential.

How are laser treatments performed?

Laser dentistry encompasses two primary types of procedures: hard tissue and soft tissue procedures. Hard tissue procedures involve the teeth, while soft tissue procedures target the gums.

Common hard tissue procedures using lasers include:

• Cavity detection: Lasers are capable of early detection of cavities by identifying signs of tooth decay.
• Tooth preparations and dental fillings: Laser treatments often eliminate the need for local anesthesia and traditional drills. They can also eradicate bacteria within a cavity, contributing to the long-term health of the tooth.
• Treating tooth sensitivity: Dental lasers can treat teeth sensitive to hot and cold by sealing tubules on the tooth’s root.

Common soft tissue procedures using lasers include:

• Treating a “gummy smile”: Laser technology is employed to reshape gum tissue associated with a “gummy smile,” where excessive gum length covers a significant portion of the tooth.
• Crown lengthening: This procedure involves reshaping both gum tissue and bone to enhance the health of the tooth structure, aiding in the placement of dental restorations.
• Treating tongue frenulum attachment: Laser frenectomy is beneficial for individuals with a thick or tight frenulum, a fold of skin under the front part of the tongue that attaches to the mouth floor. This treatment helps children who are tongue-tied due to a restricted frenulum, leading to difficulties in breastfeeding or speech impediments.
• Removing soft tissue folds: Lasers can eliminate soft tissue folds caused by poorly fitting dentures without the need for sutures or causing pain.

Other laser procedures include:

• Viewing tissues: Optical coherence tomography allows safe visualization inside tooth or gum tissue.
• Removing benign tumors: Pain- and suture-free removal of tumors from the palate, gums, and sides of the lips and cheeks.
• Treating obstructive sleep apnea: Reshaping the throat to alleviate breathing issues caused by tissue overgrowth in the throat.
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment: Reducing pain and inflammation in the joint.
• Nerve regeneration: Assisting in the regeneration of damaged blood vessels, nerves, and scars.
• Treating cold sores: Minimizing healing time and pain from cold sores.
• Teeth whitening: Accelerating the bleaching process during teeth-whitening sessions.

The costs of these laser treatments can vary depending on the procedure and equipment used. They may be less expensive than non-laser treatments since laser procedures are often completed in fewer sessions. However, dental insurance reimbursement typically depends on the treatment itself rather than the method used. It's advisable to inquire about your specific policy beforehand for accurate information on compensation.