Laser Dentistry & Dental Tourism
Since 1994 laser dentistry has been more and more widely used to treat dental problems in endodontic therapy. The most common laser procedure, colloquially called laser root canal treatment, aims to eliminate the infection and clean the pulp of a tooth. Research on lasers for application in dentistry is an expanding territory with a great deal of potential and a growing market demand.
Some other promising dental solutions in laser dentistry are:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Biopsy
- Lesion removal
- Teeth whitening
Laser dentistry cost can vary enormously depending on the treatment and the dental clinic it is conducted at. Expenses can range between $4,000 and $50,000, so it is advisable to leaf through your dental insurance policy and check its stance on laser dentistry.
Laser Dentistry Procedure
How does laser dentistry work? By delivering energy in the form of light, the laser acts as a sharp cutting instrument or vaporizer of tissue. When performing laser root canal treatment for instance, the laser helps to eliminate the infection quite thoroughly.
For dental whitening procedures, the laser heats-up and enhances the effect of the bleaching agents used. When performing fillings, the laser strengthens the bond of the new filling with the tooth.
Despite the fact that the American Dental Association (ADA) has not yet granted the Seal of Acceptance to any laser system, a large number of people have benefited from laser dentistry. Compared to traditional procedures laser dentistry:
- Causes less pain and reduces the need for anesthesia
- Reduces anxiety
- Minimizes bleeding and swelling
- Preserves healthy teeth during cavity removal
Laser dentistry cons are related to the narrow range of problems treated with lasers. Another big flaw of laser dentistry is the cost of specific procedures, compared to traditional procedures like dental drill. For a standard drill for instance, which is about $600, laser dentistry charges more than double the price.
Laser Root Canal Treatment
One of the fields in which laser dentistry has become prevalent is laser root canal cleaning. It is a delicate treatment, as the dental specialist has to clean out and sterilize all bacteria from the tooth root until the nerve canal. As we know, bacteria can mutate, multiply and become toxic after the treatment thus multiple sessions are always necessary.
For cleaning purposes, calcium hydroxide has been widely used, but the hidden places inside the tubules of the tooth nerve always challenge dentists. Laser root canal uses parallel beams to clean the roots and to melt debris (smear layer) more efficiently in less time.
