Laser Technology in Dentistry: How Revolutionary is It?

Since its introduction in the field in 1961, the role of laser technology has been growing in importance in the field of dentistry. Laser detectors are useful in fluorescence pickups. In relation to dentistry, you may doubt the validity of this fact. The truth is fluorescence, which, in other words, is merely a flashing light, characterizes bacterial decay.

Locating fluorescence with laser detectors is effective with absolute accuracy in picking up specific dental infections. Read the following parts of this article to help you better understand the role of Laser technology in dental diagnosis.

Detecting decay

Laser technology is extremely efficient in caries (tooth decay) detection. Such decreases are caused by the presence of microbes, which send off the fluoresce, which the laser detectors, in turn, pick up. Laser detectors are usually used to detect degradation of the tooth when visual inspection alone is not sufficient for that purpose.

Dr. Joel M. White, a professor at the UCSF School of Dentistry, says- ‘They (laser detectors) are an ideal addition to oral exams that may be missed by visual inspection alone, helping to distinguish caries (tooth decay).’

These often allow conditions to be tracked from one visit to the next, to assess if decay is “arrested” or “progressive” and therefore at what point care is really required. Hence, laser technology not only helps to detect caries, it is also helpful in identifying the disease.

Locating calculus

Calculus is a type of calcified bacterial plaque, or most commonly known as \”tartar.\” These are hard substances, and their removal involves gum therapy as they form under the gums. Even finding them under the surface could be extremely difficult due to their shape, and conventional methods of detection would require a lot of removal of tissue. However, laser detectors can locate the calculus accurately and thus, aid in their diagnosis before the condition can get worse.

Early oral cancer detection

Recent developments in laser technology have taken place. One is the development of lasers that fluoresce soft oral tissues. This has contributed to a breakthrough in laser technology in the early phase detection of oral cancer.

This is possible because a dentist can identify cancer cells and even irregular tissue by means of these laser devices by sensing whether or not they shine. As a result, today laser technology does not only aid in the early detection of cancer, but also in tissue detection in its pre-cancer phases.

Precision in diagnosis is the major reason why dentists are striving to avail of this technology. Imagine detecting oral issues at the earliest, and even being able to locate them precisely. Thankfully, this is a reality now. You can avail of laser dentistry in Plantation FL. Click here to know more.