What is a laser cavity filling and how does it work?
First of all, there are different types of lasers. Some lasers are specifically designed for soft tissue, such as your gums and muscles, while others are designed for hard tissue. There are also lasers that can be used on both, with different settings for soft tissue and hard tissue, like cavities in your tooth.
There are many manufacturers that claim their laser can be used for fillings, but in reality, there is one laser on the market today that stands out because it actually works very well for this purpose: a CO2 laser. The Solea laser, made by Convergent Dental, is one of the most versatile lasers available right now.
The way it works is that a laser light beam is directed into the cavity of the tooth. When the laser is applied to the enamel for about 40 seconds, the nerve inside the tooth becomes dormant, or “goes to sleep,” so the dentist can even drill afterward, and the patient typically doesn’t feel anything. Because of that, anesthetic is often not needed. About 99.9% of people don’t feel pain. At most, you may feel a little cold sensation, similar to the feeling of eating ice cream. Water is also used to help cool the tooth, so it doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Overall, it’s a much easier and lighter experience than getting a filling done with a traditional burr.
How does laser technology differ from traditional methods?
Traditionally, you would usually need an injection for a filling. With a laser, you often don’t, because the tooth becomes dormant and the dentist can clean out the decay and place the filling painlessly.
Another big difference is how the tooth structure is cut. With a traditional handpiece and burr, the instrument has to physically touch the tooth to remove material. With a laser, it’s different because it uses a light beam. The dentist shines the laser on the area that needs to be cleaned, and the laser removes the decay more gently. That is one of the major differences between the two methods.
Are there any disadvantages of using the laser for cavity fillings?
There are really no major disadvantages to using a laser for cavity fillings. In fact, it can be more conservative. A traditional burr is a certain size, so when you cut with it, you may remove parts of the tooth that don’t necessarily need to be removed.
With a laser, the dentist can remove only the damaged area without having to create a specific box shape. That means more healthy tooth structure is preserved. If the decay doesn’t go very deep, the dentist doesn’t need to go deeper than necessary, and that can help the filling bond better and last longer.
Why might someone choose laser fillings?
If you have a cavity, you need a filling, and you can choose whether to have it done the traditional way or with a laser. Why a doctor chooses one method over another often depends on what tools they have available. If a dentist has a laser, it can be one of the best and easiest ways to achieve a good outcome for the patient, so they may choose to use it.
What is the process of filling cavities with laser?
If a person has a cavity, anesthetic may not be needed. The main precaution is wearing special protective glasses, because it is still a laser beam, and eye protection is important. The dentist then shines the laser into the decayed area for about 40 seconds, cleans everything out, and places the filling, bonding it the usual way. According to Dr. Dan, this can help the filling last longer than the regular method.
Do laser fillings last as long as traditional fillings?
They can even outlast traditional fillings, especially for certain dental patients who may be better suited for laser fillings.
Are there specific dental patients who are better suited for dental fillings with laser?
Yes. Laser fillings can be especially helpful for children, since many children are nervous about dental treatment and may be scared by the sound of the handpiece. With a laser, the experience is very different. There is no loud drilling noise, only some beeping sounds. The same is true for adults who are anxious about dental procedures. If they need fillings, laser treatment may be the best choice for them. That said, anyone who needs a filling may be able to have it done with a laser.
What is the cost of dental cavity filling done with laser versus the traditional way?
Usually, there is no extra charge. Whether the filling is done with a laser or the traditional method, the fee is the same, so there is no additional out-of-pocket cost.
Are dental laser fillings available in all dental locations, or is it specific to certain clinics?
According to Dr. Dan, based on what he was told by the representative who sold him the machine, there were no other dentists in Queens offering this particular laser at the time, and his office had already had the machine for four years. He mentioned that a few practices in Manhattan and Brooklyn also had it, but in Queens, his office appeared to be the only one.
Want to learn more? Call Steinway Family Dental Center at (929) 238-9944 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.