Soft-tissue lasers have been used in dentistry for over a dozen years to trim gums and growths around the mouth. But these soft-tissue lasers couldn’t replace the use of needles and drills for fillings. Hard-tissue lasers, emerging from Japan, however, have made this dental dream a reality. Hard-tissue lasers use light to scan for water in the tooth, the excess of which indicates disease in the structure.
The laser itself makes no sound and is invisible; patients don’t have to listen to the high-pitched whine or grinding sound of a drill.
“We recognized the potential the laser could bring to our practice,” said Dr. Wilson. “The comfort of our patients is important to us, and this no shot, no drill option makes it easier than ever.”
Dr. Wilson, who was one of the first users of hard-tissue lasers in Alabama, and who teaches other dentists about the use of lasers in dentistry, is one of the leaders in a small but growing group of dentists across the nation who have added the hard-tissue laser to their practice.
Dr. Wilson asserts that lasers are the future of dentistry and will soon replace needles and drills, just like pulley-driven drills were replaced by high-powered electric drills in the 1950s. He said that, aside from the psychological benefits, a laser is more precise than a drill. It removes only the diseased part of the tooth. A drill bores out the healthy tissue as well. Additionally, the surface of the tooth is better prepared to hold the adhesive that binds the filling to the tooth. A laser leaves behind a rough, dimpled surface, whereas a drilled tooth is smoother and doesn’t allow for as strong of a bond.
Dr. Wilson also said that much of the public is still unaware that fillings by laser are possible. “We hope to educate more of the community so they can benefit from no-anesthesia dentistry.”
“Safety is always a big concern for patients, especially parents,” Dr. Wilson added. “And part of educating the public is to also dispel misconceptions about dental lasers.”
Dr. Wilson explained that some people are concerned should the laser miss a tooth it could burn them; that’s a common misconception.
When the laser’s wavelength is set for hard-tissue use, it only affects the tooth structure, leaving other parts of the mouth unaffected. The laser will not interact with gum tissue unless it is specifically set to do so by the dentist. The beam of light emitted by the laser destroys only tooth decay, and cannot accidentally harm nor “burn” you as many people fear. In fact, it can even be moved back and forth across a hand at close range to demonstrate there are no adverse effects.
“Everyone is receptive to the idea of replacing a shot and drill with something more pleasant,” said Dr. Wilson. “We’ve been very pleased to note how much adding hard-tissue lasers to our practice has helped make our patients happier, and more comfortable.”
For some dental procedures such as root canals and crowns, Dr. Wilson points out that anesthesia continues to have its place for assuring patient comfort. Likewise, he mentioned that old silver restorations cannot be removed with laser dentistry. “But for those patients needing a dental filling or other such procedure,” Dr. Wilson notes, “the benefits can be tremendous.”
Dr. Wilson has used the laser in over 25,000 cases. “Patients love it,” he said. “Many people are afraid of the needle and drill, and it keeps them away from good dental care. Lasers are helping us to overcome those fears.”
