Types of Lasers in Dentistry
There are different types of lasers that can be used in dentistry for purposes such as prosthetics, conservative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and surgery. Not all lasers produce the same effects or yield the same results in the various tissues of the oral cavity.
Classification of Lasers by Power
There are two main groups of lasers based on their power:
- Low-power lasers: These have biostimulating, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- High-power lasers: These produce visible physical effects and are used as alternatives to the cold scalpel or conventional rotary instruments.
Effects of Lasers on Tissues
The effects a laser has on tissues vary depending on the temperature reached and may include:
- Transient hyperthermia
- Desiccation
- Coagulation
- Vaporization
- Carbonization
Main Uses of Lasers in Oral Surgery
The main uses of lasers in oral surgery are as follows:
- Upper and lower labial frenula or lingual frenulum.
- Excision of papillomas, fibromas, diapneusias, mucoceles, angiofibromas, fibrous hyperplasias, epulis, granulomas, and angiomas.
- Gingivectomy and crown lengthening.
- Vestibuloplasty with grafting or secondary healing.
- Mandibular or palatal torus exostoses.
- In periapical surgery for curettage, osteotomy, apicoectomy, or the creation of retrograde cavities.
- In implantology for second-stage procedures or the treatment of peri-implant mucositis.
- Odontosection and osteotomy during the extraction of impacted teeth.
- For the excision of premalignant lesions, provided that a prior histopathological report has been obtained.
Choosing the Right Laser for the Treatment
Depending on the treatment to be performed, we will use one type of laser or another, as each has specific indications, and we should not standardize the use of a single laser for the various outcomes we wish to achieve.
