Smile SenseA guide to your smile!

Although lasers have been used in dentistry as far as 1990s, till date no laser equipment has received the ADA’s seal of approval.

The word LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.

Currently lasers used in dentistry are grouped as:

• Hard tissue lasers
• Soft tissue lasers

Dental laser systems:

• Nd:YAG system  – 532 nm, 1064 nm
• KTP ( Potassium titanyl phosphate) – 532 nm
• Er,Cr:YSGG laser – 2780 nm
• Diode laser – 800 to 980 nm
• Er:YAG laser – 2940 nm
• Carbon dioxide laser – 10600 nm

Uses in dentistry:

• Caries detection – Certain biological pigments absorb laser light and fluorescence, leading to detection of caries.
• Incisions and excisions – Laser transforms it’s heat light energy to heat on contact with tissues leading to hemostasis.
• Curing of composite resin
• Acceleration of teeth whitening.
• Removal of small caries – Er:YAG laser is used.
• Disinfection of periodontal pockets and endodontic canals.
• Minor surgeries like frenectomy, crown lengthening, gum surgeries.
• Also be used to provide emergence profile to pontics in bridge prosthesis.
• Rapid wound healing, pain relief and anti – inflammatory actions.

Clinical use:

Soft tissue growth

Immediately after excision with Er:YAG laser

Disadvantage:

• Cost – It costs anywhere between $25,000 – $45,000. With it’s limited use, it might not integrate to being a cost effective situation for every dentist.
• No one laser fits all conditions.
• Excessive heat generation.
• Air embolism as air and water spray is used to cool the ‘laser cutting’ area.

Now that your decayed tooth has been cleaned and filled, you need to take good care of it.

Firstly, you should maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular check ups.

If you notice something different about your fillings, contact your dentist immediately.

• Sensitivity – The filled tooth can be sensitive for 2-4 weeks. This is temporary and subsides. If it doesn’t contact your dentist. He might prescribe a desensitizing toothpaste or some other treatment.
• Pain on biting – This can be corrected by the dentist by reshaping the filling. Also in certain cases, root canal treatment may be advised.
• Pain can also be due to different materials used to fill two opposing tooth. This also subsides in a few days
• Cracking of the edge of the filling should be immediately brought to the notice of the dentist.

With time fillings do wear or chip away. They should be replaced if that happens. Constant care and proper supervision can take care of your dental fillings.

When do I need Root Canal Treatment?

• Tooth pain while chewing
• Sensitivity to heat or cold
• Swelling and tenderness of the gum around the tooth
• Darkening of the tooth

What is Root Canal Treatment?

It is the cleaning of the infected pulp/ core of the tooth. The pulp when healthy provides nutrition to the tooth and fights against infection. When infected, the pulp is removed and the space filled with an inert material. The tooth is then restored to its original position , esthetics and function.

How long does the procedure take?

Usually it can take anywhere between 1-3 hours. If it is infected,  it might be required to be done over 2-3 sittings.

Is the procedure painful?

Usually a local anaesthesia is given before the start of the procedure. This will make the procedure painless. Postoperative pain may be experienced at times. This can be treated by use of any over the counter painkiller or analgesic.

How long does restored/ repaired tooth last?

If proper hygiene and instructions are followed , the repaired tooth can last a lifetime.