How Laser Dentistry Is Used During Root Canal Therapy

Many dental professionals nowadays use laser dentistry to assist in more intensive procedures such as root canals. One of the primary reasons patients typically dread root canal therapy is the potential amount of pain involved with both the procedure and the recovery process. Combining lasers with traditional tools can reduce the amount of discomfort patients experience and speed up healing time. Continue reading to learn more about how root canal therapy can be improved with laser dentistry.
On the tooth
Using lasers to help repair diseased teeth can make a big difference in the ease and success of the procedure.
Destroy infected tissue
The first step in root canal therapy is usually to access the infected areas. To accomplish this, traditional metal tools and hand drills are used to remove portions of the tooth. In many cases, significant healthy parts of the tooth are extracted to allow the tools to reach the infection. Using these metal tools can also involve scraping, ripping and tearing of tissue, resulting in the pain patients can experience during the procedure.
Lasers have different effects on healthy tissue versus infected tissue and can destroy infected tissue without killing the healthy surrounding tissue. This means many times, less of the healthy tooth and tissue needs removal to repair a tooth. The focused light also does not damage tissue like metal tools can. However, because laser beams are straight and root canals rarely are, some traditional curved instruments may still be necessary to guarantee the success of the procedure.
Sterilize the remaining tooth
Once the infected tissue has been removed, the hollow area must be sterilized. Allowing even small particles of bacteria and debris to remain can result in tissue becoming diseased again. Laser dentistry can be used to remove any remaining contaminants to stop the infection from coming back.
On the filling material
Lasers can be used not only on the tooth but also on the filling material to help ensure the success of the procedure.
Soften filling material
After the infected tissue is removed, the canals and pulp chamber are filled with a natural polymer and sealing cement. These materials are firm and can be difficult to work with. While metal instruments can be used to manipulate the materials, lasers can make the process easier. Using a laser heats up the polymer, making it more pliable.
Mold filling material
Lasers are extremely precise, so can allow dental professionals to more easily form the filling material to the unique shape of each root. When the filling material is softer and more exact, it can be placed more accurately in the root. This is important, as correct placement is a significant factor in whether the infection returns.
Conclusion
When laser dentistry is used during root canal therapy, the procedure can be performed without much of the pain people expect when undergoing this treatment. Using lasers both in the tooth and on the filling material can make the process easier and allow patients to heal faster.
Are you considering laser dentistry in the St George area? Get more information at https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Kissing is known to be a common and intimate practice all around the world. However, did you know that kissing comes with health benefits and concerns? Kissing not only creates an intimate connection between two people but also offers some benefits. This article helps you learn the health benefits of kissing and how you can…
Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall health and wellness. Tooth decay is a common problem and can lead to severe complications such as infections, abscesses, and even tooth loss. It is essential to take preventive measures to protect your teeth from decay. In this blog post, we will explore the different stages of…
Going to the dentist is an essential part of maintaining good health, but it can also be a stressful experience for many people. Sometimes, dental appointments can lead to post-cleaning symptoms like nausea, sore jaw, and sore lip. And in some cases, patients may experience flu-like symptoms, which can be scary and confusing. In this…
A bright, healthy, and straight smile is a sign of good health and can significantly boost your confidence. However, not everyone is blessed with a perfect smile. That's why dental treatments such as braces, veneers, and teeth whitening have become increasingly popular. But do you know about tooth shaving? It is a dental procedure that…