Dental laser technology

Hello. I have heard reports regarding new laser technology for removing cavities, as well as its application in root canal cleaning... I know of a clinic in Los Angeles utilizing this method. Does anyone here have firsthand experience? I hear claims that it offers greater precision and less discomfort, though the cost is likely higher. If those claims are true, it would be a significant relief for those of us who suffer from dental anxiety. If they were to combine that with nitrous oxide, I might actually visit the dentist regularly, regardless of the expense...

Has anyone here actually tried laser treatments, or is it still a bit of an unknown in America? In the meantime, I've experimented with nitrous oxide, and I have to say it’s incredible... completely relaxing. $100 I honestly think it's worth it for anyone dealing with anxiety, even if it's just
for about an hour...

In any given scenario, the process is simply less painful and much more straightforward. Given that we are dealing with entirely new technology, I suppose it stands to reason that it ought to be superior in some capacity. 😁

velvetpanther75 said:It’s less painful and much easier regardless. Since it's a new technology, it's bound to be an improvement. 😁

If you’re a dentist who dropped over $45,000 on a machine like that, you’re practically obligated to claim it’s painless and easier to use. In reality, it isn't painless, nor is removing hard tissue any more precise, faster, or simpler—especially with deep fillings where a laser can actually end up doing more harm than good. Plus, you still can't ditch the drill entirely; you’ll still need it to clear out old material or finish off a new filling that the laser just can't handle.
On the other hand, using lasers for supplemental disinfection and biostimulation during periodontal and endodontic procedures is a proven, evidence-based method. We need to be able to distinguish clinical facts from mere marketing hype. Ultimately, the effectiveness depends heavily on the specific type of laser being used, the practitioner's expertise, and their level of training.

Is it theoretically possible to engineer a tooth so precisely that we can ditch the drill for final adjustments? I’m talking about high-level precision—maybe using a laser to shave down edges if they come out a bit too high. I realize using a traditional drill is currently the easier, more precise route, but I'm wondering: can we move past it entirely?

Sandra Brooks91 said:I'm wondering if it’s theoretically possible to design a tooth so that you don't end up needing a drill for the final shaping. Could we just work with extreme precision, maybe using a laser to trim things down if they're too high? I realize drilling is more precise and straightforward, but I want to know if there's a way to skip it entirely.

Unfortunately, no.

And why exactly? I’m not trolling here; I genuinely want to know. In theory, isn't it possible to just finish the job with a laser?

Sandra Brooks91 said:But why? I’m not trolling, I genuinely want to know. In theory, isn't there any reason why we couldn't just finish the job with a laser?

Theory and practice are two very different things. Dental lasers haven't reached the level of development where you can simply and safely switch wavelengths or adjust energy delivery on the fly for specific tasks. For instance, one wavelength and set of energy levels might be perfect for removing decayed tissue, while an entirely different setting is needed to clear away restorative material. Furthermore—as counterintuitive as it sounds—the handpieces used to deliver that laser energy generally don't allow for micro-precise maneuvers. We're talking about fine-tuning an inlay contact or bite, working right next to a nerve, effectively prepping a tooth for a veneer or crown, or performing the final polish on a filling or enamel surface. Will technological leaps change this in the future? Likely. Not long ago, 3D printing various dental materials and structures felt like science fiction, yet within a few years, it became standard practice and continues to evolve at an incredible pace.
To be clear, certain types of lasers are actually excellent for disinfection, biostimulation protocols, and specific soft-tissue surgeries. They serve as great tools for trained clinicians.