Spotlight on lasers: a look at potential benefits

Article Abstract:

A review is presented of the uses of lasers in dentistry, with particular attention to the safety and effectiveness of the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Lasers have been used instead of acid for etching enamel (the hard outer surface of the teeth) in preparation for applying certain filling materials; in such cases, the CO2 laser may etch the tooth surface more evenly than acid. However, while this technique is promising, much remains to be learned before laser etching can become part of routine dental practice. Another potential use of the laser in dentistry is to change the enamel to make it less susceptible to decay (a process whereby minerals are lost). Research has shown that demineralization (the loss of minerals) is less in enamel treated with laser than in untreated enamel. Further research must be carried out to determine the best laser exposures for producing the desired results. The two applications of the laser (etching and preventive treatment) have different goals: the etched surface should be sufficiently rough for materials to attach to it, but the surface lased for preventive reasons should not be too rough to allow plaque to attach to it. Very different laser exposures are needed for the two approaches. Whether laser etching also confers preventive benefits has not been determined. A discussion is presented of the ways the two procedures might interact to, for example, result in fillings that are less susceptible to recurrent decay. In summary, both laser etching and laser preventive therapy show promise in dentistry, but much remains to be clarified concerning the best ways to apply these techniques. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Methods, Enamel, Dental, Dental enamel, Carbon dioxide lasers

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New and emerging technologies: promise, achievement and deception

Article Abstract:

New technologies have the potential to revolutionize the practice of dentistry. Lasers may aid in the diagnosis and treatment of hard and soft tissue problems. They may identify changes in tooth enamel that ultimately result in cavities. Dentists can intervene to remineralize the lesions rather than removing and restoring the damage. In the fully computerized dental office of the future, patients' electronic dental records will include digital x-rays, video images, and voice recordings. Endodontists may one day use non-instrumentation techniques to cleanse and seal root canals. Digital radiology permits the electronic storage, manipulation, and display of x-ray images via computer. Saliva may become a diagnostic tool used to identify oral and systemic disease. Electronic dental anesthesia may become a simple, inexpensive alternative to injections.

Innovations, Dentistry, Dental technology

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Endodontic treatment outcomes: do patients perceive problems?

Article Abstract:

Patients having a root canal may experience long-term pain or problems with the tooth that they do not report to their endodontist. Researchers interviewed 165 patients who had had a root canal done a year earlier. Thirty-six (22%) of respondents reported problems with the tooth of whom half reported pain and one-third reported problems with the restoration. However, only 10 respondents reported revisiting their endodontist during ensuing the year for reasons related to pain or the restoration. This may be because respondents reported that pain symptoms were mild. Over 90% of respondents would have another root canal if it were recommended. Of the 14 who would not, all but one gave the pain, the expense, or both as reasons.

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Cover Story, Toothache, Endodontics

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