Role of Lasers in Composite Restorations

Abstract

The term LASER is an acronym for ‘Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation’. The first laser was introduced in the 1960’s by Miaman. Laser is used to treat a number of various dental conditions like composite restorations etc.. It is most commonly used in restorations for treating hypersensitivity, tooth decay, gum diseases and whitening teeth. Various kinds of lasers such as ND:YAG, Er:YAG, Er:Cr:YSGG are used in various dental procedures. Laser seems to be made for effective removal of dentine and enamel with only minor side effects such as thermal damage. The capability of Er:YAG lasers for the removal of hard tissues in dentistry was exhibited as of now in 1989, Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers have been progressively utilized in dental practices and are turning out to be increasingly more an agreeable technique for caries evacuation for patients, as conventional cavity drilling may cause noise and pain. Laser received FDA approval for caries removal and cavity preparations. The use of laser therapy also seems to be promising from many recent researchers. Laser therapy induces surface roughness or even improves bond strength or decreases marginal leakage. There seems to be a general consensus on the fact that Er:YAG is one of the best suited types of lasers because it’s efficiency in dentine is very good without any damage of pulp. Er:YAG lasers are a lot utilized in small scale blasts that may bring visible irregularities. In addition, pain reduction in comparison to bur assisted preparation of cavities has been clearly demonstrated.