What is the Difference Between Laser Dentistry and Drill Dentistry

Decayed tooth enamel and gums are common problems among children and older people. Traditional dentistry used enamel scissors, drills, rotary tools, and cleaning brushes to treat these problems. Two types of devices are currently used in dentistry to remove decay from teeth, one is the Dental Drill, and the other is the Dental Laser.

Close-up of human teeth being drilled by dentist

Dental drill or drill dentistry is the most common and traditional technology. This device uses hard metal alloy bits. These metal bits are available in various shapes and sizes as a useful attachment for different applications. The Company generally using steel within the tungsten carbide coating to make dental drills.

Earlier dentist drills were slow – around 3000 RPM – but today’s exercises are much more advanced and rotate at 800,000 RPM. But these drills can give you chills and cold sweats as they make physical contact with your teeth.

This technique is not very comfortable, but it’s also not too costly. The dental drill is still an essential part of every dentist’s equipment. Some high-speed dental drills may cause a smudge layer, which is a layer of dead organic material.
The latest technology used in dentistry is the ‘Laser.’ A Laser is a device that emits energy in the form of amplified light. This increased light is used to cut tissue and teeth.

This light is transmitted at different wavelengths for different targets, including enamel, gum tissue, decayed teeth, and whitening enhancement. Laser dentistry is an FDA (Food and Drug Association) approved technology. It has also received the ADA (American Dentist Association) seal of acceptance, which assures the safety of this technology.

Most dentists use lasers only for tooth decay, gum problems, and lesion removal. Lasers can also be used to detect cavities. NASA Langley’s research center has stated that dentists’ two significant wavelengths can be produced using the same hardware, resulting in reduced cost and complexity. Waterlase laser is the first laser approved by the FDA for cutting hard tissue.

A dental laser’s significant advantage compared to a dentist drill is that it causes no vibration and no pain. It does not require any anesthesia. It can target a specific portion without disturbing the surrounding area. Bleaching and swelling are also reduced, and the patient feels comfortable and at ease.

Currently, lasers are used for recon-touring or re-shaping gums. Dental lasers are quite safe and are an effective procedure for treating dentistry in children and adults.

No doubt, laser dentistry offers numerous essential improvements over the dentist drill and eliminates traditional dentistry’s frequent complaints. But laser dentistry has some disadvantages.

For example, laser dentistry may not be used for teeth where the previous filling has been done. It also cannot be used to fill cavities located between teeth, or shape or polish the filling. The laser is also not suited for large holes that need to be prepared for a crown.

Even though laser dentistry has some limitations, it is by far the best dentistry for a patient’s comfort. As per a patient’s condition and requirements, your dentist can help you choose which is best for you.