Laser teeth cleaning for dogs is a new non-invasive method that uses targeted and stimulated radiation emission for different types of treatment of teeth and soft tissue in the mouth.
The word “laser” comes from “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”.
It has been introduced to dental veterinary medicine to overcome the setbacks and complications that conventional dental procedures bring up.
What Is Laser Teeth Cleaning For Dogs?
- How Does Laser Teeth Cleaning Work?
- Types of Dental Lasers
- Laser Dental Cleaning Procedure in Dogs
- Pros and Cons of Laser Teeth Cleaning
1. How Does Laser Teeth Cleaning Work?
The solid semiconductor crystals used to generate the diode photon beam are composed of gallium, arsenic, aluminum (with a wavelength of 800 nm), or indium (with a range of 900 nm).
The laser beam has a single wavelength and is monochromatic. [1]
An energy source, an active lasing medium, and two or more mirrors that create an optical cavity or resonator make up its three main components.
Power is delivered to the laser system by a pumping mechanism, such as a flash-lamp strobe device, an electrical current, or an electrical coil, for intensification to happen.
An optical resonator has an active material that receives this energy, which causes a spontaneous emission of photons. [2]
After the photons reflect back and forth across the medium by the optical resonators, there is a highly reflecting surface.
Before they leave the cavities via the output coupler, multiplication via stimulated emission occurs.
In dental lasers, a fiberoptic cable, hollow waveguide, or articulated arm is used to transmit laser light from the laser to the target tissue.
Depending on the amount of liquid in the tissues, when a laser is absorbed, it raises the temperature and creates photochemical effects. [3]
Ablation is the mechanism of vaporizing the tissue’s water when a temperature of 100°C is attained.
Proteins start to denature at temperatures over 60°C, but below 100°C, without the surrounding tissue start vaporizing.
Chromophores are necessary for absorption because they have a special affinity for particular light wavelengths.[4]
Melanin, hemoglobin, and water are the main chromophores in the intraoral soft tissue.
Water and hydroxyapatite are the main chromophores in the tooth structure.
Concerning these basic cellular constituents, different laser frequencies have varied absorption spectra, making the laser selection process dependent on them.
2. Types of Dental Lasers
Soft- tissue Lasers
Gums, the tongue, and other soft oral tissues are treated with soft-tissue lasers.
These lasers are set to frequencies that hemoglobin and moisture, two substances found in large quantities in soft tissues, absorb.
Hemoglobin provides transportation of oxygen through the blood.
Hard-tissue Lasers
Hard-tissue lasers are used to treat the bone components of the mouth, such as the teeth and jaw. [5]
To evaporate the thin layers of a decaying tooth, they focus on the water molecules in the enamel and dentin.
A composite dental filling can then be used to restore the treated tooth.
3. Laser Dental Cleaning Procedure in Dogs
Generalized anesthesia is applied to your dog before the procedure.
The periodontal tissue surrounding the teeth should first be removed by the vet using a laser. [6]
The plaque and tartar below the gum line will then be physically removed from your dog’s mouth using various dental tools.
The tooth and root surfaces will be checked for any potential breeding grounds for germs.
Following the surgery, the patient will be sent home with instructions for keeping an eye on their recovery between visits at home.
Throughout this healing process, the laser-extracted tissue will regrow.
4. Pros and Cons of Laser Teeth Cleaning
Every medical procedure performed on your pet has its own positive and negative sides.
The aim is to choose the one where the benefit outweighs the risks, including a consultation with a veterinarian.
Pros:
- The procedure is non invasive, and the dog will experience less discomfort
- During the procedure, there’s a lower risk of hemorrhages [7]
- Dental work will be more precise
- Utilizing laser cleaning will lessen the appearance of edema after the procedure
- The healing process is shorter and more successful. [8]
Cons:
- Laser cleaning cannot be used on a tooth that already has a filling due to tooth decay
- They are not effective when too much tooth decay has occurred
- Incapable of removing any tooth crowns or bridges
- Laser technology can’t be used on cavities located between two teeth
Using different therapeutic applications and types of lasers necessitates further understanding and expertise, which is one of the limits of lasers.
High costs are involved in investing in the necessary education, technology, and equipment for laser teeth cleaning for dogs.
Since different wavelengths are needed for various treatments, more than one laser may be necessary. [9]
The effectiveness of a treatment depends on the compatibility of the clinical case, the establishment of a good indication, and the selection of suitable laser equipment.
All of which necessitate that the practitioner has a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of action of each laser, as well as of its primary indications and therapeutic limitations. [10]
What Is Laser Teeth Cleaning For Dogs?
Laser teeth cleaning for dogs is a new non-invasive method that uses targeted and stimulated radiation emission of different types of treatment of teeth and soft tissue in the mouth.
Laser cleaning should be taken into consideration because it allows for less intrusive operations to be completed with higher patient comfort.
Any provider must have a good understanding of laser physics and the biological impacts that laser dentistry has on the dog.
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