Laser filling and how to perform it in tooth color!

Laser Filling, Laser filling is a modern technique discovered as an alternative to extraction for treating tooth decay problems in adults and children. The development of technology has helped in its discovery 10 years ago and its continuous development until now to avoid any side effects in order to remain the optimal solution for all patient cases.

Laser Filling

The laser filling operation is one of the most used operations currently to treat all dental problems, as it has proven its effectiveness since its discovery during the past ten years in solving all problems of decay, fractures and cracks in teeth, due to its many advantages compared to other fillings that were used before, and it has a cosmetic role that gives the teeth radiance and glow, and the attractive smile that everyone seeks to have.

Laser filling is a composite filling consisting of resin, which is usually made of plastic, with some compounds such as silica or glass or ceramics, in addition to a bonding agent called dimethyl glycoxylate. The mixture of this filling is characterized by its hardness, durability, and similarity to the natural color of teeth. Thus, it solves common dental problems recently such as decay, damage, or fracture, in addition to its significant cosmetic role and giving the attractive smile that everyone seeks.

“Get rid of the pain and unpleasant experience of traditional filling, and discover laser filling at The Dental Center.”

What is Laser Tooth Filling?

Laser tooth filling is the most prevalent technique in dental clinics in Egypt for at least the past 5 years, and many patients and public figures seek it to obtain a cosmetic appearance and a Hollywood smile. Laser filling consists of the following 3 elements:

1. A resin mixture, usually made of plastic.
2. Light-reflecting materials such as glass, silica, or quartz, which give the teeth a shiny and radiant appearance.
3. Bonding compounds, usually the famous dimethyl glycoxylate material, which works to strongly bond the resin and the inorganic light-reflecting compounds, ensuring that the filling material adheres to the tissues and bones of the teeth, preventing it from falling out later.

What is the difference between laser filling and regular filling?

There are several types of fillings for treating tooth decay and fractures and repairing dental defects. All fillings can be classified into two types based on the technique used to fix the filling material. The first type is laser filling, where a laser light is directed onto the cavity to be filled, while the second type is regular filling, where the filling material is manually fixed without using any light devices. Regular fillings include gold, silver, porcelain, and glass ionomer fillings. There are other differences between these fillings, not just in the application method, which we will mention below:

Regular Fillings

• One session is sufficient to complete the steps of different types of regular tooth fillings.
• Regular fillings are characterized by their hardness and stability for many years exceeding 20 years with the patient, withstanding all the compressive forces resulting from eating solid foods or drinking hot and cold liquids, such as gold, silver, and porcelain fillings.
• Some are therapeutic fillings with no cosmetic effect due to the different colors of the fillings from the natural color of the teeth, so it is recommended to use them in cases of back tooth fillings and molars, such as gold and silver fillings. On the other hand, porcelain and glass ionomer fillings resemble the color of teeth, so they can be used for front teeth.
• There is a variation in the prices of regular fillings, so they suit all segments and classes of society. Gold fillings are the most expensive, followed by porcelain and glass ionomer fillings, while silver fillings are the simplest and most affordable fillings, being the first fillings discovered more than 150 years ago.
• A large portion of the tooth needs to be removed to ensure the fixation of the filling material.

Laser Filling

• It is performed in one session initially, but a second session may be required.
• It contains a bonding agent that works to strongly bond the filling to the tooth bones, making it last more than 10 years in the patient’s mouth without being affected by any compression factors or changes in the mouth’s pH.
• It is a cosmetic treatment as it reflects light onto the teeth and gives them a captivating appearance, so many people use it for cosmetic purposes more than therapeutic purposes, making it suitable for front teeth.
• Its cost is affordable for everyone and is less expensive than gold and porcelain fillings.
• During this technique, a thin layer of the tooth is removed, preserving the strength and bonding of the tooth tissues and bones with the filling material. You can read this article about cosmetic laser fillings.

How long does a laser filling last?

The laser filling technique is carried out in several steps determined by the doctor during the X-ray examination before the operation, and based on the patient’s condition, the degree of decay, its location, and the number of affected teeth, the number of sessions is determined.

A laser filling lasts between 7 and 10 years, and in some cases, even longer, due to several factors:

• Daily attention to dental hygiene and brushing before going to bed.
• Using the appropriate toothpaste prescribed by the dentist based on tooth sensitivity during this period.
• Removing food debris with dental floss to prevent the growth of bacteria that may cause decay.

Tips After Laser Filling

The success of the filling operation does not only depend on completing the filling steps well in the clinic but also on adhering to some tips during the following two days. Therefore, it is essential to follow the tips mentioned below:

• Avoid foods rich in sugars, starches, or fatty sweets.
• Avoid carbonated and sweetened drinks and those containing high levels of caffeine.
• Avoid solid or sticky foods.
• Brush your teeth gently and thoroughly daily before going to bed.
• Remove food debris stuck between teeth with dental floss gently.
• Try to avoid teeth grinding while talking.
• Avoid exposing the teeth to cold air, which may affect the nerve.
• Avoid all hot and cold foods and drinks.

How to perform a tooth-colored laser filling procedure

The question of how to perform a tooth-colored laser filling procedure is the most frequently asked when the dentist recommends this treatment. It is carried out in several steps during one or more sessions after taking precautions during the examination of the patient’s condition. Let’s get acquainted with these steps in the following points:

1. Perform the necessary X-rays that allow the doctor to examine the patient’s condition thoroughly and assess the required procedures for their case.
2. Spray a local anesthetic on the affected tooth or inject the gum with a percentage of anesthetic.
3. After the anesthetic takes effect, the doctor drills the tooth cavity to remove the decayed part and any stuck germs or microbes.
4. Isolate the affected area with a thin dental isolation paper.
5. Disinfect the cavity with water or sodium hypochlorite to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
6. Using a laser device, the light is directed onto the cavity to be filled to fix the filling material.
7. The filling material is applied in layers, one after the other, several times, not just once, which helps strengthen its stability.
8. After the filling dries, the doctor levels its surface with the affected tooth’s surface to remove any excess protrusions.
9. In some cases, the doctor places a crown in a subsequent session to protect the filling from falling out or developing cracks within it.

Laser Filling Price 2023

The price of laser filling in 2023 ranges from 750 to 1500 Egyptian pounds, and this price is subject to increase with the rise in the dollar exchange rate and the increase in the prices of raw materials and medical equipment used in the filling process. Therefore, prices are determined based on the location of the affected tooth, the number of teeth to be filled, the quality of the medical equipment used, the composition of the chemical materials, and the experience of the team supervising the operation.

Disadvantages of Laser Filling

There are a few points that some consider disadvantages of laser filling. Let’s discuss them in the following points:

1. They are not suitable for some back tooth or molar fillings due to their inability to withstand the pressure of chewing and grinding food, which can cause cracks. However, with the recent technological advancements and scientific progress, some dentists believe that this issue has been resolved, and this point no longer represents an obstacle to using laser fillings anywhere in the oral cavity.
2. They are not effective for deep decay cases where the infection reaches the root of the tooth, as this requires removing a large portion of the tooth cavity to ensure the removal of any stuck bacteria or microbes. The remaining part of the tooth structure becomes too weak for the filling to bond properly.
3. Nerve sensitivity to the chemical components of the filling may occur in cases of deep decay where bacteria reach the tooth pulp and are close to the nerve, causing inflammation in the gum and nerve, and signs of swelling. You can read about root canal treatment in this article.
4. They require continuous follow-up with the dentist every 3 months for regular examination of the filling condition and thorough dental cleaning.

Advantages of Laser Filling

There are many advantages to laser tooth fillings, making them the most popular since their introduction in dental clinics in Egypt over the past 15 years. These advantages are summarized in the following points:

1. Cosmetic aspect: Laser fillings come in varying shades and colors to match all tooth colors and add radiance and shine, giving them an attractive appearance. You can read more about cosmetic dentistry in Egypt in this article.
2. Affordable cost compared to many other fillings such as gold, silver, and porcelain.
3. They require removing only a thin layer of the tooth to fix the filling material in its cavity and do not require removing a large portion of it, as is the case with some other fillings such as gold and silver, thus preserving the strength and durability of the tooth tissues and bones.
4. They are the optimal choice for solving problems of decay, fractures, damage, and cracks in front teeth due to their similarity to the natural appearance of teeth.
5. Their strong bonding with tooth bones and tissues gives them exceptional stability and hardness compared to some other fillings, such as glass ionomer fillings.

Problems Associated with Laser Tooth Fillings

There are some side effects resulting from laser tooth filling procedures, which we will mention in the following points:

1. Gum Inflammation: Swelling of the gum occurs due to its inflammation caused by inadequate sterilization during the filling and decay removal process. This is a rare side effect due to the high efficiency of this technique and the dentists’ commitment to following the latest sterilization methods to prevent patients from experiencing any complications.
2. Filling Dislodgement: Cracks may develop within the filling, or it may be lost due to the pressure exerted on it during chewing and biting food or teeth colliding during speech or eating. In this case, the dentist should be consulted immediately to take the necessary action to avoid any undesirable complications.
3. Persistent Pain: It is natural for the patient to experience pain after the anesthetic wears off two hours after the filling procedure, and there may be intermittent pain during the following two or three days. The doctor prescribes a painkiller and anti-inflammatory medication to speed up the disappearance of this pain. However, if the pain persists severely after that, it is necessary to go to the dentist immediately for examination to determine the cause and ensure that the filling has not shifted or that there are no excess protrusions on the surface causing this pain when the teeth collide during eating or speaking.

Can I eat after getting a tooth filling?

It is recommended not to eat anything for the first two hours after the filling procedure to ensure that the anesthetic has completely worn off. The doctor advises the patient not to eat any food on the first day after getting a tooth filling and to stick to water or soft foods, giving the filling enough time to dry and harden. After that, the doctor allows the gradual introduction of food until a week has passed, and then all types of food can be consumed, and the filling will be able to withstand the pressure of chewing and grinding solid foods.