{"id":1915,"date":"2021-11-12T15:49:50","date_gmt":"2021-11-12T15:49:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/karamousli.ch\/laser-treatment-against-tooth-decay"},"modified":"2026-10-30T04:41:29","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T02:41:29","slug":"laser-treatment-against-tooth-decay","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/karamousli.ch\/en\/laser-treatment-against-tooth-decay\/","title":{"rendered":"Laser treatment for tooth decay in K\u00fcsnacht"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In many cases, tooth decay can be removed with a laser instead of a drill. At our practice in K\u00fcsnacht, we use an Erbium:YAG laser from Syneron for this, which precisely removes diseased tooth tissue while largely preserving healthy structure. Laser treatment for tooth decay is particularly well suited to small to medium-sized defects that are detected early. With large cavities or old fillings, however, the laser reaches its limits.<\/p>\n\n

Tooth decay (caries) is a disease of the teeth caused by the metabolism of bacteria. It develops when the bacteria in plaque convert sugar from food into acid over a long period of time. Below, we explain how laser treatment works, what speaks in its favour and when other methods make more sense. For an overview of all our services, see our treatments in K\u00fcsnacht<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Causes of tooth decay<\/h2>\n\n

Poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar encourage tooth decay to develop. The actual cause, however, is caries bacteria; the bacterium Streptococcus mutans is considered particularly significant. Caries bacteria feed on sugar from food remnants that build up in plaque. When the sugar is broken down, acids are produced, above all lactic acid. These attack the tooth enamel and demineralise it.<\/p>\n\n

If tooth decay is left untreated, it can reach the pulp and damage the nerve. Treating the decay alone is then often no longer enough, and root canal treatment<\/a> may be needed to save the tooth. That is why it pays to detect decay early, while a small, gentle treatment is still possible.<\/p>\n\n

An alternative treatment for tooth decay: laser instead of drill<\/h2>\n\n

Alongside the conventional method of removing decay \u2013 drilling \u2013 laser treatment has become established as an alternative. Many patients appreciate it because the typical noise and vibration of the drill are absent or considerably reduced.<\/p>\n\n

Good to know: even after laser treatment, the resulting cavity is then sealed with a filling<\/a>. In other words, the laser replaces the removal of the decay, not the filling itself. Whether decay can be removed entirely without drilling depends on the location and size of the defect.<\/p>\n\n

How does laser treatment for tooth decay work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Syneron\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button>
Our Syneron dental laser<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

The laser emits light energy at a very specific wavelength. With the Erbium:YAG laser we use at our practice, this light is absorbed mainly by the water content in the tooth. The pulse causes tiny vaporisations, known as micro-explosions. As a result, extremely small amounts of tooth structure are literally blasted away.<\/p>\n\n

Because decayed tissue contains more water than healthy enamel, it can be removed selectively. The light is aimed precisely so that, as far as possible, only the decayed areas of the tooth are treated. A fine water spray cools the tooth and protects it from heating up.<\/p>\n\n

Laser treatment for tooth decay: advantages<\/h2>\n\n

Laser dental treatment is minimally invasive and preserves the tooth structure. The main advantages at a glance:<\/p>\n\n