Electric Drill vs Laser Drilling: Pros & Cons

The type of drilling method used can influence the patient experience when performing dental procedures such as cavity removal, root canal treatments, or cosmetic procedures. Electric drills have long been a very precise and reliable method of drilling used extensively by dentists for so many years. However, dental care has changed over the years. With the technology of lasers offering patients a potentially less invasive and lower stress experience, it has changed the patient experience forever and is currently revolutionizing it! 

At Dr. Gowds Dental Hospitals, we want to bring you the best of both worlds: the technology of lasers (electric drill vs laser drilling) with the expertise. To assist you in your decision regarding your dental care, we have prepared this guide which explores the advantages, disadvantages and patient journeys with electric drill vs laser drilling.

Electric Drilling in Dentistry

Electric dental drills use rotary instruments to mechanically remove decayed tissue, shape the tooth, and prepare it for restorations. This method has been a dental standard for generations.

Pros of Electric Drilling:

• Accurate Location on Hard Tissue: Electric drills will allow the dentist the ability to control depth and angle of the tool elevated on the teeth structure. Enamel and dentin are both difficult to work on.
  
• Economical: Electric drills are very affordable compared to new technologies, which makes them more affordable to the patients in turn reducing the cost of the overall procedure completely.
  
• Wide Spread: Electric drills are found in nearly every dental practice today, which means that they are widely available.
  
• Multi-use: Electric drills can be used for many multiple procedures from a simple filling to full preparations for a crown.
  
• Time Efficient: Where time may be a factor, electric drills usually allow the job to get done faster as opposed to time to do it with different restorative materials in larger restorations. 

Cons of Electric Drilling:

• Noise and Vibration: The sound and vibrations produced by dental instruments can be a cause of dental anxiety, particularly in children and anxious patients.
  
• Heat and Discomfort: During drilling, friction can generate heat potentially causing sensitivity despite a water spray that cools the tooth.
  
• Invasive Nature: Being that dental drilling involves direct physical contact with the tooth in question there is the potential to create microfractures or to remove otherwise healthy tooth structure.

Laser Drilling in Dentistry

Laser technology in dentistry utilizes focused light energy to cut or vaporize tissue. Different types of lasers—such as erbium and diode—are used for hard and soft tissue procedures respectively.

Pros of Laser Drilling:

• Minimally Invasive: Since laser drills leave no direct (or indirect) contact, there will be less trauma to the tooth and surrounding tissues.
  
• Pain-Free Experience: With many, if not most, laser procedures; lasers eliminate or minimize the need for anesthesia, allowing for virtually painless experiences for the patient.
  
• Less bleeding and swelling: Especially with those procedures related to gum, lasers will seal blood vessels and nerves, which leads to a less painful post-op experience.
  
• Sterilization effect: Bacteria at the treatment site are killed due to the laser treatment, reducing the risk of infection.
  
• Ideal for children and patients who are anxious: With less noise, vibration, and needles, it is easier for patients who have anxieties about dentists, dental tools, or procedures.

Cons of Laser Drilling:

• Higher Price Point: Laser procedures tend to be more costly because of the advanced technology and upkeep for laser tools.
  
• Not Suitable for All Cavities: Lasers cannot treat every type of cavity, such as cavities below fillings or RD? in tight spaces (like the back of the mouth).
  
• Limited Tooth Prep: Lasers may not prepare a tooth the same way for some restorations – crowns or bridges.
  
• Training and Certification: Many dentists are simply not trained or certified in laser techniques, so continuous access to laser services may be limited. 

When to Choose Electric Drill vs Laser Drilling

The best choice between electric drill vs laser drilling depends on the type of procedure, your dental condition, and your comfort level. Here’s a breakdown of when one may be more beneficial than the other:

• Electric Drilling is Preferred For:
  
  • Deep cavities
    
  • Procedures requiring aggressive enamel shaping
    
  • Complex restorations like bridges and crowns
    
  • Cost-sensitive treatments
    
• Laser Drilling is Ideal For:
  
  • Small to medium-sized cavities
    
  • Gum contouring and soft tissue procedures
    
  • Patients with dental anxiety or children
    
  • Infection-prone areas where sterilization is key
    

At Dr. Gowds Dental Hospitals, we assess each patient individually to recommend the most suitable approach. Our goal is always to provide safe, effective, and comfortable treatment options.

Final Thoughts: Comfort, Precision, and Personalization

Choosing between electric drill vs laser drilling doesn’t have to be a dilemma. Both technologies have their place in modern dentistry. The most important factor is working with a dental provider who understands your needs, explains the pros and cons transparently, and tailors the approach accordingly.

At Dr. Gowds Dental Hospitals, we’ve been leaders in innovative dental care for over 50 years. Our expert team is trained in both conventional and laser-based treatments, ensuring that whatever your choice, you’re in safe hands.

Schedule your consultation today and let us help you experience dentistry the way it should be—efficient, pain-free, and focused on you.

FAQs

1. Is laser drilling safe for kids?

Yes, laser drilling is gentle and quiet, making it an excellent option for children.

2. Does laser treatment cost more than traditional drilling?

Typically, yes. But the comfort and reduced healing time can make it worth the investment.

3. Can lasers be used for root canal treatment?

Yes, in some cases, lasers can assist in sterilizing the root canal system, improving treatment success.

4. Will I still need anesthesia with laser treatment?

Many minor procedures can be done without anesthesia when using a laser.

5. How do I know which method is right for me?

A consultation will help determine the best approach based on your oral condition and comfort level.