Dental Information » Removing Tetracycline Stains
Removing Tetracycline Stains
Q: Can a dental laser and bleach remove tetracycline stains from teeth?
A: I am not convinced that this technique is more effective or efficient at removing tetracycline stains than traditional dental methods. It is too early for me to confidently recommend this approach. Custom bleaching trays are probably your best choice to lighten teeth. These trays are much safer than using the over-the-counter bleaching kits sold in many drug stores. Bleaching trays also cost significantly less than using the dental laser.
Tetracycline is a common antibiotic that is often used as an alternative to other related drugs, including Penicillin. Unfortunately, extended use of tetracycline can cause permanent discoloration of the teeth from white to yellow, gray or brown. Permanent discoloration is particularly likely if a tetracycline class drug was used during the last half of pregnancy or during infancy and childhood to the age of eight years.
Sometimes, non-tetracycline class antibiotics may be an equally effective treatment. If they do not cause allergic reactions or other complications, these drugs should be considered by your physician as an alternative to tetracycline. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted company clearance for a dental laser application around February 1996. It is my understanding that the laser does not bleach the teeth.
The same old brands of bleach are still used. The FDA clearance allows a company to promote and use the laser as an activating source for the bleach which is applied to the teeth as a paste. The advantage is that the carbon dioxide or argon laser provides a faster, monochromatic heat source.
The FDA cleared this method after studies confirmed that the heat energy being supplied by the laser is measurable, controllable, and generally safe to use on patients. This is important because too much heat can damage tooth structure and gum tissue.
Carbon dioxide lasers and argon lasers have been used in limited dental applications for many years now. The argon laser is often used to polymerize composite materials. Lasers also effectively cauterize soft tissues, thus preventing excessive bleeding. Dental lasers can only be used for a few procedures and they cost many thousands of dollars! For these reasons, don't count on the dental laser to replace the highspeed handpiece (a.k.a. dental drill) anytime soon.