HCM CITY — Development of advanced laser technologies has improved the efficiency, ease and patients’ comfort in dental and facial treatment, according to health experts.

Laser technology is now used in dental and facial treatment at hospitals and clinics throughout the country, Prof Lê Đức Lánh, former head of the odonto-stomatology faculty at the HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, told Việt Nam News on the sidelines of a conference on laser application in modern dentistry on Monday.

It is used, for instance, in periodontics (supporting structures of the teeth) and facial aesthetic treatment, he said.

Researchers at the university are doing research on using laser in implant dentistry, he added.

Dr Võ Chí Hùng, deputy head of the odonto-stomatology faculty, said laser helps reduce bleeding and post-operative pain compared to traditional dental treatment as the method seals blood vessels during the procedure. It also minimises bacterial infections during surgeries because its high-energy beam sterilises the area being worked on.

Moreover, it causes less necrosis of surrounding tissue because dentists can control the laser’s power output and duration of exposure on gums and teeth, and it offers much higher precision than manual surgery, Hùng said.

Dr Linh Lan Nguyễn of Australia’s Kaleen Dental Care and Facial Aesthetic Clinic said lasers offer the advantage of tooth integrity, meaning no micro cracks are formed during a procedure.

Hùng said researchers and students at the university train in the laser technologies.

An advanced LightWalker dental laser system would be installed within six months, which would help them do more research into using the technology for more specialised treatment, he said.

"Advanced laser technologies are being developed at health facilities in the country, but not many people are benefiting from it due to the high costs involved," he added.

According to a Ministry of Health report, more than 90 per cent of Vietnamese have dental problems, but 55 per cent never visit any health facility for examination or treatment.

More than 85 per cent of children aged six to eight in the country have tooth decay, but 94 per cent do not get treatment. — VNS