Dental laser tools are a novel approach in medicine that guarantees a painless, heat-free, and precise treatment process. These techniques may be applied to various dental procedures, such as tooth preparations and fillings, nerve regeneration, tissue removal, teeth whitening, caries removal, etc. Due to its minimally invasive effects on the tissues, such an approach is especially effective in patients with dentophobia. Also, dentists use laser technologies to weld the implants, fix clasps, etc.
The latest laser technologies are becoming more energy-effective, and therefore, their application range is constantly expanding along with their power. So, it is not surprising that this relatively new market sector has a solid perspective for financial growth, as Future Market Insights - a market research company - revealed in a recent study.
How does the laser work?
A laser is a highly "concentrated" beam of energy in the form of light created via optical amplification. The laser's energy impact is so high that it can melt and cut materials like steel, ceramics, and human tissues. Except for the melting and polishing, dental lasers are used for the painless treatment of gum disease and tooth decay, as well as for some surgical operations, reducing the need for anesthesia.
Thus, depending on their treatment capabilities, dental lasers are divided into two categories: soft tissue and hard tissue lasers.
Financial Aspects
As the study reported, the dental laser market's current value is approximately $316 million, and it is estimated to grow to over $483 million by 2034.
The research defines vital factors of the industry's success:
- Now, patients prefer to avoid invasive intervention when it's possible, especially considering the laser's painless effect.
- The laser's diode — the energy source in such tools — has a similar work mechanism in any industry, so dental laser companies make a good profit (about 44.4% of industry revenue) from this field.
- Modern patients prefer clinics equipped with cutting-edge technologies, so lasers also have a marketing effect.
According to research, key players on the market are Dentsply Sirona, Fotona, Amdlasers, etc.
Lasers' Disadvantages
Like every existing technology, lasers also have weak sides, which slows the industry's growth:
- Lasers can not be applied with filled places on teeth.
- Also, they are unsuitable for common dental procedures, like removing cavities located between teeth.
- Traditional drills are still effective in polishing and shaping fillings.
- Lasers reduce the need for anesthesia but do not eliminate it.
- Laser treatment is much more expensive than traditional approaches.
However, the dental laser industry remains prospective due to its accuracy during surgical operations.
*Images obtained from westervilledental.com and newsmile4u.com
