In recent years, laser dentistry has superseded many traditional dentistry practices, making treatments more precise and less painful.  This newer style of dentistry utilizes intense beams of light projected by a dental laser.  Dental lasers can be used to perform a wide variety of treatments, including soft tissue shaping and removal.

The FDA deemed laser dentistry to be safe for public usage in 1990.  Since then, many dentists have incorporated dental lasers into everyday procedures – reducing bleeding, anxiety and post-treatment recovery times.  The beauty of dental lasers is that they damage far less of the surrounding tissue than traditional techniques – which means less discomfort and pain.

Here are some of the other benefits associated with laser dentistry:

• Faster healing and tissue regeneration.
• Preservation of more of the natural tooth.
• Reduced bleeding during and after treatment.
• Reduced need for anesthesia.

How can laser dentistry help me?

Laser dentistry is incredibly versatile and plays an important role in a growing number of common dental procedures.   Laser dentistry is used for everything from cosmetic dentistry to children's dentistry and is equally effective for preventative purposes too.

Here are some of the ways that dental lasers can be used:

• Tooth preparation – Prior to laser dentistry, a drill would be required to prepare the tooth for a filling.  Lasers can many times eliminate the need for drilling and anesthesia.
  
• Reshaping soft tissue – Dental lasers can dissolve soft tissue to expose more of the natural tooth (crown lengthening), reshape soft tissue to make “gummy smiles” more attractive, and remove uncomfortable soft tissue folds caused by denture wear.
• Biopsy – Lasers are sometimes used to perform a biopsy on suspicious areas of soft tissue.  This biopsy procedure can be performed instantly and with great precision.

Biolase Waterlase

Our office has been providing laser dentistry for many years with the Biolase Waterlase®  Using the Waterlase is like washing, rather than drilling, away decay painlessly.  It is great for kids and adults alike.  We are glad to provide with this cutting edge technology.

If you have questions or concerns about laser dentistry, please ask your dentist.