Who Is a Good Candidate for Laser Dentistry?

Laser technology has had a profound effect on all fields of medicine, including the fields of general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Laser dentistry has made it possible to achieve superior results more efficiently and with significantly less patient discomfort. Perhaps even more importantly, laser technology has made the dental experience less stressful and more pleasant for thousands of people who suffer from fear of the dentist’s drill as well as those with general dental phobia.

The Waterlase® system by Biolase has enabled many dental practices to replace traditional dental drills in a wide range of procedures.  The Waterlase® system uses a powerful stream of laser-charged water to make precise cuts in soft- and hard-tissues. It produces minimal vibration, noise, or smell, three of the factors that make traditional drills so frightening to many patients. It also allows many minor procedures to be performed without shots and sutures. Post-procedural swelling and bleeding are minimal, and recovery time is significantly quicker. For those who fear trips to the dentist because of traditional drills, the Waterlase® system is a true miracle.

In addition, laser technology has improved in-office teeth whitening procedures. Laser teeth whitening begins with the application of a whitening gel on the teeth. When the gel is exposed to a special laser light, its bleaching properties are activated. The gel penetrates the natural enamel of the teeth to lighten even the deepest, most stubborn stains, such as those caused by tobacco, soda, coffee, tea, wine, and certain foods and medications. The laser is painless and helps to expedite the whitening process.

Laser dentistry, pain-free dentistry, and anxiety-free dentistry are terms that, while not interchangeable, are certainly closely related. Lasers have made dentistry a far more painless and comfortable experience for patients throughout the country, whether they suffer from dental phobia and desperately need restorative dentistry or they simply want to improve the health and beauty of their smiles more efficiently.