Laser Dentistry

man and woman

A New Era in Dentistry!

Because we care about you - our office is equipped with the Waterlase, a breakthrough in laser dentistry. Laser energized water replaces the drill in many instances.

What is Waterlase Technology?

Waterlase uses a hydrokinetic process which gently washes away decay with YSGG laser energized water droplets. Hydrokinetic energy is produced by combining a spray of atomized water with laser energy. The resulting Waterlase energy gently and precisely removes a wide range of human tissue, including tooth enamel (the hardest substance in the body), and soft tissue (gum tissue) with no heat or discomfort in most cases. The primary safety measure necessary during laser treatment is proper protective glasses.

What are the benefits of the Waterlase?

  • Heat and vibration are the causes of most of the discomfort associated with the drill. Since hydrokinetic cutting does not transmit heat or vibration, many dental procedures can be performed without anesthesia. 
  • The laser's pinpoint accuracy is precise enough that Dr. Carol can leave in place as much healthy tooth structure as possible, allowing you to keep your own teeth longer.
  • It gently performs numerous soft tissue (gums) procedures with little or no bleeding. The laser gives Dr. Carol a new high-tech tool for many procedures that previously required referral to a specialist. Now you can have them performed during your scheduled appointment and feel better afterwards!
  • The Waterlase prepares your teeth in a way that maximizes the bonding of tooth colored fillings, allowing them to last longer.
  • The Waterlase laser can instantly take away canker sore pain and heal them quickly, often within 24 hours. Viruses that cause cold sores can also be killed with the laser so that the sore can heal more quickly than normal.

How can you use a laser for a filling?

The Waterlase's energized water works like a high pressure water spray and gently washes the cavity away. Children especially love the Waterlase. With no shots and no drills, they don't develop a fear of the dentist - often a very different experience than their parents!

How are lasers used to treat gum disease?

Dr. Carol or our hygienist will go around each involved tooth to remove any debris and calcified deposits that are adhering to your teeth in a process called scaling and root planing. This removes the mechanical irritants to your gums and supporting bone and also removes a major reservoir of periodontal bacteria.

After removing the tartar and calculus, a laser is used to selectively remove diseased or infected tissues lining the diseased pockets around your teeth. At the same time the laser will kill the bacteria that cause your gum disease and promote healing of your gums around your teeth. Lasers can help increase circulation and collagen formation at the bottom of your periodontal pockets and help revive or rejuvenate your attachment. This specialized treatment is usually performed multiple times over a period of a few weeks.

What other soft tissue procedures can preformed by a laser?

Reshaping or removing gum tissue (Gingivectomy):
These procedures may be done for periodontal or esthetic reasons or in order to gain access to decay. Soft tissue reshaping may be done to gain proper shapes and forms for teeth and/or restorations.

Clipping muscle attachments (Frenectomy):
This procedure may be used to remove an attachment that is interfering with normal speech or causing excessive soft tissue loss.

Removing soft tissue growths (Fibroma removals):
This procedure is used to remove excess tissue or growths that may be an esthetic or functional problem.

Gently removing swollen tissues (Gingivoplasty):
This procedure is used to remove excess tissue caused by systemic disease, medication or poor oral hygiene.

Why would Dr. Carol use a laser over other instruments?

Lasers are used because of the precise control they afford Dr. Carol and the comfort they provide to you. Lasers perform many functions at once. Not only can a laser remove tissue but it can also be used to seal blood vessels and nerve endings, reducing bleeding and postoperative pain and swelling. As a patient, you'll appreciate the many times a laser may be used with minimal or no anesthetic.

Dr. Carol is a licensed member of The World Clinical Laser Institute and the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Both organizations are made up of leading clinicians, researchers and academicians devoted to the development of standards and guidelines for the safe and effective use of lasers.