An illuminating guide to lasers for many dental procedures: FAQs about BIOLASE® Waterlase®

Lasers have been used for decades in medical applications. Generally, the laser is directed as a handheld device toward damaged or diseased tissues. The energy from the laser targets damaged receded, or diseased areas. It may be applied to remove diseased tissue and bacteria and reshape or regenerate deteriorated tissues—all without touching the treatment sites!

Many! Dental lasers are as appropriate for recontouring imbalanced gumlines and eradicating bacteria from within the spaces between the teeth and gums as they are for “preparing” teeth for fillings, removing damaged gums, and releasing tongue-ties and lip-ties. Some lasers may be used strictly on soft tissues such as the gums, whereas others may be appropriate for the teeth, bone, and hard tissues. Still, other laser-assisted systems are designed for soft and hard tissue applications.

True to its name, Waterlase blends H20 and laser technology. We precisely direct the laser toward your trouble areas. As the laser energy works to treat and heal targeted tissues, risks are further minimized with the continual application of a water spray throughout treatment.

Well, the energy from the laser light also generates heat. So, continuous water spray helps support comfort and safety by minimizing the undesirable effects of excess heat.

Some procedures may have traditionally involved cutting through the tissue to access underlying structures. Such approaches are generally associated with more bleeding, discomfort, swelling, and other undesirable effects. They are not the most conservative or tissue-preserving ways of treating oral conditions like gum disease. Some otherwise healthy tissue may be removed along with the damaged tissue. With laser dentistry, treatment is so gentle that an anesthetic to numb the area may not be necessary. Also, since lasers are so precise, neighboring healthy structures remain intact and untouched. Because lasers help to eliminate many sources of dental fear, such as scalpels or scrapers, they are appropriate for all sorts of patients – even those who have avoided the dentist for years due to severe apprehension or “dentophobia.”

Experience tomorrow’s dentistry today at Advanced Dental. Schedule your consultation with Drs. Chitra Tiruveedula or Joseph Yang at our office in Aliso Viejo, CA, by calling us at (949) 289-9993. We welcome your specific questions and look forward to meeting you!