An illuminating guide to lasers for many dental procedures: FAQs about BIOLASE® Waterlase®
Dental practices near us in Aliso Viejo, California, and much farther beyond like to market their office as “advanced” or state-of-the-art. However, the proof of such advanced approaches may be elusive. “Advanced” is in our name and shows in everything we do, including using cutting-edge technologies to support optimal treatment outcomes and an exceptional experience. Technologies like BIOLASE® Waterlase® also present a welcome alternative to conventional dental procedures and techniques for everything from routine preventative care or maintenance to treating gum disease.
What is Waterlase®?
Waterlase® is a type of laser system designed by BIOLASE, a leader in dental lasers. Waterlase® distinguishes from other dental lasers with unique features that elevate the laser dentistry experience.
How do lasers work in dentistry?
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!
What applications do lasers have in dentistry?
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.
What makes Waterlase® different from other lasers?
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.
What do you mean by “risks,” and how does Waterlase® minimize them?
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.
BIOLASE® Waterlase® FAQs
How does laser dentistry help with cavity treatment?
Traditionally, treating a cavity involves drilling out the decayed portion and filling the area with a resin-based material. Traditional tooth preparation works, but it is invasive and often removes more than what is necessary.
Laser dentistry uses focused light energy to treat decay with precision. With Waterlase®, we use light energy to remove only the decayed/damaged parts while preserving more healthy tooth structure. Waterlase® often reduces the need for drills, making the experience more comfortable and less invasive.
Can Waterlase® help with periodontal treatment?
Yes. Waterlase® is highly effective for gum disease care. This advanced laser combines lasers and water sprays to target harmful bacteria and diseased tissues with precision. Unlike scalpels, lasers are minimally invasive, and the procedure is virtually painless. Lasers also stimulate tissue regeneration, supporting healing and helping your gums reattach to your teeth.
How many treatment sessions do I need?
It depends on your condition, but we can complete many cases with a single session. Cavity treatment, gum reshaping, and tongue-ties can often be completed in one visit. However, gum disease treatment may require multiple sessions, depending on its severity. We always want to keep our patients well-informed. We’ll create a personalized plan with timelines so you know what to expect.
Is Waterlase® treatment painful?
Most patients find it very comfortable. The laser is gentle and minimally invasive, and water sprays help minimize discomfort. That said, we can administer many procedures with little or no anesthesia. You may experience soreness and sensitivity afterward, but any discomfort is mild and only requires a few days to resolve.
What are the benefits of Waterlase®?
Waterlase® offers several advantages. Its precision helps us target problem areas while leaving healthy tissues unscathed. Unlike scalpels, it’s also minimally invasive, which reduces bleeding and trauma to your tissues. Patients also appreciate faster recovery and minimal post-op infections. Ultimately, Waterlase® enhances your overall dental experience.
Can laser dentistry reduce dental anxiety?
Yes. Lasers are quieter and less invasive than traditional tools. Many patients feel more relaxed without the sound and vibration of a drill. So, if you have always dreaded dental visits because of the whine of the drill, come and experience the comfort of laser dentistry.
Is Waterlase® by Biolase safe?
Yes. Waterlase® by Biolase is safe and FDA-cleared to treat multiple dental issues. However, its safety is guaranteed when performed by trained professionals. At our Aliso Viejo dental office, our team follows strict laser protocols to maximize your safety and comfort.
Does insurance cover Waterlase® treatments?
Insurance coverage varies by plan. The best way to determine the exact coverage for your plan is to talk to your provider. Our team can also verify the benefits of your coverage. As a courtesy, we can also file claims on your behalf, making the process smoother and faster.
Who offers Waterlase® in Aliso Viejo, CA?
Advanced Dental uses advanced technology, including Biolase Waterlase®, to address oral health issues with speed, precision, and comfort. Ready to explore how modern technology can elevate your dental experience? Call (949) 289-9993 and schedule an appointment with our team today!
How does Waterlase® and laser dentistry compare to "traditional" treatments?
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!
Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula
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Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After advanced training at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, she relocated to Orange County, CA in 2015. Dr. Chitra is a member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association. Committed to continuous education, she provides top-quality dental services using the latest advancements.
Dr. Joseph C. Yang
Dr. Joseph C. Yang has over 30 years of dental practice experience. He earned his B.S. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then had a distinguished 30-year career as a U.S. Naval Dental Officer, including a residency in Periodontology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Yang is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology. As a board-certified Periodontist, he has performed thousands of successful periodontal and implant procedures. He is also a renowned lecturer and trainer in the latest implant and periodontal techniques worldwide.