Q. How does laser dentistry reduce and eliminate pain? A. Heat and vibration are the causes of most of the pain associated with the drill. Since water laser cutting does not transmit heat or vibration, most dental procedures can be performed with no pain, virtually eliminating the need for anesthesia in most cases. In combination with an air-waterspray, the Hydrokinetic YSGG laser is able to replace the drill in many instances. No longer will the whine of the drill be heard, but rather a popping sound similar to that of popcorn popping. Since there is no heat or vibration from the dental laser, the need for anesthetic (THE SHOT) is eliminated in most cases! Q. What is a dental laser? A. A laser is a high-technology device that generates a beam of concentrated light. This beam of light brings energy into your mouth to help your dentist remove areas of infection or tooth decay with great precision and accuracy. The laser beam sterilizes the affected area and seals off blood vessels, which minimizes the chance of infection or bleeding. Laser dental patients are much more comfortable both during and after treatment. That's because, in many instances, the need for anesthetic injections is reduced and in some instances eliminated, as well as the associated side effects. And that means less time spent in the dental chair! Q. Are lasers new to dentistry? A. Shortly after the invention of lasers in the early 1960s, lasers were used experimentally on the teeth and gums. Lasers have been used on a limited basis in hospital dentistry. Recent technological developments have made it possible for lasers to be used effectively in the dental office on patients like you. In fact, lasers are now being used by dentists all over the world. The advent of the WaterLase has opened new frontiers for dental patients. This laser is very different from all other lasers and offers more options and more comfort for the patient due to its patented use of the water cooling spray. Q. What types of procedures can the laser do? A. There are many different types of lasers used in dentistry, and their applications vary. The most common use of lasers is for removing dental caries, old composite fillings, sterilizing infected root canals, bone shaping, apthous ulcer treatment, crown lengthening, apicoectomy, periodontal (gum) treatment and oral surgery. Q. How will I know if laser dentistry is for me? A. Ask your dentist. Upon thorough examination and resulting diagnosis, your dentist can determine if laser dentistry is indicated for you. We find that lasers are useful in many areas of dentistry.
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