What Is Laser Dentistry? Why You Should Choose a Dentist Who Uses a Laser

Laser dentistry. Maybe you have heard a little buzz about it by now or maybe you are seeing it pop up in ads online as you browse for a dentist. Just what is laser dentistry?If you are not quite sure what it is and are imagining some type of Star Wars lightsaber fight going on in your mouth, let us give you the real lowdown on laser dentistry and why your teeth might be using "The Force" to encourage you to choose a dentist who can wield this little light of wonder to save your teeth... and the galaxy.

What is laser dentistry?

Star Wars metaphors aside, there is a big difference between laser dentistry and the dentistry of days gone by. You may remember the dreaded "drill" from your childhood and have had anxiety or apprehension about going to the dentist ever since. Fear no more, Dr. Mundy uses the BIOLASE Waterlase Laser.

Watch how the BIOLASE Waterlase laser removes decay from a tooth from BIOLASE, Inc. on Vimeo.In short, laser dentistry works by combining a gentle water spray and highly concentrated light to remove only the decaying portion of the tooth... pain-free! The most common causes of discomfort associated with going to the dentist are pressure, heat, and vibration. Since the laser does not generate pressure, heat, or vibration, most procedures can be performed with little to no discomfort at all. The majority of patients don't even require a shot or any numbing when getting restorative treatment with laser dentistry! No shot, no drill, no fear! No brainer, right? But how does it do that?

How does the laser work?

The laser is so precise that it is able to target just the decaying portion of the tooth. This leaves you with more healthy tooth structure than the traditional handpiece drilling technique was able to in the past. BIOLASE explains the process like this:

"The Waterlase combines water, air, and laser energy for safe use on human tissue in the mouth. Our teeth are partially made up of water and when the laser makes contact with the tooth it excites the water molecules to cut through the tooth. Since the laser continuously sprays out water it keeps the tooth hydrated preventing heat and giving you a virtually pain-free experience!"

Are you ready for virtually pain-free dentistry? from BIOLASE, Inc. on Vimeo.

What are the benefits of laser dentistry?

Some of the benefits associated with WaterLase laser dentistry are:

• Less patient discomfort
• Less noisy than traditional dental equipment
• Less pressure during treatment
• Less pain post-operatively
• Faster healing time
• Faster tissue regeneration
• Preservation of soft tissue
• Reduced need for anesthetic
• Reduced numbing sensation
• Reduced risk of bacterial infections post-operatively

The laser is precise, which leaves the surrounding areas unaffected. Traditional dental instruments cause unintended damage to surrounding healthy tissue—a negative consequence that has long been accepted for lack of a better solution.

Looking for a dentist in Fishers who uses laser dentistry?

Now that we've answered the question: what is laser dentistry, you can understand why you would definitely want a dentist with one. A dentist who uses laser dentistry shows a commitment to stay up-to-date in today's changing field of dentistry. Dr. Mundy is committed to using the latest dental technologies to give patients the best restorative treatment possible. If you have any questions about laser dentistry, please give us a call at (317) 598-GRIN!

(Sorry...couldn't resist!)