Dental Lasers

Our office currently has two specific dental lasers. The Waterlasetm is a pulse laser which energizes a fine water spray in order to perform a variety of procedures from cavity preparation, to gum surgery, to relief of cold sores and apthous ulcers. Because it is energized water that is doing the work, the laser does not generate a lot of heat and is therefore relatively painless. Most of the procedures performed with the Waterlasetm can be done so without the need for a dental anesthetic. The Lasersmiletm is a continuous diode laser beam which operates in a slightly different manner. The constant emission of laser energy allows us to perform more soft tissue procedures with amazing control and pinpoint accuracy. This laser is used for soft tissue procedures, debridement of periodontal pockets, and laser whitening. Our laser whitening allows us to dramatically whiten your teeth in less than one hour. Overview One national agency estimates that advances in dental research save Americans more than $4 billion a year. Dentistry today has the most sophisticated, high-tech equipment ever available, allowing the dentist to treat and diagnose with remarkable precision.

Such technology also vastly reduces, and in some cases eliminates, much of the pain and discomfort for you. Some of the more exciting advances coming out in dental research include new genetic therapies, tissue repair methods and improved materials that are biocompatible.

Here's a look at some of the newer technologies:

• Air abrasion - Uses powerful particles of aluminum oxide to remove debris and decay. The most exciting thing for patients is air abrasion is quite painless and in some cases, doesn't require an anesthetic.
• Digital imaging - Allows almost instantaneous views of images inside the patients' mouth. Examples include intra-oral cameras, extra-oral digital cameras (images from outside the mouth looking in), and digital X-rays on a PC screen.
• Digital radiography - like traditional X-rays, digital radiography allows your dentist to easily spot deep tooth problems such as bone loss, deep decay and root canals.
• Lasers - Lasers may one day replace drills, with more precision and less pain. Some teeth whitening, gum, and decay removal therapies employ the use of lasers today.

A Future without Drills and Fillings?

Some health experts believe that a future without drills and fillings is not that far off.

From regenerated teeth using your own DNA, to such futuristic techniques called "bio solutions" that treat disease on a molecular level, incredible advances are being explored every day. For example, bacteria that cause decay may one day be able to be modified before they cause damage.

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