Laser Technology the Newest Trend in Dentistry
The WaterLase from BioLase is a fairly new addition to the dentists arsenal. It combines a spray of atomized water with laser energy to create a cutting device that can cut through even the hardest substance in the human body: enamel. This patent-pending process relies on hydrokinetic energy to produce a cutting laser stream. The procedure is virtually painless (no need for Novocaine in most cases), and is much quicker than the drill. Most people’s aversion to the dentist comes from the discomfort associated with the old-fashioned drill and its high pitched whine. The WaterLase can cut through any mouth tissue with pinpoint accuracy, eliminating the need to drill except in the case when an old metal cavity must be removed (the WaterLase can’t cut through metal).
The WaterLase can be used for almost any procedure the dentist can think of including gum procedures, bone grafting, root canals, implants, and of course, everyone’s favorite, cavity filling preparation. Aside from the patient feeling much less anxious about the new laser procedures, the other benefit is that because the WaterLase is so precise, it is less invasive to the incision spot. Whereas a traditional drill may drill away as much half the tooth for a cavity preparation the water laser merely makes a pin-prick hole. The WaterLase helps preserve the integrity of mouth structure much better than conventional tools. This technology is fully FDA approved and is safe for adults and children.
BioLase is a public company based out of San Clemente, California. The also make LaserSmile(TM) system, which uses a laser to perform soft tissue and cosmetic procedures, including tooth whitening
