Jerry Massimei, D.D.S., A.P.C., is a dentist who specializes in providing gentle, experienced dental care to residents in Chula Vista, Eastlake and Bonita, California and runs his own practice, Jerry Massimei Dentistry. Here, he discusses a relatively new type of laser dentistry which can make many dental procedures completely painless.
Waterlase laser dentistry is another proprietary product which is made by the Waterlase company. It involves the use of a laser using argon, a specific laser wavelength, to take care of many dental problems that normally would require a drill.
Waterlase dentistry can be effectively used when doing dental surgeries, not to cut the teeth as it is kind of slow, but to produce cauterization so there is less bleeding.
It is now also being used somewhat effectively for the treatment of periodontal disease, where the laser beam actually burns away the tartar, cauterizes the tissue and allows healing to be initiated. If there is a deep periodontal pocket alongside of the tooth due to detachment of the bone and soft tissues to the root surface because of periodontitis, the laser helps to a degree that the deep pocket will heal and be reduced in depth so that it is easier to maintain in a healthy state.
No Anesthesia Required
Waterlase dentistry can also, in some cases, reduce the heat, pressure and noise of a drill so that many procedures can be performed without anesthesia. There is also less risk of cracks and damage which sometimes occur from a drill.
Finally, with Waterlase, the tooth can be sterilized as the decay is removed, meaning there is no risk of any decay remaining underneath and causing problems in future. That can reduce the need for a future root canal in many cases.
If you are interested in the use of Waterlase dentistry, ask your dentist if it is used in the practice you normally attend. If not, you may want to consider visiting another dentist where Waterlase laser dentistry is a normal part of the dental visit, and where you can reap the benefits of this painless way of visiting the dentist.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
