Waterlase® Dentistry uses a patented technology combining YSGG laser energy and a spray of water, a process called HydroPhotonics™, to perform a wide range of dental procedures on teeth, gum and bone more comfortably. Typically, Waterlase Dentists use fewer shots and less anesthesia reducing patient anxiety and providing a more relaxing dental experience.
Waterlase® is a versatile tool that allows dentists to cut teeth, bone and gum tissue with less trauma and do procedures that can’t be done with traditional tools such as the drill and scalpel. Your Waterlase® dentist will determine what type of treatment is appropriate for your needs.
Lasers have long been the standard of care in medicine for many surgical and cosmetic procedures such as LASIK, wrinkle removal, hair removal and many others. The Waterlase® was approved for hard tissue procedures in 1998 and since has been cleared for numerous additional dental procedures. Thousands of dentists around the world have performed millions of procedures with less need for shots, anesthesia, drills and post-op numb lips.
Heat, vibration and pressure are the primary causes of pain associated with the use of the traditional dental drill. Since cutting both hard and soft tissues (teeth and gums) with the Waterlase® does not generate heat, vibration or pressure, many dental procedures can be performed with fewer shots, less need for anesthesia, less use of the drill and fewer numb lips! Additionally, using the Waterlase® for gum procedures reduces bleeding, post-operative pain, swelling and the need for pain medication in many cases.
Waterlase® dentists are able to remove tooth enamel decay (the hardest substance in the body), bone and gum tissue precisely while leaving surrounding areas unaffected. This conserves and allows you to keep more of the healthy tooth structure.
High speed drills can cause hairline cracks and fractures in the teeth that eventually lead to future dental problems. Waterlase® reduces damage to healthy portions of the tooth and minimizes trauma.
Waterlase® cavity preparations can increase bond strength of tooth-colored restoration resulting in longer lasting fillings.
Due to its conservative, gentle cutting action and coagulating capabilities, the Waterlase® performs many soft tissue (gum) procedures with little or no bleeding and less post-op swelling.
Since you often do not need shots or anesthesia, a Waterlase® dentist can perform cavity preps in all areas of the mouth in just one visit. This technology also gives trained Waterlase® dentists the ability to perform many procedures that were previously referred to specialists.
The Waterlase® is extremely versatile. It can be used for a wide range of hard and soft tissue procedures. From decay removal, cavity preparation, root canals, smile design, gum and bone surgical procedures and many others.