Laser Dentistry

The latest technology to improve patient care

Dental lasers are now becoming more widespread in the UK, although they have been used successfully in the USA and Germany for very many years. In 2004 Waterside Dental Care was one of the first practices in the UK to invest in dental lasers to increase the range of treatments we can offer to our patients.

Uses of Dental Lasers:

• To create a better gum line around natural teeth, crowns and veneers.
• To remove lesions in the mouth, such as polyps, without needing to be referred to
  hospital.
• To remove overgrowths of gum around teeth.
• To promote the healing of ulcers and cold sores.
• To whiten teeth using a specialised whitening gel.
• To sterilise the tissues in dental pockets and promote healing and bone regrowth.
• To sterilise the bacteria in root canals during root treatments and increase healing.

We use our Diagnodent™ Laser Assisted Cavity Detection machine to detect early decay that might be developing in the biting surfaces of the teeth. Early detection means we can provide preventative restorations to seal the area to stop the decay developing into a larger cavity that would need a filling. Where early decay is suspected readings can be taken at consecutive examination or hygiene appointments to detect any progression of the lesion.

Our Ezlase™ 940 nm diode soft tissue laser is used for tooth whitening and for the removal of overgrown gum or mouth lesions and to get a better impression for dental restorations.

The Waterlase™ YSGG hard tissue laser uses a unique combination of laser energy and water to provide gentler, more precise treatment that conserves healthy tooth structure, and minimizes pain and discomfort.

Laser dentistry has the following advantages:

• It can induce anaesthesia in the tooth so many restorations can be completed without local anaesthetics.
• The noise is a ‘popping’ sound rather than the usual whine of a fast-speed drill.
• Procedures that once took several appointments to complete, such as multiple fillings,
  can now be finished in just one visit.
• Treatment can be more comfortable as there is no vibration.
• Preventative dentistry can be more effective as smaller restorations can be prepared.
• Tissue healing is faster and often occurs without swelling and with reduced
  post-operative pain.