Laser Dentistry

What would you say if you could have your fillings placed painlessly without needles and drills? You'd probably say, "Where do I sign up?" Well, now you can with a revolutionary new laser we call the Waterlase™.

I am proud to be the first dentist in the Baton Rouge area to offer Waterlase™ dentistry. The "popcorn popping" sound your hear during treatment is created by the laser energizing very tiny molecules of water. The resulting energy gently and precisely removes a wide range of tissue including tooth enamel (the hardest substance in the body), and soft tissue (gum tissue) with no heat and no pain, thus eliminating the need for anesthesia (novocaine) in most cases.

The Waterlase™ is especially great for kids. Sure, if the dentist is very good, shots should not really be painful. But KNOWING you're getting a shot is psychologically painful even if you can't feel the needle - especially for kids. By not getting a shot, not feeling the vibration of the drill, and by not hearing the loud drill, kids never become afraid of the dentist. Also, after dental treatments, it's not unusual for kids (or adults for that matter) to bite their lip or tongue because of being numb. With the Waterlase™, there is no numbness, so no chance of a child injuring himself after dental treatment.

Some of the major benefits of using the Waterlase™ instead of a drill are:

• Most dental procedures can be performed with no pain, virtually eliminating the need for anesthesia (98+).
• The laser's pinpoint accuracy is precise enough that we are able to leave behind as much healthy tooth structure as possible, allowing you to keep your own teeth longer.
• Effectively performs numerous soft tissue (gums) procedures with little or no bleeding. The laser gives us a new high-tech tool for many procedures that previously required stitches and healing packs.
• Avoids many common problems of the dental drill, including cracks in the teeth from the vibration and rapid turning of the drill burs, which can weaken your teeth, creating future problems.
• The Waterlase™ sterilizes as it cuts, leaving less chance for bacterial contamination.
• A dental laser prepares your teeth in a way that maximizes the bonding of tooth colored fillings, allowing them to last longer.
• The Waterlase™ can effectively treat canker and cold sores. It can take the pain away from canker sores instantly, and allow them to heal often within 24 hours. And the LASER kills the viruses that cause cold sores, allowing rapid healing so that you don't have to hide your embarrassment for the next 2 weeks.

Safety? With its 1 to 2 mm active range from the tip, the Waterlase™ provides pinpoint accuracy, reducing the chance of causing damage to healthy tissues. These instruments are as safe as anything used in dentistry. The only safety measure necessary during laser treatment is proper protective glasses, which we provide for your use.

Finally, what about cost? Laser fillings add nothing to the cost of having fillings done. The savings come in the form of time. Since there is no need to wait for anesthesia, you'll be ready to go in no time. Plus, there is no need to wait to eat afterward. Laser fillings can be chewed on as soon as you leave the office.