QUESTIONS ABOUT LASER DENTISTRY

Do you have questions about the dental services that we offer? Below is a list of some frequently asked questions regarding Laser Dentistry, but please feel free to call our office at 404-255-9080 if you need additional information. We are always pleased to assist you.

Q. What is a dental laser?

A. A dental laser is a high-technology device that generates a very specific beam of concentrated light. This beam of light focuses energy into your mouth to help Dr.  Flax remove areas of gum infection or tooth decay and artistically sculpt your gums with great precision and accuracy. The laser beam sterilizes the affected area and seals off blood vessels, which minimizes the chance of infection or bleeding. That means that laser dental patients are much more comfortable both during and after treatment. Furthermore, in many instances, with our Waterlase, the need for anesthetic injections is reduced and in some instances eliminated, as well as the associated side effects. Bottom line less time spent in the dental chair and you can enjoy the rest of your day without the effects of numbness!

Q. Are lasers new to dentistry?

A. The concept of lasers was first suggested by the great Albert Einstein. Shortly after the invention of lasers in the early 1960s, lasers were used experimentally on the teeth and gums. 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 Waterlase hard and soft tissue procedures with less need for shots, anesthesia and drills.

Q. How does laser dentistry reduce and eliminate pain?

A. Heat and vibration are the causes of most of the pain associated with the dental drill. Waterlase dentistry (with Erbium technology) combines laser energy with air-waterspray (a process called Hydrophotonics) to perform a wide variety of dental procedures more comfortably.
There are 2 reasons for this:

• Laser energy , in well trained hands, makes teeth less sensitive
• Air-water laser cutting does not transmit heat or vibration

As a result the Waterlase is able to replace the drill in many instances. Furthermore, there is no longer will the sound of the drill to be heard, Instead a popping sound similar to that of popcorn popping. The elimination of the unpleasant noises and vibrations, in combination with Hydrophotonics, makes laser dentistry certainly more comfortable and definitely the right choice for busy lives.

Q. What types of procedures can the laser do?

A. There are many different types of lasers used in dentistry, and their applications vary.

• removing dental decay and old composite fillings
• creating ultra-conservative , microscopic fillings
• smile design
• desensitizing teeth
• sterilizing infected root canals
• bone shaping and crown lengthening
• apthous ulcer treatment
• apicoectomy
• periodontal (gum) treatment
• assisting oral surgery (often for removing teeth or placing implants).

Undoubtedly, lasers are the "wave of the future".

Q. Does it take special training to use a dental laser?

A. Yes it does. There are basic and advanced training courses. Furthermore, there are certifications of skills that demonstrate a wide knowledge of skills including not only about theory and safety but also showing techniques using the laser. Fortunately, for you, Dr. Flax has not only taken these tests but also lectures and writes frequently about this topic (as well as aesthetic dentistry) to people from all over the world. Feel free to explore his teaching website .

Q. How will I know if laser dentistry is for me?

A. Ask Dr. Flax. Upon thorough examination and co- diagnosis, he will determine if laser dentistry is indicated for you. We find that lasers are useful in many areas of dentistry.

Back To Laser Page