What Is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry offers a highly effective alternative to painful and noisy drilling procedures. Lasers can now be used to perform a variety of functions, including cavity removal, tooth restoration, and periodontal surgery. Dental lasers can also remove plaque and dental decay from a cavity-affected tooth, preparing it for filling.

A laser beam can also help harden bonding material. Laser dentistry can effectively reshape gums, remove excess or affected gum tissue in patients suffering from gum disease, and remove bacteria from between diseased gums and teeth.

The Waterlase® Dental Laser

Dr Marx uses the Waterlase® dental laser for many procedures in his practice. The Waterlase® uses “Hydro-kinetic” energy to cut teeth and prepare soft tissue. Water droplets absorb the laser energy and become laser-energised water particles that, when directed at the tooth, rapidly remove enamel, dentine, and decay. The Waterlase® dental laser replaces the drill in many instances. It is highly effective in treating children and anxious patients, therefore no anaesthetics are required.

The LaserSmile™ Dental Laser

Dr Marx uses the LaserSmile™ Dental Laser mostly for teeth whitening procedures. This laser can also be used for the effective reshaping of gums and/or soft tissue in the mouth. The LaserSmile also uses “Hydro-kinetic” energy to cut through soft tissue. The LaserSmile™ teeth whitening system requires the use of their LaserSmile diode laser. The emission spectrum of this light unit is very precise. Its emission lies in the 798 to the 815nm range which is part of the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

The requirement that this laser must be used implies that the company believes that emission of this specific wavelength “photo-activates” the LaserSmile whitener and therefore increases the efficiency of the whitening process.