Scott D. Anderson, DDS
Creating Beautiful Smiles
Call: 970.641.4200


Laser Dental Care in Gunnison, CO

In recent years, laser dentistry has superseded many traditional dentistry practices, making treatments more precise and less painful.  This newer style of dentistry utilizes intense beams of light projected by a dental laser.  Dental lasers can be used to perform a wide variety of treatments, including soft tissue shaping and removal.

The FDA deemed laser dentistry to be safe for public usage in 1990.  Since then, many dentists have incorporated dental lasers into everyday procedures – reducing bleeding, anxiety and post-treatment recovery times.  The beauty of dental lasers is that they damage far less of the surrounding tissue than traditional techniques – which means less discomfort and pain.

Here are some of the other benefits associated with laser dentistry:

  • Faster healing and tissue regeneration.
  • Preservation of more of the natural tooth.
  • Reduced bleeding during and after treatment.
  • Reduced need for anesthesia.
  • Reduced need for stitches and sutures.
  • Reduced risk of bacterial infections after procedures.

How can laser dentistry help me?

Laser dentistry is incredibly versatile and plays an important role in a growing number of common dental procedures.  Though laser dentistry is most notably associated with cosmetic treatments, it is equally effective for preventative purposes.

Here are some of the ways that dental lasers can be used:

  • Tooth preparation – Prior to laser dentistry, a drill would be required to prepare the tooth for a filling.  Lasers can now completely eliminate the need for drilling and anesthesia. Lasers also successfully kill oral bacteria around the surgical site.
  • Reshaping soft tissue – Dental lasers can dissolve soft tissue to expose more of the natural tooth (crown lengthening), reshape soft tissue to make “gummy smiles” more attractive, and remove uncomfortable soft tissue folds caused by denture wear.
  • Frenectomy – Lasers can improve speech and the feeding habits of babies, children and adults by untying the tongue.
  • Tumor removal – When benign tumors have formed in the soft tissue areas of the mouth, a dental laser can completely remove them without causing pain.
  • Whitening – Lasers can greatly expedite the tooth whitening process by increasing the activity of the particles in the peroxide bleaching solution.
  • Biopsy – Lasers are sometimes used to perform a biopsy on suspicious areas of soft tissue.  This biopsy procedure can be performed instantly and with great precision.

How are laser procedures performed?

Different types of dental laser have been created to treat different conditions.  Each laser uses a different wavelength of light, which predicates its best use.  The most common types of dental laser are carbon dioxide lasers and diode lasers, which are usually employed to treat soft tissue problems.  The dentist will decide which type of laser is best to use after conducting X-rays and a thorough examination.

The laser beam is extremely bright, and special glasses will be provided to protect the eyes.  The dentist will then direct the beam at the affected area and carefully dissolve the soft tissue, harden the filling or whiten the teeth.

The procedure will take far less time than conventional methods, and cause far less anxiety and discomfort.  The only real disadvantage of laser dentistry is that it can prove to be more expensive.

If you have questions or concerns about laser dentistry, please ask your dentist.

BIOLASE® WATERLASE®

BIOLASE® Technology designs innovative dental lasers to reduce the complexity and trauma associated with many common dental procedures.  The drill (aka the ‘handpiece’) strikes fear into the hearts of many with its noise, vibration, and heat.

The Waterlase® device utilizes hydrokinetic technology to remove hard and soft tissue with laser-powered water droplets.  There is no heat, no vibrations and no noise associated with the Waterlase laser, and it is completely safe.  The FDA deemed the hydrokinetic laser safe for use on both adults and children in 1998.

The BIOLASE® Waterlase® is an extremely versatile piece of dental equipment.  It can be used to either perform or expedite many procedures including:

  • Caries removal.
  • Cavity preparation.
  • Dentin and enamel procedures.
  • Gum lifts and reshaping.
  • Removal of decay.
  • Soft tissue procedures.

What benefits does BIOLASE® Waterlase® offer?

Waterlase® works by precisely combining atomized water and laser energy to gently remove hard and soft tissue.  This precision laser means that in most cases, there is no need for anesthesia.  Additionally, the laser actually sterilizes the surgical area, meaning that there is less risk of bacterial invasions or infections.  For children and fearful patients, the Waterlase® offers a needleless, painless way to achieve the perfect smile.

Here are some reasons why using Waterlase® is preferable to the traditional dental drill:

  • Adjacent teeth remain unaffected.
  • Faster and stronger bonding of fillings.
  • Less of the healthy tooth is removed.
  • Minimal bleeding during and after procedures.
  • No noise, heat, or unpleasant vibrations.
  • Pinpoint accuracy generates better results.
  • Reduced number of dental visits.
  • Reduced risk of post-surgical infection.

How are Waterlase® procedures performed?

Though each Waterlase® procedure differs in detail, some elements remain constant.  First, protective eyewear will be provided to protect the eyes.  Second, a small Waterlase® laser will project streams of atomized water to cut into the hard or soft tissue.  The laser sterilizes as it moves, which means that in the case of soft tissue augmentation, the whole procedure can be completed in a single visit.

The Waterlase® laser increases comfort levels, reduces anxiety, and reduces cost.  In addition, it is one of the least invasive, most effective tools that dentists have at their fingertips.  Waterlase® can significantly improve the health of the teeth and restore the beauty of the smile.

If you have questions about BIOLASE® Waterlase®, please ask your dentist.

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