Modern dentistry has been around for a long time. It’s common for most people to think of dentistry being synonymous with shots, drilling, and even pain.
That’s exactly why I need to talk to you now about Waterlase. It fits into that “game-changer” category.
Waterlase makes it possible to change all that. It offers grater precision, and for most patients, eliminates the need for shots while reducing damage to surrounding tissue.
In this article, I’ll cover Waterlase, its benefits, and why you should consider this incredible technology if your child requires a root canal or treatment for cavities.
What is Waterlase No Shot Dentistry?
WaterLase® No-Shot Dentistry is a patented technology that water, air, and laser energy to gently and precisely treat both soft and hard tissues in the mouth.
When treating soft tissue (like gums), the Waterlase can remove tissue with the power of the laser, while the water cools and hydrates the area, making the process more comfortable and less traumatic. For teeth, the laser light effectively removes decay or prepares the tooth for a filling without the need for traditional drilling, which often requires a needle for local anesthesia. This combination of precision and gentleness helps reduce the need for numbing injections and eliminates the typical discomfort associated with more invasive dental procedures.
How Waterlase Works
The Waterlase system uses a laser that is precisely calibrated to target specific tissues in the mouth while the water spray works to cool the treated area. When the laser energy interacts with the water, it creates a highly effective cutting tool, which allows us to remove decay, reshape gum tissue, or perform other dental procedures.
For soft tissue such as gums, the Waterlase seals blood vessels as it works, which helps to minimize bleeding and reduce the risk of infection. For hard tissues like teeth, the laser can remove decay and prepare the tooth for a filling with minimal vibration, noise, or discomfort.
Now here’s the best part for you and your child: patients typically do not require a shot of anesthesia before or during Waterlase treatment. It’s virtually pain-free for 85% of patients.
The Advantages of Waterlase No Shot Dentistry
1. It’s Virtually Pain-Free
Traditionally, we have to use a topical anesthetic and local anesthesia (in the form of a shot) to numb the area being treated. No one like spain, so this was by far the best way to svoid it. But for a lot of kids, the needle itself can cause stress and discomfort, even before the actual procedure begins. Obviously, we don’t want that. But that’s where Waterlase comes in. It eliminates the need for injections altogether, making the entire procedure less stressful and more comfortable.
Waterlase is smoother thatn a drill – there’s no vibration at all actually. Most patients describethe process as feeling similar to a light tickling sensation. Because the laser energy is so precise, there is less trauma to surrounding tissues which too, helps to minimize pain and promote faster healing.
2. Faster Recovery Times
When compared to traditional dental procedures involving a drill and scalpel, Waterlase offers a significant reduction in recovery times. Because of the significant reduction of tissue trauma during use, Waterlase does not produce as much trauma to the treatment area(s), so there less healing needed.
For example, following a cavity treatment with Waterlase, patients typically experience less bleeding and swelling. This means they can return to normal activities or school sooner and with fewer complications.
3. Reduced Anxiety and Stress
Dental anxiety is a common. Many children and even parents experience it. In fact, it’s no secret that dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons that parents delay or even skip dental appointments. None of us want any kids to experience anxiety, especially when they definitely need the treatment.
That’s why Waterlase is so important. It can make a huge difference because it eliminates the need to use needles entirely. Just that alone is great, but during the procedure, especially if the patient has had traditional dental procedures in the past, there is a noticible reduction of discomfort.
4. Greater Precision and Accuracy
Waterlase offers unparalleled precision in both hard and soft tissue procedures. The laser’s fine focus allows us to target specific areas with high accuracy, reducing the risk of damaging healthy tissue. This is particularly important when performing delicate procedures such as cavity preparation, gum reshaping, or soft tissue removal.
The laser’s precision also allows for smaller incisions, which means less tissue damage, reduced risk of infection, and faster healing. With Waterlase, we can preserve more of the healthy tissue, while treating and eliminating infected areas safely.
5. Less Bleeding and Swelling
Traditional methods have a great deal of precision, but Waterlase can be more precise and not traumatizing surrounding tissue nearly as much. The result is a significant reduction in swelling and bleeding. The laser energy helps to coagulate blood vessels as it works. And this helps to create a more comfortable experience for patients.
Like I said, it’s a true game-changer.
6. Waterlase Is Ideal for Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric patients often have a heightened fear of needles and dental procedures in general. With Waterlase, that’s in the past. We basically get the skill and precision of a drill and scalpel without the needle, tissue damage or recovery times.
7. Safe and Effective
Waterlase technology is FDA-approved and has been extensively tested to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality and effectiveness. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, there is less risk of complications such as infections, nerve damage, or unnecessary bleeding.
8. No Radiation
The Waterlase machine essentially creates a “water scalpel” by ionizing water. This process does not involve radiation of any kind.
Who Can Benefit from Waterlase No Shot Dentistry?
Waterlase No Shot Dentistry is ideal for a wide variety of patients, including:
- Children and teenagers: Waterlase is especially beneficial for young patients who may have a fear of needles or dental procedures. By eliminating the need for injections, Waterlase makes dental visits more comfortable and less stressful for kids.
- Anyone undergoing complex dental treatments: Whether it’s a cavity, root canal, or gum surgery, Waterlase can be used to treat a wide range of conditions without the discomfort and recovery time associated with traditional methods.
Waterlase No Shot Dentistry offers a revolutionary approach to dental care, eliminating the need for injections and providing a more comfortable, effective experience for patients. Waterlase can perform the same types of procedures as a drill can, but with far less trauma to the surrounding tissue.
To find out more, call us today at (801) 802-7200.
