What is it, in plain words?
A traditional dental drill grinds away decay with a fast-spinning bur. That’s where the high-pitched sound and the buzzing vibration come from. Waterlase works differently. It sends laser energy into tiny droplets of water, and that energized water gently removes decay one very thin layer at a time. The constant water spray keeps the tooth cool throughout.
On the gums, the laser can shape and treat soft tissue very precisely, often with less bleeding than traditional tools.
What a laser visit feels like
- We make sure it’s right for you. We check whether your treatment is a good match for the laser before we begin.
- You put on protective glasses. Everyone in the room wears them while the laser is in use.
- You’ll hear a soft popping sound and feel a cool water mist. There’s no drill whine and no grinding vibration.
- You stay in control. Many patients don’t need freezing for some procedures. If you feel anything, we pause, and numbing is always available.
Why it matters to you
Calmer visits
No drill sound and no vibration takes away much of what makes dental visits stressful, especially for anxious patients and children.
Often fewer needles
For some procedures, many patients need little or no anesthetic. That also means no numb lip for hours afterward, so you can get right back to your day.
More of your own tooth
Because the laser is so precise, we can remove the decay while keeping more of the healthy tooth around it. That fits our “minimal intervention” approach.
Gentle on gums
For gum treatments, the laser works precisely and often with less bleeding, which can make recovery more comfortable.
Where we use it
- Treating cavities, especially small and medium ones, often without needles.
- Gum treatments, such as treating gum disease or reshaping gum tissue for a more even smile.
- Nervous patients and children, who often find the laser far less intimidating than a drill.
Other gentle options we use
The Waterlase isn’t our only way to avoid the drill. Depending on the tooth, we may also use:
- Air abrasion. A fine, precise spray that prepares a tooth for a filling without a drill.
- Silver diamine fluoride (SDF). A painless liquid brushed onto a cavity that can stop it from getting worse. It’s especially helpful for young children and seniors. One trade-off: it permanently darkens the treated spot, so we’ll talk it through with you first.
Good to know
- The laser isn’t right for every procedure. It can’t remove old metal fillings or crowns, and some larger cavities still need traditional tools. We’ll always tell you what to expect before we start.
- Some people still prefer freezing, or need it for a particular treatment. That’s always your choice to make with us.
- Want to learn more? BIOLASE, the company that makes Waterlase, has a patient guide to laser dentistry (opens in a new tab).
Want to see it for yourself?
Ask us about Waterlase laser dentistry at your next visit. We’re always happy to explain how we use our technology and what it means for your care.
