One of the most exciting areas of dentistry today is Laser dentistry. At Progressive Dentistry we have invested in the very latest laser: Waterlase iPlus 2.0. This laser could very well be the best innovation in dentistry yet. Progressive Dentistry is one of a few practices in the UK to offer laser dental treatment using the Waterlase iPlus 2.0, allowing us to perform routine, complex, restorative, surgical and implant procedures without having to use the dreaded drill or even anaesthetic in many cases.
The Waterlase iPlus 2.0 laser is a very accurate, precise and gentle tool using a combination of laser water-spray and technology. The laser beam energizes a spray of water and air. As the water droplets become laser-energized by absorbing the laser energy, water particles that, when directed at the tooth, soft or hard tissue have incredible precision and efficiency. It is able to cut through all types of tissue including tooth, gum tissue and bone so that dental procedures can be performed more comfortably and with vastly improved outcomes.
There are many remarkable advantages to both dentist and patient apart from the ability to do more procedures without the drill.
The laser has the capability to disinfect whilst working which is one of the greatest advantages for us. It is capable of cleaning the interior of a root canal 10 times more effectively than any other device, drastically improving outcomes. When used during gum (periodontal treatment) the laser can reach areas where other dental instruments cannot and also initiate regeneration of the tissue.
During surgery the benefits of the laser are astonishing due to greatly reducing trauma to the tissues. Not only does it seal off blood vessels the laser sterilises the affected area too. This minimizes the chance of infection and bleeding after surgery. The outcomes are therefore vastly improved where patients are far more comfortable both during and after treatment.
Lasers of this type actually promote healing. Patients with advanced bone and gum disease (periodontal disease) have seen how the laser stops any further progression of the condition and actually initiates regeneration of the surrounding tissues. In the past, this could only be considered with invasive surgical procedures.
You may ask what it cannot do. Well, it cannot remove metal fillings or certain base fillings and it cannot prepare teeth for crowns and bridges. For this, more traditional techniques will be required.
It is the fear and anxiety for many people that stops them going to the dentist. Many of those who are apprehensive about visiting the dentist list the dentist drill as their main fear. Waterlase iPlus 2.0 laser dentistry makes no contact with your tooth and does not transmit vibration or heat. We all know the noise from a dental drill can send shivers down one’s spine. All you hear from this laser are quiet, little "pops", reminiscent of popcorn popping.
Waterlase iPlus 2.0 offers accurate treatment, far surpassing drill treatment and without the generation of heat or using pressure. During procedures teeth can sometimes overheat using conventional drills inducing discomfort and irreversibly damaging the soft tissue or pulp underneath. As a result of the pin point accuracy of the laser, it can be used a lot more conservatively. This leads to less invasive tissue removal whilst perform the various procedures. There is little or no discomfort experienced by patients during treatments, less bleeding and a shorter recovery time.
In many cases the need for injections is vastly reduced, and in some cases not required at all, as well as any related side effects. This enables us to combine procedures hence completing more procedures in less time, fewer visits and less trauma. What could be better!
Hard Tissue Applications
Soft Tissue Applications
Bone Surgical Procedures
Root Canal/Endodontic Procedures
Laser Periodontal Procedures