Waterlase – A New Dental Technology

By Jenny Linfords

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The image of dentistry has changed radically in recent years. Whereas, once, it was seen as an emergency option to be turned to in cases of extreme pain or injury, a modern dentist's surgery is viewed much more in preventative and cosmetic terms, and will probably boast an atmosphere akin to an upmarket spa than the average medical venue. Despite this, however, some people still have a deep seated fear of dentists, and this is often driven, or at least triggered, by the unpleasant sound of a dentist’s drill.

The latest advances in orthodontic technology have, however, been able to provide an alternative to traditional drills by utilising the latest in laser technology. Many of the fears that people associate with having their teeth drilled are based around the blatantly physical nature of the average dental drill bit. Although built to be as slim as possible, sterile and sharp enough to drill quickly and accurately, a drill is still a drill. It works by spinning a piece of sharpened metal at huge speed until it generates enough kinetic energy to break through the enamel of a tooth. Not only is this potentially painful, to the point where anaesthetic injections are required, but it also generates heat, bits of debris and that familiar and, in some case dreaded, high pitched whining noise.

Watrelase treatment, on the other hand, uses a laser beam to fire an ultra-fine stream of water at the tooth. It may seem hard to believe, but even water, when energised and directed powerfully enough can generate enough force to cut through enamel and dentine, giving access to tooth decay and any cavities which may be present.

Despite its undoubted effectiveness, the Waterlase is an infinitely more gentle option than a traditional drill. Although the option of local anaesthetic is still available, the Waterlase actually boasts a slight numbing effect of its own, meaning that the needles into the gum which many find so frightening and unpleasant may well become a thing of the past. As well as creating a more relaxing ambience, the Waterlase, since it works without creating heat and trauma, is far less likely to cause long term damage to the fabric of a patients teeth. Traditional drilling, whilst dealing with the immediate problem at hand, has been known to trigger micro fractures and damage which, over time, may worsen to the point at which root canal treatment is necessary.

Of course, drilling of any kind is only a small part of the treatment which a modern dental clinic will offer. Often, rather than treating a damaged or diseased tooth, an orthodontist will be able to remove it all together, providing dental implants in London which replace both the tooth and the root. If you feel this might be suitable treatment for you, then attend a dental implant clinic to discuss it with your orthodontist. When allied to a range of treatments, including laser whitening teeth technology, an implant of this kind can help to totally transform the appearance of your smile, and with it, the way in which you feel when facing the rest of the world.

A modern orthodontist does a lot more than merely treat decay and relieve pain. Thanks to the huge range of treatments now available, there isn't a dental problem which can't be treated, and there is no longer any need to go through life with a smile which you aren't totally happy with.