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How Dental Lasers Equally Benefit Dental Professionals and Patients
By Shaun Whitney, D.D.S.
I have been using BIOLASE’s Waterlase Express dental laser for four years for various procedures, including REPAIR protocol for periodontal implant disease, frenectomies, oral biopsies, endodontic treatment, as well as apicoectomies and treatment of root resorption defects. Not only is the laser useful for numerous procedures and treatments, but it can also be used on patients of all ages. One of the most significant benefits I have seen since implementing a laser into my practice is the shifted perspective my patients have had around having a procedure done, or even visiting the office for a routine exam.
How dental lasers benefit my patients
In my experience, many patients avoid going to the dentist because they fear it will be painful. With dental lasers, my practice has minimized the need for traditional dental equipment such as drills, scalpels, sutures and needles. The Waterlase Express dental laser that I use is a contactless, no heat option, which lends itself to greater accuracy and precision during treatments. This typically means less bleeding and swelling during and after the procedure.
When a patient is post-op, they also report fewer complications than we see with traditional dental devices. A number of patients that I have treated with the REPAIR protocol for periodontal disease have reported that the procedure was far less invasive and painful when compared to their previous periodontal surgeries. Since most procedures with Waterlase are virtually painless, there is also less of a need for postoperative medication, as well as anesthesia during the process. This helps my patients get back to their daily routine as fast as possible, and eases nerves throughout the process.
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How dental lasers benefit my practice
I have found that the Waterlase Express leads to more patients returning to my practice. Once they experience the positive results of laser dentistry, they are sold on the idea that lasers can and should be used in dentistry. Patients want to visit a practice that has the latest and greatest equipment available with better treatment options, and that can make or break the final step in making an appointment. My patients are also in and out of my office quickly, as the laser allows me to complete more procedures in one sitting. This is not only due to the speed of the laser but the patient tolerance during them.
We frequently see faster and improved wound healing and less postoperative pain, as well as improved apical healing with various procedures, including root canal surgeries. By implementing BIOLASE’s dental lasers into my practice, I have increased the potential for my patients to continue their visits with my practice for future dental care.
Implementing dental lasers has significantly improved patient care in my practice. We are proud to provide our patients with modern, minimally invasive treatment options. The Waterlase Express dental laser keeps our patients healthy, comfortable, and smiling.
About Shaun Whitney, D.D.S.
Dr. Shaun Whitney was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, and graduated from Gonzaga University. He received my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, then completed a three-year residency in periodontics and implant surgery and an additional two-year residency in endodontics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Dr. Whitney is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Endodontists. He is also a board-eligible Endodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology.
Dr. Whitney served as President of the Idaho Panhandle Dental Society (2014-2015) and currently serve as the Idaho Panhandle Trustee for the Idaho State Dental Association. In addition, he was recently inducted as a Fellow in to the Pierre Fauchard Academy; an honorary international dental service organization focused on promoting leadership and ethics in dentistry.
Outside the office, Dr. Whtiney appreciates all the Pacific Northwest offers, particularly golf, tennis, fly-fishing and watching Gonzaga basketball!