At my practice, we mainly use the Waterlase iPlus laser to perform procedures like gingivoplasties, frenectomies, vestibuloplasties, and implants. However, the laser also features the flexibility to treat infections like peri-implantitis and perform pocket shrinkages to treat periodontal disease. Patients who are aware of dental lasers as a treatment option seem to prefer them because they are less invasive and do not usually require scalpels or sutures.

The biggest patient benefit from laser treatment, in my opinion, has to be the expedited recovery time. The laser helps to disinfect the gum pocket so there is less concern about infection, and can even reinitiate the reattachment of the tooth to the gums, both of which can help speed up the recovery process. In addition, the laser is also great for patients who are worried about bleeding. Patients don’t like blood, and we do not like blood either! There is virtually little to no blood when these lasers are used which is another huge benefit and tends to impress our patients and show them how far the technology has come.

As of now dental lasers are just making their presence known, but I believe that they will become a new standard on how we treat patients as the technology continues to advance. I presume that there are many areas where lasers can be utilized where they are not already and I am not convinced that we are seeing all that lasers in the dental space have to offer!