Company Updates

Dental Lasers Deliver Consistent Results, Comfort for Patients and Myriad Treatment Capabilities for Providers

By Dr. Paul P. Chang D.D.S., M.S.

I have used BIOLASE’s Waterlase iPlus and Epic X Hygiene dental lasers for the majority of my periodontal and implant surgeries over the past two years, and have continued to see significant benefits when compared to other equipment that I have adopted. The experience in using dental laser technology has now transformed into a personal passion for raising awareness around the three key qualities I value in the devices, 1) consistent results, 2) comfort level for patients and 3) myriad treatment capabilities for providers.

1. Consistency
One key benefit of the dental laser is the consistent results. This includes minimal discomfort to the average amount of time a patient can expect to be in the chair (which is less due with the laser). Setting expectations upfront not only provides my patients with more peace of mind, but also further establishes our relationship and earns their trust.

2. Comfort
Along with these shorter procedure times, the treatments themselves are less intimidating when compared to using traditional handpieces, as there are no loud noises aside from a small popping sound. Because of the precision a laser provides, patients frequently return explaining that they had much less post-op pain than they anticipated.

Additionally, Waterlase iPlus laser uses trunk fiber, rather than an articulated arm, providing comfort for dentists using the device as well. The trunk fiber is a flexible cable intended to help dental professionals with ergonomics during procedures. My decision to use the Waterlase iPlus has not only provided my patients with additional comfort during and after treatments, but physical comfort for me as well.

Waterlase Dentist - Dr. Paul Chang

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3. Capabilities
Dental lasers are also extremely versatile, which is helpful for patients and providers alike. One of the main reasons I was drawn to the BIOLASE dental lasers was the myriad treatment capabilities through the equipment, which has allowed me to utilize them for a number of different procedures. These procedures include implant and periodontal repairs, removal of granulation tissues after extraction and de-epithelializing epithelium and to prepare soft tissue grafts. Dental lasers can even be used on patients who suffer from peri-implantitis. In fact, ErCr:YSGG lasers are one of the few instruments that can adequately detoxify diseased implant surfaces, allowing the re-osseointegration that is necessary for healing. After each surgery, I use the Epic X Hygiene laser for photobiomodulation (PBM), formerly known as Low Level Laser Therapy. Patients report less post surgical discomfort and faster healing when PBM is used.

The three benefits above are just some of the many advantages dental lasers provide to dental professionals and patients. I believe there is still great opportunity to integrate laser technology into practices across the country, and providers who do will find them to be an invaluable device.

Dr. Paul P. Chang D.D.S., M.S.

About Dr. Paul P. Chang D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. Chang attended Baltimore College of Dentistry in Maryland where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2003. He then completed an extensive five-year residency program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), where he was awarded specialty certificates in both Periodontics and Prosthodontics. While in San Antonio, he also completed his research on bio-modification of titanium surfaces to improve initial implant stability and earned his Master’s degree in the school of Biological Science.

During residency, Dr. Chang participated in various trial studies of Procera all zirconia implant restorations. He was the first dentist in the U.S. to have successfully restored full arch implant cases utilizing all zirconia, screw retained three unit FPDs, as well as the Procera all zirconia, full arch screw retained hybrid restoration (fixed denture).
Less than a year after completing his residency program, he successfully challenged both the American Board of Periodontology & American Board of Prosthodontics’ board examinations. He is one of five dual board-certified dental specialists in both periodontics and prosthodontics in the United States.​

Dr. Chang is an adjunct professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the UTHSCSA Dental School. He is actively involved in the Southwest Society of Periodontists where he is currently serving as a board member. Dr. Chang has published several articles on dental implants and has also lectured at numerous continuing education courses around the country. He is a current member of the American College of Prosthodontists, American Academy of Periodontology, Southwest Society of Periodontists, American Dental Association, and Fourth District Dental Society.

Dr. Chang currently maintains his specialty practice in McKinney, Texas.