Laser Dentistry

Dental lasers have become a revolution in the dental field, making treatments faster, more effective and more satisfying to patients and dentists. Laser technology has been around for 50 years, but the research done in the past two decades has led to a new generation of dental lasers, like Fotona LightWalker.  At Oyster Point Smiles we stay on top of the latest science in dental technology. Dr. Stockburger recently added a Fotona LightWalker Laser to the office to expand the range of dental and cosmetic treatments and enhance precision and patient comfort.

How dental laser can benefit me?

The award-winning LightWalker laser allows us to treat many types of patients more efficiently and with less pain. Here are some of the most common applications of the laser in our office:

NIGHTLASE™

LASER SNORING TREATMENT

NightLase is a leading-edge laser procedure for the treatment of snoring. It is a NON-invasive, NO appliances, simple and an effective way of reducing or eliminating snoring.

Laser energy is used to heat the tissues of the airway causing a tightening effect which helps to keep your airway open. NightLase™ is performed with approximately three short treatments spaced over two months. Each treatment lasts 15 minutes and requires no anesthesia. The procedure is comfortable and you can resume your daily routine immediately afterwards. Results are often seen after the first session.

Before NightLase

After NightLase

What makes NightLase such a notable treatment for snoring is the fact that unlike surgery there is no downtime. So you can literally walk in the office and have the procedure done, and return to your normal routine immediately.

- If snoring is negatively impacting your sleep or putting you at risk of sleep apnea you may be a good candidate for NightLase.

-NightLase helps you breath better during the day as well. 

Are you tired of having your sleep interrupted at night because of snoring? If you are, NightLase treatment may help you get the restful sleep you desire, so that you wake up feeling refreshed.

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 Patients with cavities

 Prior to laser dentistry, a drill would be required to prepare the tooth for a filling. For many even the sound of dental drill can be uncomfortable. Good news is that lasers can now completely eliminate the need for drilling and anesthesia.

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Another upside of using lasers for removing dental cavities is safety and precision. Traditional dental drills remove large amounts of tissue, and the constant spinning of a drill bur can cause cracks in the tooth enamel if done incorrectly. Using Fotona Lightwalker laser, out dental team can revoke very precise amounts of tooth, without damaging or cracking the healthy part of the tooth.

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Lasers also successfully kill oral bacteria around the surgical site. This is important, because if bacteria is still trapped under the new filling, another cavity will start to form. With laser, the surface is completely disinfected and ensures that the filling is good quality and long lasting.

 Patients who are considering dental implants

When a patient who had implant installed returns for a crown, an implant need to be uncovered from the gingival tissue. Cutting through gingival tissue with a laser provides an efficient and patient-friendly method to perform second-stage implant surgery, safely allowing a faster rehabilitation. You can read more about "why choose laser dentist for implant surgery?" here.

How are laser procedures performed?

The doctor will discuss with you and decide when the laser can be used to improve outcomes of various procedures. Many procedures can be performed without a shot and you will just feel warmth on the area we are working on.

The laser beam is extremely bright, and special glasses will be provided to protect the eyes.  The procedure will take far less time than conventional methods and cause far less anxiety and discomfort.

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If you are interested in a new, fresh approach to dental care and considering laser dentistry, we invite you to Oyster Point Smiles in Newport News, Virginia. Call 757-873-2577 and experience the difference that laser dentistry can make.