Many patients have expressed their appreciation for having incorporated the digital x-ray and the new imaging cameras into the office. Not only do these tools assist us to better diagnose, educate and treat patients; they have lowered radiation levels, provide unparalleled visualization and greatly assist us in dealing with insurance companies. These are fantastic pieces of equipment that benefit everyone! Still most patient's chief complaints about their dental visits are about the needles, the shots and the terrible sound and feeling of the "dreaded drill". I am happy to report that the era of dentistry is starting to fade out at least as far as office is concerned. Starting in April, 2005, we incorporated an Erbium-Yag dental laser with the capability to do many hard and soft tissue procedures without the pain of needles and without the drill. This particular laser has ability to cut cavity preps, recount our bony defects, debride and sterilize periodontal pockets, sterilize root canals, remove soft tissue lesions, treat canker and cold sores and desensitize those hypersensitive areas without bonding or applying other med's. As its original clinical trials were targeted for treating children, this laser is very good for most pediatric dental procedures but has many uses for adults as well.

We would strongly encourage you to try the laser or ask us some questions if you're so inclined but there are a few parameters you should know about. The laser is very efficient at cutting composite resin and virgin tooth structure but not silver amalgam fillings or crowns. It is possible to use the laser to "anesthetize" the are without an injection, remove the old silver filling in a conventional manner with the drill hand piece, then continue on with the laser. Using the laser is very different than using shots and drills and can often take 10 to 20 minutes linger. You may have to wait longer for an appointment so we can a lot the proper time. All "filling" restorations cut with the laser must be willed with "tooth shaded composite resin". There is no choice and we don't accept the "alternate coding" often used by the insurance companies to decrease the fee they, themselves set for tooth colored fillings. We also charge an additional $20 usage fee for the extra time to set up, tear down, & sterilize the equipment. This also covers the wear on the glass tips that focus the cutting enter beam. Once you have tried this revolutionary and versatile tool, we think you will agree that this a great advancement in dentistry.