Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1994 to treat a number of dental problems. But, despite FDA approval, no laser system has received the American Dental Association's (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. That seal assures dentists that the product or device meets ADA standards of safety and efficacy, among other things. The ADA, however, states that it is cautiously optimistic about the role of laser technology in the field of dentistry. These lasers are different from the cold lasers used in phototherapy for the relief of headaches, pain, and inflammation.
Still, some dentists are using lasers to treat:
Tooth decay. Lasers are used to remove decay within a tooth and prepare the surrounding enamel for receipt of the filling. Lasers are also used to "cure" or harden a filling.
Gum disease. Lasers are used to reshape gums and remove bacteria during
root canal procedures.
Biopsy or lesion removal. Lasers can be used to remove a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) so that it can be examined for cancer. Laser are also used to remove lesions in the mouth; and relieve the pain of canker sores.
Teeth whitening. Lasers are used to speed up the in-office teeth whitening procedures. A peroxide bleaching solution, applied to the tooth surface, is "activated" by laser energy, which speeds up of the whitening process.
BIOLASE Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLTI), the world's leading dental laser company, today announced that it is taking advantage of the large dental audiences at the California Dental Association 2010 CDA Presents Meeting in Anaheim, CA, to formally release a new episode of the animated educational program ToothTales. The episode, entitled "ToothTales: My First Visit to a Waterlase Dentist," is an introduction for children and their parents to the world of laser dentistry, avoiding shots and the microfractures that accompany a traditional drill.
David M. Mulder, Chief Executive Officer of BIOLASE, stated, "Over the past year, we have been building a base of video evidence on the benefits of the Waterlase and are now in the process of expanding our marketing efforts to include the patient population and the general public. The use of multimedia platforms, such as the ToothTales series as well as viral marketing, social networks and other avenues to the patient is resulting in people seeking out laser dentists and asking their own family practitioners about laser dentistry. We want them to have a base of evidence from friends, family, videos and other doctors as they make those inquiries and form their own opinions. We are committed to the idea of 'pull' marketing platforms to build the practices of our current doctors and to help consumers understand the state of the art technology that is now available to them and their children. Many of these efforts have had behind-the-scenes work advancing for almost a year."
The ToothTales series was developed and produced by Christina Do, DDS, a family, pediatric and cosmetic dentist practicing in Costa Mesa, CA. Dr. Do is a graduate of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and has practiced alongside the leading pioneers in the area of laser dentistry. She also teaches and lectures on laser dentistry regularly.
