Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
by Dr Bob Gibbins, Future Dental, Cairns, QLD Dental, Cairns, QLD
I use the Waterlase MDX 300 in a few different ways but mainly for gum lifts and releasing tongue ties. This is my second Waterlase so I’ve been using this technology for 23 years.
What’s good about it
I see a lot of infants with tongue tie problems that makes it difficult to breastfeed. The Waterless solves this issue quickly with little post-operative pain.
After orthodontic treatment, the bottom edge of the teeth can be lined up perfectly, but the gum edge needs to be refined. The Waterlase provides a nice result. When teeth are very short, the laser neatly exposes more of the root before application of a veneer or crown.
Patients who show too much gum when they smile often request a cosmetic gum lift. Without a laser, a flap needs to be raised and bone removed. I use a closed technique with the Waterlase. Bone can be removed externally by going down parallel to the root and trimming away the bone.
It’s also a fantastic tool for treating Class 6 fillings, particularly when there’s a horizontal groove inside the bottom edge where the enamel has worn through. There’s no better way of preparing the tooth than by using the laser.
The Waterlase has very shallow penetration. The tip is in light contact with the tissue and the penetration is extremely superficial. This means there’s little pain and faster healing. As it cuts and seals blood vessels, the water inhibits charring.
This is also one of the safest lasers on the market with a nominal ocular hazard distance of about four centimetres.
What’s not so good
It’s an expensive piece of equipment and needs to be treated carefully. A trunk fibre in a laser can be destroyed if you’re not meticulous in the way it’s handled. It’s a very versatile tool when used with extreme caution.
