Waterlase Dentistry

[Dedpuhl]

I'm looking for a new dentist and came across an ad in the phone book for a dentist that uses Waterlase technology instead of standard drills. Supposedly, most people do not require shots in order to have the work done. Also, there is no additional cost.

Has anyone been to a dentist that uses this? Is it really as painless as they claim?

 

[marvdmartian]

No idea, never heard of it. But hopefully the water they use is warmer than the 34F water my dentist uses to rinse out my mouth!! :shocked:

 

[AdamSnow]

If this is true - I might no longer have a problem going to the dentist...

*I smashed my two front teeth out when I was a child... hurt... a lot... BAD... so now I'm scared to go there...*

 

[Dedpuhl]

No one else has heard of this?

 

[Dedpuhl]

Still no responses? Well, I made an appointment, so I'll see how pain-free this technique is...

 

[Aftermath]

I'd love to hear some feedback about this myself. I know I need a couple of root canals and absolutely hate going to the dentist.

It's not so much the pain though, as much as it's the psycological torment that comes with the sounds and vibration of having my teeth drilled.
It feels like I'm in that chair for hours.. *shudder*

 

[Zim Hosein]

Supposedly, most people do not require shots in order to have the work done.

I need an IV before a dentist gets near me!

 

[Dedpuhl]

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein

Supposedly, most people do not require shots in order to have the work done.

I need an IV before a dentist gets near me!

Me too. That's why I'm kinda excited to give this a try.

 

[Mojoed]

I used to dread the novocaine needle too, until I actually had it done. It didn't hurt at all, it's mostly psychological in my opinion.

Anyway, interesting dental technology OP, thread tagged.

 

[Jzero]

Aside from the annoyance of having your face numb, there really isn't any pain in getting drilled in my experience. I even had an implant put in.

It's interesting that you mention this because I just had a filling done yesterday with a Waterlase. It was entirely painless and did not require any novacaine. I got the impression from my dentist that if the decay is deep enough that novacaine may still be necessary ("This looks shallow enough that I don't think I need to numb it, but if you have any discomfort, let me know.").

It feels like a rapid pulsing and it doesn't give the grinding feeling or heat and burning enamel smell that drills give. The Waterlase web site briefly describes how it feels, and that's an accurate description.

I would also caution against just picking a dentist out of the phonebook. Get references from people you know. Nothing worse than a crappy dentist, no matter how much technology he has.

 

[Dedpuhl]

Originally posted by: Jzero
I would also caution against just picking a dentist out of the phonebook. Get references from people you know. Nothing worse than a crappy dentist, no matter how much technology he has.

In the past, I would agree. After getting so many "unworthy" recommendations, I figured it wouldn't hurt to go phonebook hunting for this one.

I guess I'll find out on Tueday.

 

[Medicine Bear]

What fun is the dentist if you can't hear the whirl of the drill?

 

[jiwq]

i had to get the drill without painkillers.... was kinda painful. he was making way for a filling though.