Laser Dentistry in Penrith
Best Western Dental Centre provides laser dentistry in Cambridge Park, Penrith using Waterlase iPlus dental laser technology.
Dental lasers can be used for selected soft-tissue procedures where precise removal or reshaping of tissue is required. At our practice, Waterlase may be used for procedures including tongue-tie and lip-tie frenectomy and gum contouring, when clinically appropriate.
Dr Nathan Le has undertaken dental laser education and training and has used laser technology in clinical dentistry for many years.
Every patient is assessed before treatment to determine whether laser treatment is appropriate for their individual needs.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry uses concentrated light energy to interact with oral tissues.
Different dental lasers have different wavelengths and properties, so they are not all used for the same procedures.
Best Western Dental Centre uses the Waterlase iPlus, an Er,Cr:YSGG dental laser. Depending on the procedure, Waterlase technology can be used to precisely remove or reshape selected oral soft tissues.
The choice between laser treatment and conventional techniques depends on the procedure, the tissues involved and the individual patient’s clinical circumstances.
What Do We Use Dental Laser Treatment For?
At Best Western Dental Centre, laser dentistry may be considered for selected procedures including:
- Tongue-tie frenectomy
- Lip-tie frenectomy
- Selected other frenectomy procedures
- Gum contouring and reshaping
- Management of selected soft-tissue conditions
Laser treatment is not automatically preferable for every procedure or every patient. We first assess the condition and discuss the available treatment options.
Waterlase Laser Frenectomy for Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie
A frenectomy is a procedure that releases or modifies a restrictive frenulum.
A tongue-tie occurs when the lingual frenulum under the tongue restricts tongue movement and function. A lip frenulum can also sometimes be restrictive or contribute to particular clinical concerns.
Importantly, the presence or appearance of a frenulum alone does not mean treatment is required.
Assessment should consider anatomy together with movement, function, symptoms, age and the individual patient’s circumstances.
Where a frenectomy is clinically indicated, Dr Nathan Le uses Waterlase technology to perform the release.
Waterlase can allow precise tissue removal while helping to control bleeding during the procedure. The amount of bleeding, discomfort and healing time varies between patients and depends on the extent and location of treatment.
For detailed information about assessment, treatment and aftercare, please visit our dedicated tongue-tie pages.
Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Information
Tongue-Tie Treatment for Infants FAQs
Adult & Children Tongue-Tie FAQs
Tongue-Tie Supportive Therapies
Tongue-Tie Treatment for Infants
Some babies with restricted tongue movement may experience feeding difficulties, but feeding problems can have many possible causes.
For this reason, our approach is based on functional assessment rather than the appearance of the frenulum alone.
For infants with feeding concerns, assessment by a lactation consultant or other appropriately qualified health professional may be helpful before or alongside dental assessment.
When treatment is considered appropriate, parents are given information about the procedure, expected healing, aftercare and follow-up.
Tongue-Tie Treatment for Infants FAQs
Tongue-Tie Treatment for Children and Adults
Tongue restriction can present differently in older children and adults.
Assessment considers the person’s current function and symptoms as well as the anatomy and mobility of the tongue.
Not every person with a visible or tight frenulum requires a frenectomy. Where treatment is considered appropriate, the expected benefits, limitations, procedure and aftercare are discussed before proceeding.
Adult & Children Tongue-Tie FAQs
Laser Gum Contouring
The amount and shape of gum visible around the teeth varies considerably between individuals.
In selected cases, laser treatment can be used to reshape excess or uneven gum tissue. This is sometimes called laser gum contouring or gingival recontouring.
Treatment may be considered where gum levels are uneven or where excess gum tissue affects the appearance or accessibility of the teeth.
However, a “gummy smile” can have several possible causes. These may relate to the gums, tooth position, tooth proportions, lip movement or underlying jaw relationships.
For this reason, an assessment is required before deciding whether simple laser gum contouring is appropriate.
Where the underlying bone position also needs alteration, laser soft-tissue treatment alone may not provide an appropriate or stable result, and another treatment approach or referral may be recommended.
Cosmetic Dentistry / Smile Makeover
What Are the Potential Advantages of Dental Lasers?
Depending on the procedure, dental laser treatment may offer advantages such as:
- Precise treatment of selected soft tissues
- Good control of the treatment area
- Reduced bleeding during some procedures
- Potentially less trauma to surrounding tissue
- In some situations, reduced need for sutures
These advantages vary according to the procedure and individual patient. Laser treatment does not mean that a procedure will be painless, bloodless or heal within a guaranteed period.
Does Laser Dentistry Still Require Local Anaesthetic?
This depends on the procedure.
Some minor laser procedures may require little anaesthesia, while others require local anaesthetic to keep the patient comfortable.
Before treatment, we explain what is planned and what form of anaesthesia is appropriate.
Dental Laser Experience and Training
Dr Nathan Le graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Sydney in 1999.
He commenced dental laser education in 2001 and has undertaken further laser training through the World Clinical Laser Institute.
Dr Le has also undertaken additional education in tongue-tie and oral restriction assessment and treatment.
Technology is only one part of treatment. Appropriate diagnosis, case selection, clinical technique and follow-up remain important regardless of whether a laser or conventional technique is used.
Laser Dentistry in Penrith
Best Western Dental Centre is located in Cambridge Park and provides laser dental treatment for patients from Penrith and surrounding Western Sydney communities.
If you would like to know whether laser treatment may be appropriate for you or your child, contact our team to arrange an assessment.
Best Western Dental Centre
95 Oxford Street, Cambridge Park NSW 2747
Phone: (02) 4731 4655
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Dentistry
What dental laser do you use?
Best Western Dental Centre uses the Waterlase iPlus, an Er,Cr:YSGG dental laser. Different types of dental lasers have different properties and clinical applications.
Is laser dentistry painless?
No procedure can be guaranteed to be painless. Comfort varies according to the treatment and individual patient. Local anaesthetic may be used when appropriate.
Does laser treatment cause bleeding?
Laser treatment can help control bleeding during many soft-tissue procedures, but it should not be described as completely bloodless. The amount of bleeding varies according to the procedure and patient.
Can Waterlase be used for tongue-tie?
Yes. Where assessment indicates that frenectomy is appropriate, Waterlase can be used to release a restrictive lingual frenulum. A visible frenulum by itself is not an indication for treatment.
Tongue-Tie & Lip-Tie Information
Can laser treatment correct a gummy smile?
Laser gum contouring can be appropriate when excess or uneven gum tissue contributes to the appearance of the smile. Other causes of excessive gum display may require different treatment, so assessment is important before treatment.
How long does laser treatment take to heal?
Healing depends on the procedure, amount of tissue treated and the individual patient. We provide appropriate aftercare instructions and explain what to expect following treatment.
How do I arrange an appointment?
Call Best Western Dental Centre on (02) 4731 4655 or use our online appointment request form.