By Alex Shaine
Journal staff

The sound that makes patients young and old squirm in the dentist's chair - the drill - doesn't ring through the office of one Stevens Point dental clinic very often anymore.

In September, The Family Dental Clinic, 3216 Business Park Drive, purchased a laser that works with water to remove cavities and perform a number of other dental procedures. The device, called a Waterlase MD, is only the second of its kind in use worldwide, according to the clinic.

Dr. Glen Magyera of the Family Dental Clinic discovered the laser in September while attending the annual meeting of the American Dental Association in Atlanta. At the time, he was looking for technology to improve his work in cosmetic dentistry.
"We did a lot of reading and a lot of research ... and (The Biolase Waterlase MD) presented itself as having the widest range of uses beyond cosmetic work," Magyera said.

In simplest terms, the laser splits individual water molecules then directs them at cavities. Instead of the shrill screech produced by a drill, the laser makes an almost-pleasant popping noise.

"Instead of using a drill to clean a cavity out, you can use this popping water and it does a very good job," Magyera said.

Patients are perhaps more excited about this new technology than Dr. Magyera and the people at Family Dental Clinic. Because the laser gently washes decay off of the tooth and doesn't produce the vibrating sensation of the drill, it is much more pleasant for patients, Magyera said.

"One of the biggest things in dentistry is the fear of the drill," Magyera said. "This eliminates that."
According to Magyera, the only drawback to the laser is that it cannot be used on mercury fillings because it melts the filling on the tooth.
The laser can't be used for routine cleanings either, but it can be used in root canals, gum surgery, smile design and soft tissue procedures.

Dental assistant Megan Denn took advantage of the laser to have a canker sore removed from her lip.

"Right away it felt better," Denn said. "It was gone by the next day."
And, in the dental industry, patient satisfaction is crucial, Magyera says. That's what keeps him and others at the clinic on the look-out for the latest in dental technology.

http://www.wisinfo.com/journal/spjlocal/299632204352844.shtml