BIOLASE® Dental Lasers in Pasadena, TX

If your procedure has any special requirements, we will let you know in advance. That said, there are rarely any precautions that need to be taken before undergoing laser dentistry.

You may still receive a quick injection of local anesthetic in the treatment area, even if your dentist incorporates the BIOLASE laser into your procedure. We’ll discuss this ahead of time so you are not wondering what you should expect. Rest assured that your comfort is our top priority. That’s one of the reasons we’ve equipped our office with this laser technology!

Your aftercare instructions will relate more to the procedure you have done than to the use of the dental laser. In fact, your restrictions may not last as long as they would with traditional dental techniques! In general, your post-treatment limitations may revolve around biting or chewing hard or sticky foods. Hard foods, in particular, may cause discomfort or may damage the work your dentist has just done. Hot and cold foods might also need to be avoided for a short time if you experience any sensitivity. If required, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. 

After your laser procedure, you can expect to care for your teeth very similarly, if not exactly like,  you normally do. This will depend on the nature of your treatment. For example, if we use BIOLASE to remove decay before applying a filling to a tooth, you might resume brushing and flossing normally the same day. If you undergo laser gum therapy, your oral care might change for a short time. We will ensure you understand what to do and what not to do after your treatment by providing clear instructions. If you have any questions after receiving laser dentistry treatment, please contact our office for friendly assistance! 

Our patients appreciate our use of lasers for various procedures, including gum contouring and other gum treatments. That’s because the laser makes these procedures much easier to recover from.

Laser energy naturally seals blood vessels, meaning there isn’t excessive bleeding or the need for sutures. This makes recovery quite different from the old days of scalpels and sutures.

Most patients can return to their normal lives the day after treatments. Your gums may be a little more sensitive and a bit swelled, but this usually resolves completely in a week or so.

For hard tissue uses, such as removing decay, there is no recovery. Patients experience significantly less discomfort afterward compared to drilling a tooth.

Lasers are taking an increasingly prominent role throughout medical and dental care. In many ways, they are actually safer than manual techniques such as gum contouring with a scalpel. This is because the laser energy instantly closes the incisions, instantly disinfects the wound, and creates a perfect incision that heals more quickly. Plus, it does this with little or no pain.

You’d think the power of laser energy would be painful when used on the gums or a decayed tooth, but it isn’t. Because the laser wavelengths are absorbable by water and hemoglobin, the laser energy can instantly vaporize infected gum tissue without the need for a scalpel. And because the energy instantly coagulates the blood vessels and seals nerve endings, there is dramatically less pain, and usually, the incisions don’t require sutures.

The only real risks or side effects that can occur with laser dentistry procedures are when you’re dealing with a practitioner with inadequate training and experience using a laser. Then there are chances of gum damage.

With Dr. Covell, this isn’t a problem. Before adding the BIOLASE platform to our practice, Dr. Covell thoroughly researched the data and outcomes. He also has received extensive training on all three systems of the BIOLASE Waterlase platform. In fact, the precision of the laser energy is actually safer than that of a scalpel. Also, considering the decreased bleeding and lack of a need for sutures, the risks of infection are dramatically lower when using the BIOLASE laser.

Yes, BIOLASE dental lasers can be used in certain cosmetic dental procedures, including:

• Contouring gum tissue
• Correcting uneven gum lines
• Preparing teeth for veneers or bonding
• Reshaping enamel for minor adjustments

The laser’s precision allows for highly accurate modifications without damaging surrounding areas, and the minimal bleeding and reduced healing time make it an appealing choice for cosmetic work. However, more extensive reshaping or structural changes to teeth may still require traditional dental tools for optimal results.

Absolutely. BIOLASE dental lasers are especially beneficial for patients with dental anxiety because they operate quietly, without the high-pitched noise and vibrations of traditional drills. 

The reduced need for anesthesia, minimal bleeding, and faster recovery contribute to a more comfortable experience. Many patients also report less discomfort both during and after laser procedures.

For individuals whose anxiety is triggered by sights, sounds, or sensations associated with conventional dental tools, BIOLASE technology can help make appointments more tolerable and even encourage more consistent dental care.

Yes, BIOLASE lasers can be used in certain situations for patients with dental implants. It’s particularly beneficial for soft-tissue procedures like treating peri-implantitis (inflammation around the implant) or reshaping gum tissue near the implant.

The laser’s precision allows for targeted treatment without causing damage to the implant surface. However, lasers are not used to alter or remove the implant itself.

BIOLASE dental lasers require routine maintenance and periodic calibration to ensure optimal performance and safety. This includes:

• Cleaning fiber tips
• Checking water levels (for hydrokinetic models)
• Inspecting handpieces
• Replacing disposable parts as needed

Calibration involves verifying the laser’s power output and wavelength accuracy, which may need to be done daily or weekly, depending on usage. BIOLASE typically recommends professional servicing at scheduled intervals, which may include software updates and component checks.

Dr. Covell and his staff prioritize regular maintenance and are committed to keeping laser systems (and all other tools) in good condition.