Laser Dentistry
A dental laser uses focused light energy to remove or reshape tooth and gum tissue with a high degree of precision. For the right procedure, laser treatment can mean less drilling, less bleeding, and a gentler recovery than conventional techniques. Dr. Marilyn Gaylor uses the Fotona LightWalker laser in her Atlanta practice for selected general, periodontal, and cosmetic procedures, and she personally examines, diagnoses, and performs each laser treatment herself.
Dr. Gaylor has used laser technology in her practice for more than a decade and incorporates it where it offers a clear advantage for the patient, not as a replacement for sound diagnosis. Her restorative foundation comes from more than a decade of advanced study at the LD Pankey Institute and training in occlusion at The Dawson Academy. She holds Accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, is a Fellow of the Georgia Dental Association, and earned her dental degree from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry in 1984.
Charles M.“I was one of the first patients that Dr Gaylor had in the beginning of her practice. It has been 20 years now, and she is exactly where I knew she would be. The best cosmetic dentist in the USA. If you are an actor, politician, or the president, she can give you the confidence to be a sure win. Do you need cosmetic dental work? She is what you have been looking for. I’m so glad I found her, she changed my life.”
How the Fotona LightWalker Laser Works
The Fotona LightWalker is a dual wavelength laser, which means it combines two types of laser energy in one system. Each is suited to different tissues:
- Er:YAG Wavelength: Used on hard tissue such as enamel and dentin, including removing decay and preparing teeth for fillings.
- Nd:YAG Wavelength: Used on soft tissue such as the gums, including periodontal therapy and gum contouring.
Because the settings can be adjusted for each procedure, Dr. Gaylor can match the laser to the tissue being treated. For many soft tissue procedures, the laser seals small blood vessels as it works, which can reduce bleeding and the need for stitches.
Laser Treatments Offered in Atlanta
Laser-Assisted Fillings
Decay can often be removed with less drilling, vibration, and noise, and some patients need little or no local anesthetic.
Gum Disease Treatment
The laser is used alongside deep cleaning to reduce bacteria and remove inflamed tissue in gum pockets.
Gum Contouring and Gum Lifts
Excess gum tissue is reshaped to even out the gum line, often as part of porcelain veneers or a smile makeover.
Snoring Treatment With NightLase
Gentle laser energy is applied to tissue in the back of the mouth to help reduce snoring over a series of visits.
Frenectomy
A tight tongue or lip attachment that limits movement can be released with minimal bleeding.
Tooth Sensitivity
Laser treatment may help reduce sensitivity on exposed root surfaces.
Canker Sores and Cold Sores
Laser therapy may ease discomfort and support healing of certain oral lesions.
Laser Snoring Treatment and Sleep Apnea
NightLase is a non-surgical laser protocol intended to reduce snoring by tightening tissue in the soft palate and throat. It is typically completed over several short sessions a few weeks apart, and results vary from patient to patient.
Snoring can be a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a medical condition that should be diagnosed by a physician, usually with a sleep study. If sleep apnea is suspected, Dr. Gaylor will recommend an evaluation before treatment. Laser therapy is not a substitute for CPAP or other therapy prescribed by your physician, and you should never stop prescribed treatment without talking to your sleep physician. Learn more about oral appliances and other options on the sleep apnea treatment page.
What to Expect During Laser Treatment
Dr. Gaylor begins with an examination to confirm that laser treatment is appropriate for your condition. Not every procedure is suited to a laser, and she combines laser and conventional techniques when that gives a better result. You will wear protective eyewear during treatment. Depending on the procedure, you may receive topical or local anesthetic, and many patients describe the laser as a mild warming or tapping sensation.
Recovery depends on the procedure. After many soft tissue treatments, patients return to normal activities the same day or the next day. Some tenderness or sensitivity is common and usually short-lived, and you will receive specific aftercare instructions. For anxious patients, laser treatment can be combined with sedation dentistry, with IV sedation administered by an anesthesiologist.
Is Laser Dentistry Right for You?
Laser dentistry benefits virtually all patients, but it’s particularly ideal for those who:
- Experience dental anxiety or fear of traditional dental equipment
- Have had negative experiences with conventional drilling or surgical procedures
- Want to minimize anesthesia use whenever possible
- Seek the most conservative, tooth-preserving treatment approach
- Desire faster healing and less post-treatment discomfort
- Have active gum disease requiring periodontal therapy
- Suffer from snoring or mild to moderate sleep apnea
- Need cosmetic gum contouring or other soft tissue procedures
Dr. Gaylor will evaluate whether laser dentistry is appropriate for your specific needs and recommend the best treatment approach for optimal outcomes.
Clinically reviewed by Marilyn Gaylor, DDS, AACD Accredited Dentist
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Dentistry
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Dental lasers are well established in dentistry when used by a trained clinician with appropriate settings and eye protection. Dr. Gaylor reviews your health history and confirms the laser is suitable for your procedure before treatment.
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Many patients find laser procedures more comfortable than conventional techniques, and some need little or no anesthetic. Comfort varies by procedure and by patient, and local anesthetic is used whenever it is needed.
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No. Lasers work well for many small and moderate cavities, but they cannot remove old metal fillings or prepare teeth for every type of restoration. Dr. Gaylor chooses the approach that best protects the tooth.
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NightLase is used to reduce snoring. Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a physician, and laser therapy should not replace CPAP or other prescribed treatment without your physician’s guidance. See the sleep apnea treatment page for more information.
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Soft tissue often heals comfortably within days to a couple of weeks, depending on the procedure. You can see results of laser gum contouring in the gum lift gallery.
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Insurance generally covers the procedure being performed, such as a filling or gum treatment, rather than the tool used. Cosmetic procedures and snoring treatment are often not covered, and Dr. Gaylor’s team can help verify your benefits.
Why Choose Dr. Gaylor for Laser Dentistry
- Medically Responsible Snoring Care: Physician evaluation is recommended whenever sleep apnea is suspected.
- More Than a Decade of Laser Experience: Dr. Gaylor has used laser technology in her practice for over ten years.
- Diagnosis Comes First: The laser is used only when it is the right tool for your condition.
- Conservative Treatment: Laser techniques can help preserve healthy tooth and gum tissue.
- Personal Care: Dr. Gaylor personally examines, diagnoses, and performs every laser procedure.
- Cosmetic and General Uses: The same laser supports gum treatment, fillings, and cosmetic gum contouring.
Laser Dentistry in Atlanta
If you would like to know whether laser treatment is right for you, Dr. Gaylor welcomes patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, and Vinings to her office at 3280 Howell Mill Road NW, Suite 335. To find out whether laser treatment is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gaylor.
