Laser Dentistry Procedure

Out of the many dental technologies that have revolutionized dental care in the last few decades, laser dentistry is at the top of the list. Laser dentistry offers many benefits, enabling dentists to provide safer, more precise care and making procedures more comfortable with shorter recovery times for you as the patient.

Laser dentistry: versatile and effective

There are many types of dental lasers; some are specially designed to treat soft tissues, such as gums, and others are designed for hard tissues, such as teeth and bone. Drs. Costa and Malone of Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry in Knoxville, TN, are among the select few dentists in the nation to use Waterlase® technology. This versatile laser can be used for a variety of dental procedures, including both soft and hard tissue treatments. Some of the common ways our dentists use Waterlase technologies include:

  • Laser gum reshaping: if you have a “gummy” smile, asymmetrical gums, or gum recession, laser therapy can be used to recontour your gums, either through crown lengthening to reduce extra gum tissue or gum grafting to replace lost or receded gums
  • Scalpel-free surgical procedures: laser energy can perform the same functions as a scalpel but without many of the drawbacks of traditional incisions
  • Root canal infection treatment: in addition to performing cuts, lasers sanitize and remove decayed tissues such as infected root canals
  • Preparing your gums for crowns, bridges, or veneers: with the laser, we can comfortably and quickly modify your gums to create the best margins for your new dental restorations
  • Uncovering implants or second-stage implant surgery: we can uncover your healed dental implant scalpel-free using Waterlase
  • Treating ulcers in your mouth: we are all familiar with the pain of mouth ulcers or canker sores that can linger for weeks on end; with laser treatment, a few minutes in the dental chair can dramatically expedite the healing process to help you get out of pain rapidly

Benefits of laser therapy

Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry has invested in laser technology and undergone extensive training in how to optimally and safely use it because simply put, laser dentistry is a safer, more comfortable, and more effective treatment option for many dental procedures. Patients and dentists alike love laser therapies because:

  • Shots and anesthesia are often unnecessary
  • Cuts can be made with greater precision than a scalpel
  • Lasers sterilize and cauterize as they go, reducing bleeding and the chance of infection
  • Sutures are often not needed after treatment
  • Swelling and pain post-treatment are minimized, and your recovery time is more rapid

To learn more about laser dentistry or experience the benefits of laser therapy in your dental care, call Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry today at (865) 426-1776.

Laser technology has converted how dentists perform procedures in their practices. Watch this video to learn how Knoxville Smiles uses laser technology to deliver a pain-free experience to its patients.

Laser dentistry in Knoxville Smiles explained by Dr. Michael Costa
Video Transcript

How is Laser Technology used in dentistry?

At Knoxville Smiles, Dr. Malone and I use laser technology to make sure the procedures are easy and less painful.

With lasers in dentistry, typically, there is no post-operative pain. It also eliminates the need for a shot to numb the patient.”

What dental issues are lasers used for in Knoxville Smiles?

Both Dr. Malone and I use Waterlase lasers. They are a type of laser that can be used for both soft and hard dental tissue procedures.

If you need a small filling done, we can use a laser instead of using a drill and take care of it. We can also do soft tissue procedures such as implants.

If you have an ulcer, we can use the laser to help cure that in a couple of days instead of weeks.

We can also use the laser to help wisdom teeth if you have any tissue overgrowth or painful tissue.

The main benefit of not needing to get numb for any of these procedures makes the experience a lot better.

Make an appointment with us and experience the benefits of laser dentistry.

Dr. Micheal Costa

Dr. Costa

Dr. Stephen Malone

Dr. Malone


Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry offers a unique dental care experience to our patients in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. The crew is committed to protecting and increasing the natural beauty of your smile by employing conservative, cutting-edge techniques that result in attractive, long-lasting smiles!

Our dedicated and experienced team of doctors includes Dr. Stephen Malone, D.M.D., University of Louisville, and Dr. Michael Costa, D.D.S., UNC School of Dentistry, M.H.A., UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, NC. They are firm believers in continuing education to provide their patients with the finest possible care.

Drs. Costa and Malone see their patients as real partners in their service. Our team is committed to making your dental care journey as pleasant as possible.

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