Laser technology not making inroads in dentistry field on clarkhoward.com

Back in the '90s, Clark first talked about breakthrough laser technology being developed for the dentistry field. He went for a cleaning shortly after and discovered his dentist was very upset with him. Several other customers heard Clark on the air and were already asking about the laser! It turns out the technology is very expensive, but it eliminates most of the discomfort for common dental procedures.

USA Today now reports that less than 10% of dentists use laser technology. Yet if people become aware of the laser, they'll ask for it and dentists may comply just to seize market share. Dentists also would be able to charge more for laser services.

Clark has an old filling that he needs replaced. Why should he go the Novocain route when he can have the laser instead? There's even a special laser for root canals that reduces discomfort and the time you're in the chair by 30 minutes.

Laser could be a very promising option for people who take care of their teeth. But 1 out of 3 people don't get dental care in the United States. We're a developed country, yet we have people with rotting teeth! Clark thinks one possible solution would be to allow dental techs to do a special 2-year program that certifies them for basic dental procedures. Such a plan has already been enacted in Alaska.

What others are saying

ALASKA!!!!!!!!!!
OF COURSE!!! SARAH PALIN!!!!!!
By ROBERT CARTINO @ 11/01/08 10:25:14 PMreport abuse
Dental Laser
I am a dental hygienist in Ohio and our office uses a dental laser mainly on children and our patients love having it available. We really can't use it for deep decay but its great for kids.
By jennifer @ 09/23/08 06:52:13 PMreport abuse
Laser and Periodontal Surgery
My periodonist explained that there are 4 levels of certification for using a laser in dental work. He is one of 4 in the Sacramento area who has achieved that 4th level. I had periodontal gum surgery a couple of months ago--a procedure involving scraping the teeth on a quadrant, cutting the gums to eliminate extra gum, and sewing the remaining gum to reduce pocket depth. He used regular surgical procedure up to the point when it was time to sew up. Instead, he used a lazer to seal the gums--no stiches. The result: after 1+ hour of being sedated, I woke up, went home, and only had to take 1 tylenol for pain. My gums healed rapidly, and it was worth every bit of the $1200 charge.
By Deirdre @ 09/09/08 11:27:09 PMreport abuse
Dental
I have never heard of the laser treatments! Where have I been? And regarding rotting teeth, have you ever been to England? At least 9 out of 10 people there have rotten teeth. Methinks it's the socialized medicine, thank God we don't have that (although we will if a certain obomination gets elected!)
By Pat @ 09/09/08 11:21:46 AMreport abuse
Dental Techs
I am one of those people who are unable to have regular dental care. I want it. I just cant afford it. However, I do all the necessary things - like avoiding sugar - to help maintain my teeth. What happened to the Dental Program that was offered at Emory years ago whrere the dental students performed the work with supervision. We need many programs like that in GA. It would.
By Margaret @ 09/09/08 10:31:37 AMreport abuse
Laser Dentistry
Clark, My husband is a dentist and I am his receptionist/office Manager of a small 4 employee office. Have you looked into how much laser equipment costs? I think you might be surprised. You think people will pay more for laser? In our area of Central Rural Florida people have a hard time paying for regular dentistry. We have not raised our fees in 3 years and when we do raise them it is less than 3%. We can not afford expensive laser equipment which our patients could not afford to pay since their insurance companies will not pay for it. I really like your comments but I really wish that you would investigate the cost of dental equipment. I wish you would see how much dental equipment costs these days. We don't have digital x-rays because the cost is prohibited of $25,000 - $40,000. That is just for one x-ray unit with computer software. One Dental new chair can cost between $3,000 - $20,000.
Laser dentistry is nice but we try not to go into debt that we can't pay for. You might do some investigating on the price of dental equipment. When my husband started practice 31 years ago we got a loan for $40,000 to set up our entire office. Now if you were to get laser equipment, digital x-rays etc your dental equipment alone might cost you over $100,000. Check it out!
Thank you for letting me express my thoughts.
By Lenora McDowall @ 09/08/08 08:15:12 PMreport abuse

ALASKA!!!!!!!!!!

OF COURSE!!! SARAH PALIN!!!!!!

By ROBERT CARTINO @ 11/01/08 10:25:14 PMreport abuse

Dental Laser

I am a dental hygienist in Ohio and our office uses a dental laser mainly on children and our patients love having it available. We really can't use it for deep decay but its great for kids.

By jennifer @ 09/23/08 06:52:13 PMreport abuse

Laser and Periodontal Surgery

My periodonist explained that there are 4 levels of certification for using a laser in dental work. He is one of 4 in the Sacramento area who has achieved that 4th level. I had periodontal gum surgery a couple of months ago--a procedure involving scraping the teeth on a quadrant, cutting the gums to eliminate extra gum, and sewing the remaining gum to reduce pocket depth. He used regular surgical procedure up to the point when it was time to sew up. Instead, he used a lazer to seal the gums--no stiches. The result: after 1+ hour of being sedated, I woke up, went home, and only had to take 1 tylenol for pain. My gums healed rapidly, and it was worth every bit of the $1200 charge.

By Deirdre @ 09/09/08 11:27:09 PMreport abuse

Dental

I have never heard of the laser treatments! Where have I been? And regarding rotting teeth, have you ever been to England? At least 9 out of 10 people there have rotten teeth. Methinks it's the socialized medicine, thank God we don't have that (although we will if a certain obomination gets elected!)

By Pat @ 09/09/08 11:21:46 AMreport abuse

Dental Techs

I am one of those people who are unable to have regular dental care. I want it. I just cant afford it. However, I do all the necessary things - like avoiding sugar - to help maintain my teeth. What happened to the Dental Program that was offered at Emory years ago whrere the dental students performed the work with supervision. We need many programs like that in GA. It would.

By Margaret @ 09/09/08 10:31:37 AMreport abuse

Laser Dentistry

Clark, My husband is a dentist and I am his receptionist/office Manager of a small 4 employee office. Have you looked into how much laser equipment costs? I think you might be surprised. You think people will pay more for laser? In our area of Central Rural Florida people have a hard time paying for regular dentistry. We have not raised our fees in 3 years and when we do raise them it is less than 3%. We can not afford expensive laser equipment which our patients could not afford to pay since their insurance companies will not pay for it. I really like your comments but I really wish that you would investigate the cost of dental equipment. I wish you would see how much dental equipment costs these days. We don't have digital x-rays because the cost is prohibited of $25,000 - $40,000. That is just for one x-ray unit with computer software. One Dental new chair can cost between $3,000 - $20,000.
Laser dentistry is nice but we try not to go into debt that we can't pay for. You might do some investigating on the price of dental equipment. When my husband started practice 31 years ago we got a loan for $40,000 to set up our entire office. Now if you were to get laser equipment, digital x-rays etc your dental equipment alone might cost you over $100,000. Check it out!
Thank you for letting me express my thoughts.

By Lenora McDowall @ 09/08/08 08:15:12 PMreport abuse

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Sep 08, 2008 -- Laser technology not making inroads in dentistry field

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