False Creek Pure Dental / Technology in your care
Laser Dentistry
You may have heard that a dental laser can replace a drill or make treatment painless. The reality is more specific: a laser is one tool, used for particular tasks when it fits your diagnosis and treatment plan.
What a dental laser does
Dental lasers use light energy. Different wavelengths and settings interact differently with teeth and soft tissues, so there is no single laser treatment that suits every problem.
Our clinic has a Fotona LightWalker system. Depending on the procedure, laser energy may be used alongside conventional instruments, cleaning solutions, and other established treatment steps.
- The starting point
- A diagnosis, not a device
- During treatment
- Other instruments may still be needed
- The decision
- Benefits, limits, and alternatives
What is on your mind?
Comfort
A laser does not guarantee painless treatment or remove the need for local anaesthetic. Ask how comfort will be managed for the particular procedure you are having.
Time & visits
There is no single timeline for laser dentistry. The number and length of appointments depend on the procedure, the condition being treated, and follow-up needs. Ask about the full treatment plan, not just the time the laser is used.
Costs & coverage
Our fees follow the BC Dental Association’s Suggested Fee Guide. Your quote sets out the recommended procedures and their fees. Insurance benefits depend on your dental plan. Call 604-877-1712 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Xu for an assessment and a personalized treatment quote.
Where it may fit into your care
The role of the laser is different for each procedure. We will explain the proposed use before treatment and discuss other ways to carry out the care.
01 / Root canal irrigation
Laser-assisted activation of cleaning fluid may be used as an additional step. The canals still need to be assessed, cleaned, shaped, filled, and sealed.
02 / Gum treatment
A laser may be considered for selected periodontal procedures. It does not remove the need for plaque control, professional cleaning, and reassessment.
03 / Care around implants
Treatment depends on inflammation, bone support, and the implant restoration. A laser is not a guaranteed way to save an affected implant.
04 / Selected soft-tissue procedures
A laser may be an option for some procedures involving oral soft tissue. Suitability, anaesthesia, and recovery depend on the procedure and the person.
For laser procedures, the team follows safety measures appropriate to the equipment, including protective eyewear. Tell us about medications and relevant medical conditions during your assessment.
Benefits and limits, explained honestly
For some soft-tissue tasks, a laser can offer a different way to work with the tissue. The possible advantages depend on what is being treated and which laser is used.
It is not accurate to promise that laser treatment is always faster, bloodless, pain-free, or better than conventional care. Local anaesthetic, surgery, or further appointments can still be needed. Ask what evidence supports the proposed use for your condition.
Recovery is procedure-specific
The instructions after a root canal differ from those after gum surgery. Follow the plan for the procedure you actually had, rather than general advice about lasers.
Choosing between approaches
We can discuss conventional care, laser-assisted care where appropriate, and referral when a specialist assessment would be helpful.
Questions we often hear
Does a laser mean I will not need freezing?
No. The need for local anaesthetic depends on the procedure and your comfort. A laser does not guarantee treatment without anaesthesia.
Does it replace the drill and all other instruments?
No. Most treatment involves more than one instrument or step. We will explain which parts of the procedure use a laser and which do not.
Can laser treatment cure gum disease permanently?
No treatment makes gums immune to future disease. Ongoing cleaning, home care, and review remain important. A laser is not a substitute for those measures.
What is photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation uses light at particular settings and is different from cutting tissue with a laser. It may be discussed as an adjunct for selected indications; its benefits depend on the use and should not be assumed.
How are laser dentistry fees set?
Our fees follow the BC Dental Association’s Suggested Fee Guide. Your quote sets out the recommended procedures and their fees. Insurance benefits depend on your dental plan. Call 604-877-1712 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Xu for an assessment and a personalized treatment quote.
