If you’re in Clearwater or anywhere in the Tampa Bay area and you’ve been putting off dental work because you dislike drills, needles, or long recovery times, laser dentistry can be a gentler option. At Natural & Cosmetic Dentistry in Clearwater, serving Tampa Bay, Dr. Beata A. Carlson, Dr. Michael “Mikey” Thomas, and Dr. Lewis Luo use advanced dental lasers to help remove decay, disinfect treated areas, and support airway-focused care—often with less vibration, less bleeding, and a smoother experience overall.
Laser Dentistry disinfect debride restore protect your oral health.
Natural & Cosmetic Dentistry: Modern Laser Dentistry for Teeth, Gums, and Airway Support
What is laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry uses focused light energy to treat teeth and gums with high precision. Depending on the laser and the procedure, lasers can be used to:
- Remove tooth decay and prepare a tooth for a filling
- Disinfect treated tooth structure and reduce bacteria in areas that are hard to reach mechanically
- Treat gum inflammation and infection with minimally invasive periodontal laser therapy options
- Support airway-focused therapy for snoring in appropriate cases (laser tissue tightening in the back of the throat)
How laser dentistry helps: disinfects, removes decay, supports airway care
1) Disinfecting the tooth (and treated areas)
Laser energy can help reduce bacterial levels in treated tissues—especially in deep grooves and hard-to-reach areas. In some cases, it’s also used as part of root canal disinfection. Think of it as an added layer of support in a careful, step-by-step treatment plan.
2) Removing decay with precision
For cavities, lasers can gently remove decayed tooth structure and prepare the tooth for a restoration. This can help preserve more healthy tooth structure when appropriate and may reduce sensitivity for some patients.
3) Airway-focused laser therapy (snoring support)
Some patients want non-surgical options to support breathing and sleep. Certain laser protocols can tighten targeted soft tissues in the mouth and throat area, which may help reduce snoring and support sleep-quality goals. This is not a substitute for a sleep study or medically necessary sleep apnea therapy—but it can be a helpful option for the right candidate.
Types of lasers we may use
Your treatment is matched to your needs—different lasers are better for different tissues and goals.
Fotona laser
Fotona lasers can be used for a wide range of dental needs, including hard and soft tissue procedures. Fotona-based airway-focused protocols may also be used to support snoring concerns in appropriate cases.
Solea laser
Solea is an all-tissue dental laser used for both hard and soft tissue procedures. Many patients like it because procedures may feel gentler and can sometimes be completed with little to no anesthesia depending on the situation.
PerioLase (LANAP protocol)
For gum disease, the LANAP protocol is a laser approach used for moderate to severe periodontal disease. If you have bleeding gums, gum recession, deeper pocketing, or ongoing inflammation, we’ll evaluate whether laser periodontal therapy is a fit for you.
Why patients like laser dentistry
Laser dentistry isn’t perfect for every situation—but when it’s a fit, patients often appreciate:
- Less vibration and noise than traditional drilling (for many procedures)
- Minimally invasive soft-tissue care with improved comfort for many patients
- Precise treatment that may help preserve healthy tissue when possible
- A smoother recovery for certain gum procedures
Ready to talk through options?
If you’re interested in laser dentistry in Clearwater, FL, our team can explain what’s possible for your specific needs—whether you’re focused on cavity care, gum health, comfort, or airway support.
Natural and Cosmetic Dentistry
1825 Sunset Point Road, Clearwater, FL
Call: 727-888-6523
Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser dentistry hurt?
Many patients say laser dentistry feels gentler than conventional dentistry, especially compared with the sound and vibration of a drill. Some treatments still require numbing depending on the tooth, depth of decay, and sensitivity.
Can a laser really remove tooth decay?
Yes—certain dental lasers can remove decay and prepare the tooth for a filling, depending on the case and the laser type.
How does laser dentistry “disinfect” a tooth?
Laser energy can help reduce bacteria in treated areas and may support disinfection in deep tooth structure or root canal spaces as part of a complete treatment plan.
Is laser dentistry safe?
Yes, when used by trained clinicians with proper protective protocols. We’ll review your health history and explain what type of laser is being used and why.
Can lasers help with gum disease?
Yes. Laser periodontal therapy options can help manage gum infection and inflammation, and specific protocols may be used for moderate to advanced gum disease.
Can laser dentistry help with snoring or airway concerns?
In appropriate cases, certain laser treatments may tighten oral soft tissues to reduce snoring and support better sleep. We’ll review your symptoms and guide you toward the safest options.
Who is a good candidate for laser dentistry?
Many patients are candidates, but not every procedure can (or should) be done with a laser. During your visit, Dr. Carlson, Dr. Mikey, or Dr. Luo will evaluate your teeth, gums, and goals and recommend the best approach.
Give us a call at 727-888-6523 or book your appointment here.
The doctors at Natural and Cosmetic Dentistry
Dr. Mikey, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Luo