Children and the Dentist DENTIST NO LONGER THE "BOGEY MAN" TO KIDS Laser Dentistry Provides Alternative for Cavity-Prone Children Fort Lee, NJ – Aug August 13, 2001 – For a child, having a cavity filled can be a traumatic experience. The needle doling out the novocain, the grinding of the drill, and sitting for long periods of time with their mouth wide open all add up to a difficult and unpleasant experience. Until recently, this was the standard procedure every child with a cavity had to endure, but the advent of lasers offers children a more positive dental experience. Lasers can offer pain free dentistry, allow dentists to do complete procedures in minutes, rather than hours and virtually eliminate the need for general or local anesthesia. Lasers work with better precision than a drill, making it easier to remove decay and treat specific areas of a tooth. Healing time is also faster after laser procedures so the risk of infection is greatly reduced, and there's no period of numbness. Laser dentistry isn't just for filling cavities. This technology is also used for root canals, periodontics, cosmetic bleaching and to perform frenectomies (the removal of muscular tissue that grows between the two front teeth). Laser dentistry can offer a trauma-free dental experience for the patient, which instills a positive attitude toward visiting the dentist. Laser dentistry in pediatrics is still relatively new. Dr. Barry Jacobson, a pediatric dentist in Fort Lee, New Jersey, is the leading specialist in water-based laser technology for children. "As a pediatric dentist, my main concern is giving children the best care possible," says Dr. Jacobson, "Laser dentistry allows me to perform hard and soft tissue treatments faster, and has significantly reduced the need for both local anesthesia and sedation. But most importantly, my patients have a much more pleasant experience, so coming to the dentist isn't as dreaded as it once was." Dr. Jacobson has been using laser technology since 2000. The new technology he employs is the Waterlase, developed by Biolase. The Waterlase is a water based laser system that cuts teeth via a laser beam that energizes a highly precise spray of air and water. Through a patented HydroKinetic' technology, the laser molecules get their power from a mix of water and air, which runs at a wavelength of 2780 nanometers. Currently, there are only 7 pediatric dentists in the United States employing the Waterlase technology. Dr. Jacobson has found the Waterlase so effective that he has become the spokesperson for Biolase, and has lectured to his peers across the country on the benefits of laser dentistry in pediatric practices. About Barry L. Jacobson, D.M.D Dr. Jacobson received his Bachelors Degree from Columbia University, his Doctorate from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and his specialty certificate from Maimonides Medical Center of Brooklyn, NY where he was chief resident. He is the former director of pediatric dentistry at Downstate Medical Center (Brooklyn, NY), and has held teaching positions at Maimonides Medical Center, Columbia School of Dental and Oral Surgery and SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Dr. Jacobson has become one of the first pediatric dentists on the East Coast to introduce lasers to his young patients. He has been invited to address other professionals at dental conferences focusing on "the future of lasers in dentistry." Dr. Jacobson is a certified specialist in pediatric dentistry and is currently practicing in Flushing, New York and Fort Lee, New Jersey. About Biolase Biolase develops and markets advanced medical and dental products, including specialized biomaterials for medical and other dentistry specialties. In 1996, Biolase introduced the Waterlase, using its patented HydroKinetic' tissue cutting technique. Biolase is located in San Clemente, California Dr. Barry Jacobson (201) 224-8500 drjfortlee@aol.com www.HealthNewsDigest.com