Fotona Laser Dentistry in Plantation, FL Gentler
Treatment, Faster Healing, Better Results
WHAT IS THE FOTONA LASER?
What Is the Fotona LightWalker Laser And How Does It Work?
The Fotona LightWalker is a medical-grade dual-wavelength dental laser used by leading dental practices and specialists around the world. At Westside Dental Center, it's one of the tools that sets Dr. Dham's practice apart from the vast majority of dental offices in South Florida.
Here's what makes it different. Traditional dental procedures gum treatment, cavity removal, soft tissue work typically involve physical cutting, drilling, or scraping. These methods are effective, but they come with drawbacks: discomfort during the procedure, bleeding, swelling, and a recovery period that can last several days.
The Fotona laser works differently. It delivers precisely controlled pulses of laser energy that interact with targeted tissue at a cellular level removing, reshaping, or treating it with remarkable accuracy, while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue completely undisturbed.
The result is a procedure that is less invasive, significantly more comfortable, and associated with much faster healing than the equivalent traditional approach. In many cases, patients are surprised by how straightforward the experience feels compared to what they expected.
For patients who experience dental anxiety, or who have simply avoided certain treatments because of concern about discomfort, the Fotona laser is genuinely worth knowing about.
BENEFIT CARDS
Why Dr. Dham Chose the Fotona LightWalker for Her Plantation Patients
Because the laser works with such precision, it causes minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue. There's less bleeding, less swelling, and significantly less post-procedure discomfort compared to traditional surgical methods. Most patients treated with the Fotona laser at Westside Dental Center return to their normal routine the same day or the day after with little to no need for extended recovery.
One of the key advantages of laser dentistry over traditional methods is selectivity. The Fotona LightWalker targets only the tissue that needs to be treated, leaving everything around it intact. Whether Dr. Dham is removing diseased gum tissue, treating a cavity, or reshaping the gum line, the laser works with a level of precision that a drill or scalpel simply cannot match.
The Fotona LightWalker operates on two wavelengths Nd:YAG and Er:YAG which means it can be used across a far broader range of dental procedures than single-wavelength lasers. From deep gum treatment to cavity preparation to cosmetic gum contouring, it's one instrument that handles many roles reducing the need for multiple tools or referrals to specialists.
WHAT IS THE FOTONA LASER USED FOR?
What Procedures Does Dr. Dham Perform With the Fotona Laser?
The Fotona LightWalker is one of the most versatile dental lasers available, and Dr. Dham uses it across a wide range of treatments at Westside Dental Center:
Yes. The Fotona LightWalker is an FDA-cleared medical device that has been used safely in dental practices around the world for many years. Dr. Dham follows strict safety protocols for every laser procedure, including the use of protective eyewear for both patient and team. Laser dentistry has an excellent safety profile when performed by a trained and experienced clinician.
Most patients are genuinely surprised by how comfortable laser procedures are. Because the laser works without the vibration or physical pressure of a drill, many patients report feeling little to nothing during treatment. For soft tissue procedures, local anaesthetic is often not required at all. For more involved work, Dr. Dham will ensure you are completely comfortable before proceeding
Traditional gum surgery typically involves cutting the gum tissue with a scalpel, physically removing diseased areas, and placing sutures. Recovery can take one to two weeks and involves notable post-operative discomfort. Laser gum treatment achieves similar or better clinical outcomes with far less trauma to the tissue — meaning less bleeding, no stitches in most cases, and a recovery measured in days rather than weeks.
Most patients are suitable candidates for laser-assisted procedures. Dr. Dham will evaluate your specific situation during your consultation and advise whether laser treatment is the most appropriate approach for your needs. Patients with certain medical conditions or implanted devices may require additional assessment before laser treatment.
Recovery times vary depending on the procedure, but laser-assisted treatments consistently involve faster healing than their traditional equivalents. For soft tissue procedures, most patients feel back to normal within one to two days. Dr. Dham will give you specific post-procedure guidance based on your individual treatment.
Coverage depends on your specific insurance plan and the procedure being performed. Many laser-assisted procedures are covered under the same codes as their traditional equivalents. Dr. Dham's team will verify your benefits and walk you through all costs before treatment begins — no surprises.