Technology plays an important role in the field of dentistry and your oral health. Dental offices use modern technology to help improve the patient experience, from treatment planning to results. We incorporate advanced technology in our general dentistry services to ensure the best care. Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy have embraced laser dentistry in our Silver Spring. MD dental office. We use dental lasers to treat many dental concerns and to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Hard Tissue & Soft Tissue Lasers
Our dental office uses two basic types of dental lasers. Each one treats different types of tissue for different dental procedures. We use hard and soft tissue lasers to treat everything from tooth decay to gum disease. Laser dentistry provides less invasive, more comfortable, targeted, and accurate care.
Lasers also stimulate the body’s natural healing response to damaged tissue. They can minimize bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Lasers also help us provide pain-free dental visits, too!
Soft Tissue Dental Lasers
We use soft tissue dental lasers to safely and effectively cut through soft tissue. Our office commonly uses soft tissue lasers to treat advanced cases of gum disease, provide crown lengthening procedures, and perform gum contouring. When addressing dental concerns, our dentists can use soft tissue laser treatments to remove infected soft tissue.
Hard Tissue Dental Lasers
Our dentists use hard tissue lasers as an alternative to the traditional dental drill. We can use it to safely remove tooth decay, whiten teeth, and prepare the surface of the teeth with little anesthesia. Hard tissue lasers help us remove tooth structure and preserve as much of the healthy enamel and dentin as possible.
Waterlase Gum Depigmentation:
Waterlase Apicoectomy:
Laser Dentistry: Refining Results
Our dentist in Silver Spring may add laser dentistry to your treatment in a variety of ways. A hard tissue laser can remove damaged or decayed tooth structures. We may also use it to prepare your tooth for the placement of a restoration.
We use the Biolase Waterlase dental laser to treat these concerns. This unique type of laser uses water energy to precisely target the dental problems we treat. Patients can often undergo the procedure without anesthesia.
Soft tissue lasers have a wide range of applications, including treating tongue ties and lip ties in children and adults. Our dentist may use a soft tissue laser to treat gum disease. We can also use it to address cosmetic concerns like a gummy smile.
Using a dental laser is low-risk and can make your treatment more comfortable. Lasers often reduce pain and side effects. If we use laser dentistry as part of your care, we’ll explain how it can help improve both the plan and the final results. This is true when we use a soft tissue laser to treat gum disease or reshape your gums.
Dental lasers use heat energy and are efficient and precise. Waterlase combines water energy to target and vaporize tissue. It also stimulates the natural healing response and necessary blood clotting at the site.
Lasers can often reduce or eliminate the use of drills and other more invasive dental tools. This is a major benefit for our anxious patients. Ask your Silver Spring dentist about laser dentistry at your next dental visit.

Before and After Laser Dentistry at Dechter and Moy
Laser Dentistry FAQs
Answers to common questions about laser dentistry in our Silver Spring, MD, dental office:
Is laser dentistry safe?
Yes, laser dentistry is very safe! The lasers we use in our office go through strict testing to make sure they work well and keep patients safe. They’re designed to be gentle and comfortable during treatment. Every laser we use is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and meets high safety standards. You can feel confident knowing your dental care is both effective and safe when we use laser technology.
Does the dentist need to numb my mouth for laser dentistry procedures?
No, we don’t need to numb your mouth for a laser dentistry procedure. The lasers are precise, and most procedures only involve the tissue in your mouth. We won’t touch any nerves during treatment.
What are the benefits of laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry is very gentle and accurate. Many people who get sedation don’t feel nervous about going to the dentist because treatment is more comfortable. It doesn’t use loud or scary tools, and you usually don’t need shots or sedation. That’s one big reason why it’s a great option compared to other types of dental treatment.
Are dental lasers safe for kids?
Laser dentistry is safe for all patients, including children. These procedures tend to be less painful, more precise, and less prone to infections. They also offer faster recovery times for patients.
What does laser dentistry feel like?
Many patients feel light pressure and warmth from the laser. You should expect to be pain-free throughout treatment. Our dentist will also numb the area before the procedure. We want to make you as comfortable as possible.
Patient Testimonial
“The staff is extremely friendly and professional. As a new patient, everyone introduced themselves and made a point to get to know me. They thoroughly explained each step of the appointment, as well as explaining in detail the need for further treatment.
For me, the best part was the technician talking with me in depth about some of my habits and how/why they are harmful. I was given reasonable, easy-to-follow alternatives and now feel I have a greater understanding of what is required for better oral hygiene. During my visit, I was able to relax (hard to do at a dentist appointment!) as I knew I was in good hands, receiving the very best of care.”
-Christine M.
Schedule an Appointment
We can help you get comfortable treatment for painful and inflamed gums. Call Dechter and Moy for laser dentistry in Silver Spring, MD at (301) 508-9755. You can also request an appointment with us online.
Let us know if you have questions or concerns. We’re here to help you.