Question 1

Does laser dentistry hurt?

Accepted Answer

Most patients describe laser treatment as involving less discomfort than traditional dental procedures. The sensation is commonly described as warmth or a gentle tapping. A 2020 systematic review published in Lasers in Medical Science found that dental laser procedures were associated with reduced pain scores compared to conventional methods across multiple treatment types. Depending on the procedure, local anaesthetic may or may not be required — your dentist will assess and advise before treatment begins. It is important to note that experiences vary between patients and procedures. "Less discomfort" does not mean zero sensation — it means that many patients find laser procedures more comfortable than they expected.

Question 2

Is laser dentistry safe?

Accepted Answer

Dental lasers used at Sienna Smiles are TGA-cleared (Therapeutic Goods Administration) for their specific clinical applications. Laser dentistry has been used in clinical practice since the 1990s — over three decades of clinical use — and has an established safety profile when operated by trained practitioners. The Academy of Laser Dentistry notes that dental lasers are classified as Class IV medical devices with specific safety protocols for both the patient and the clinical team. Safety measures include protective eyewear for the patient and dental team, calibrated laser settings for each tissue type, and adherence to manufacturer protocols. As with any dental procedure, risks are discussed at consultation before treatment.

Question 3

How much does laser dentistry cost in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Laser dentistry is not a standalone treatment — it is a method used within specific dental procedures. The cost of your treatment depends on the procedure itself (e.g. periodontal therapy, soft tissue surgery, cavity preparation), not on whether laser is used as the instrument. This means the item numbers billed to your health fund remain the same regardless of the instrument used. At Sienna Smiles, there is generally no additional charge for the use of laser when it is clinically indicated. A full cost estimate is always provided in writing before treatment begins. HICAPS on-the-spot health fund claiming is available.

Question 4

What conditions can laser treat?

Accepted Answer

Dental lasers are used across multiple areas of general, cosmetic, and periodontal dentistry. According to the Australian Dental Association, laser technology has become an accepted tool in contemporary dental practice for both hard tissue (tooth enamel and dentine) and soft tissue (gums and oral mucosa) applications. Common uses include periodontal therapy for gum disease, soft tissue procedures such as frenectomy and crown lengthening, early cavity detection using laser fluorescence, teeth whitening enhancement, management of oral lesions including ulcers and cold sores, and treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. Not all procedures are suitable for laser. Your dentist will assess whether laser offers a clinical advantage for your specific situation. In some cases, a combination of laser and traditional instruments provides the most appropriate treatment approach.

Question 5

Is laser dentistry covered by private health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Private health insurance typically covers the dental procedure itself rather than the specific instrument used. This means that whether laser or a traditional drill is used during your periodontal treatment, filling, or soft tissue surgery, the item number billed to your fund — and therefore the rebate — remains the same in most cases. Approximately 57% of Australians hold some form of private dental cover, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health). At Sienna Smiles, we offer HICAPS on-the-spot claiming so you only pay the gap at the time of your appointment. If you do not have health insurance, Afterpay and Fund My Dental are available.

Question 6

How is laser different from traditional dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Traditional dental instruments use mechanical force (drilling, cutting) to interact with tooth and gum tissue, while dental lasers use focused light energy. Different laser wavelengths interact with different tissues — hard tissue lasers (such as Er:YAG) target tooth enamel and dentine, while soft tissue lasers (such as diode lasers) work on gums and oral mucosa. The clinical outcome is similar, but the patient experience often differs: laser procedures typically involve less vibration, less noise, and reduced bleeding compared to conventional methods. The key differences are in the patient experience rather than the clinical outcome. Many patients report that laser procedures feel less invasive, require less anaesthetic, and involve shorter recovery — though individual experiences vary.

Question 7

Do I need to request laser treatment specifically?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to ask about laser at any appointment. Your dentist will assess whether laser is clinically appropriate for your procedure and recommend it when it offers an advantage. You do not need to "request" it — if laser is the preferred approach, your dentist will include it in the treatment plan. If you are specifically interested in laser dentistry — perhaps because you have dental anxiety or a previous negative experience with traditional instruments — mention this at your consultation. [Sedation dentistry](/sedation-dentistry) options are also available for patients who prefer additional comfort. It helps your dentist tailor the approach to your preferences.

Question 8

Can children have laser dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Laser dentistry can be particularly well-suited to paediatric patients in certain situations. Research published in the European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry has shown that laser procedures may involve less noise, less vibration, and reduced need for local anaesthetic — all factors that can meaningfully reduce anxiety and improve cooperation in young patients. The quieter, gentler nature of laser treatment makes it a valuable option for children who are nervous about dental visits. As with all paediatric dental treatment, suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Your dentist will consider the child's age, the specific procedure, and their level of cooperation before recommending any treatment approach.

Question 9

How long does a laser dental procedure take?

Accepted Answer

Many laser procedures are completed in less time than their traditional equivalents. A simple soft tissue procedure such as a frenectomy may take 15 to 30 minutes, while more complex periodontal treatments involving multiple quadrants may take 45 to 60 minutes. Research in the Journal of Laser Dentistry has noted that reduced need for anaesthetic and haemostasis (bleeding control) can contribute to shorter overall appointment times for laser-assisted procedures. Your dentist will advise on the expected duration at your consultation. Treatment time depends on the specific procedure, the area being treated, and your individual clinical situation.

Question 10

What should I do after a laser procedure?

Accepted Answer

Post-treatment care depends on the procedure performed. In general, laser procedures involve less post-operative discomfort and faster healing than traditional alternatives, though individual experiences vary.

Aspect	Traditional Dentistry	Laser Dentistry
Drilling	Mechanical drill is commonly required for most restorative procedures	May reduce or replace drilling in many procedures — assessed case by case
Anaesthetic	Local anaesthetic is commonly administered before most procedures	Some laser procedures may require less anaesthetic — your dentist will advise
Recovery Time	Recovery varies by procedure type and complexity	Healing times may be shorter for some patients — individual variation applies
Soft Tissue Precision	Standard precision with scalpel or electrosurgery instruments	High precision with minimal collateral tissue interaction in many cases
Post-Procedure Bleeding	Some bleeding is common with soft tissue procedures	Typically reduced due to the cauterising effect of the laser beam

Dentistrythatworkswithyou,notagainstyou.

Dentistry that works with you, not against you.

How concentrated light replaces the drill

Precision

Reduced Heat

Less Noise

Reduced Bleeding

How laser compares to traditional instruments

Laser applications at Sienna Smiles

Gum Disease Treatment

Cavity Detection

Soft Tissue Procedures

Teeth Whitening Enhancement

Oral Lesion Management

Dental Hypersensitivity

What to expect at your laser appointment

Consultation & Assessment

Preparation

Laser Treatment

Recovery & Follow-Up

Not every procedure needs laser.

Laser dentistry answered

Curious about laser dentistry?