Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bryant Birch, DDS on October 17, 2026
WaterLase reduces pain during dental procedures mainly by removing what makes a drill uncomfortable: the vibration, pressure, and heat of a spinning bur against your tooth. WaterLase uses laser energy together with a fine spray of water, and published research on this type of laser shows that many patients can have certain procedures with less discomfort and, in some cases, without a numbing injection. It does not make every procedure painless, and how much you feel depends on the tooth, how deep the decay is, and your own sensitivity.
At Birch Family Dental, we focus on providing care that prioritizes your comfort and well-being. For many patients in Green River, the thought of a dental drill sparks enough anxiety to delay necessary care. Our team uses WaterLase alongside other comfort options so that more people feel ready to come in. This article focuses on the pain and comfort side of laser treatment. For a broader look at the technology, see why we use WaterLase in our office.
Why Traditional Dental Drills Cause Discomfort
A conventional dental handpiece removes decay by spinning a small bur at very high speed. That contact creates vibration that travels through the tooth and jaw, pressure as the bur cuts, and friction that generates heat, which is why water is sprayed during drilling. The high-pitched whine is also a major trigger for dental anxiety, and anxiety itself can make people more sensitive to discomfort.
Because of these sensations, most drilled fillings are done with a local anesthetic injection. For patients who fear needles, that injection is often the most stressful part of the visit, and the lingering numbness afterward can make it hard to eat, talk, or return to work.
What Is WaterLase?
WaterLase is a minimally invasive dental laser used for both adults and children. It uses an erbium, chromium-doped laser wavelength (Er,Cr:YSGG) that is strongly absorbed by water. The laser energizes water in the tissue and in the spray, which allows it to remove decay or soft tissue in small, controlled amounts while keeping heat low. Some common dental procedures that can be performed using WaterLase technology include:
- Cavity preparation
- Gum disease treatment
- Gum contouring
- Dental implant preparation
- Crown lengthening
- Endodontic procedures like root canals
- Uncovering impacted teeth
- Removing infected tissue
Because the laser can be aimed very precisely, it can often remove damaged tissue while leaving more healthy tooth structure in place. If you are curious how this system relates to other lasers from the same manufacturer, we explain the difference between WaterLase and BIOLASE in a separate article.
How WaterLase Minimizes Pain in Dental Procedures
The comfort advantage comes from how the laser removes tissue. There is no spinning bur pressing on the tooth, so the vibration and pressure that many people dislike are largely absent. The water spray keeps the treated area cool, which limits the heat that can irritate the nerve inside the tooth. The laser is also pulsed in very short bursts, and researchers believe this pulsing may temporarily dull the nerve response in the area being treated, an effect often called laser analgesia.
The sound is different, too. Instead of a high-pitched drill, most patients hear a soft popping or snapping sound along with the water spray. For people whose anxiety starts the moment they hear a drill, that change alone can make the appointment feel more manageable.
What the Research Says About Laser Comfort
A 2020 systematic review of laser analgesia in restorative dental care looked at clinical studies of erbium lasers, the family that includes WaterLase. The authors reported that erbium lasers are often used for cavity preparation without injected anesthesia and are generally more comfortable for patients than conventional burs. Reviews focused on children have reached similar conclusions, reporting less pain and anxiety with erbium lasers, though laser preparation sometimes takes longer than drilling.
The research also has limits. Many of the studies are small and use different laser settings, so results vary. Deeper cavities, back teeth, and highly sensitive teeth are more likely to need some anesthetic. We share this so you know what to expect: WaterLase can make many procedures more comfortable, but it is one tool, and we choose it when it fits your treatment.
Will I Still Need a Numbing Injection?
For small fillings and some gum procedures, many patients are comfortable with little or no local anesthetic. For deeper decay, root canals, surgical procedures, or anyone who simply prefers to be numb, we still use anesthetic, and you can always ask for it. Skipping the injection is a benefit when it is appropriate, not a requirement.
When less anesthetic is needed, you may also avoid hours of numb lips and cheeks afterward. That can make it easier to eat, talk, and get back to your day, and in some cases it allows us to treat more than one area in the same visit.
Combining WaterLase With Sedation for Dental Anxiety
A quieter, gentler tool helps many anxious patients, but it is not the only option. Some people with strong dental fear do best when laser treatment is paired with a relaxation method. Our office offers sedation dentistry options, and we can talk through which approach fits your health history and the procedure you need. Laser technology is also used in our hygiene and periodontal care, which we describe in our article on the benefits of laser dentistry for restorative and cosmetic treatments.
Comfort After Your Appointment
Because the laser removes tissue precisely and seals small blood vessels in soft tissue as it works, many patients notice less bleeding and swelling after gum procedures than they would expect. Some tenderness is still normal after any dental treatment, especially gum or surgical procedures. We give you aftercare instructions for your specific procedure and are glad to answer questions if anything feels unusual while you heal.
Frequently Asked Questions About WaterLase and Pain
Does WaterLase hurt?
Most patients find WaterLase more comfortable than a traditional drill because there is little vibration, pressure, or heat. Some people feel a mild tingling or cool sensation. Deeper or more sensitive areas can still be uncomfortable, and local anesthetic is available whenever you need it.
Can I get a filling with WaterLase without a shot?
For many small and moderate fillings, patients are comfortable with little or no injected anesthetic. Research on erbium lasers supports this for many cases, but larger or deeper cavities often still need numbing. Your dentist will recommend what makes sense for your tooth.
Is WaterLase quieter than a dental drill?
Yes. WaterLase does not make the high-pitched whine of a drill. Most patients hear a soft popping or snapping sound along with the water spray, which many people with dental anxiety find much easier to tolerate.
Is WaterLase a good option for children or anxious patients?
WaterLase is used for both adults and children, and studies in children have reported less pain and anxiety with erbium lasers than with drills. For patients with strong dental fear, laser treatment can also be paired with sedation options after a review of their health history.
Can WaterLase be used for every dental procedure?
No. WaterLase works well for many fillings, gum procedures, and soft tissue treatments, but some situations, such as removing old metal fillings or preparing teeth for certain crowns, still call for traditional instruments. We choose the tool that gives you the most predictable result.
Experience the Benefits of WaterLase at Birch Family Dental
At Birch Family Dental, we are dedicated to offering modern, patient-centered care that prioritizes your comfort and oral health. Dr. Bryant Birch and Dr. Tate Anderson use WaterLase when it suits your treatment, explain what you can expect to feel before we begin, and keep numbing and sedation options available so you stay in control of your comfort.
If fear of the drill has kept you from scheduling care, we would be glad to talk with you about whether laser treatment is a good fit. Reach out through our contact form to schedule your next appointment.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Practice Owner
Dr. Bryant Birch earned his dental doctorate from Creighton University in 2006 and has owned Birch Family Dental in Green River, Wyoming, since 2011, where he and Dr. Tate Anderson use WaterLase laser technology to treat patients.
