Drill-Free Fillings: A Gentle Way to Treat Cavities
- Dr. Bryant Anderson
- Jan 30
- 4 min read
If the sound of the dental drill makes you nervous, you are not alone. Many people avoid dental care because of fear or past discomfort. The good news is that modern dentistry offers a quieter and more comfortable option. At Anderson Family Dental, we provide drill-free fillings in Winter Park, FL, using the advanced Fontana LightWalker® laser. This technology allows us to treat cavities in a gentle way that many patients find easier and less stressful.
WHAT ARE DRILL-FREE FILLINGS?
Drill-free fillings use laser technology to remove tooth decay instead of a traditional dental drill. The laser removes bacteria and damaged tooth structure without the noise, vibration, or pressure of drilling.
Laser dentistry is designed to be precise and gentle. It’s a minimally invasive approach that leaves more of your healthy tooth structure intact and helps protect your natural smile.
HOW DRILL-FREE FILLINGS WORK
The Fontana LightWalker laser uses a process called ablation, which uses focused light energy to selectively vaporize bacteria and decayed tooth structure. These materials absorb more of the energy than healthy enamel, making laser cavity fillings incredibly precise and effective.
Because there is no spinning drill, laser fillings don’t create heat and friction like traditional methods. This reduces the risk to the tooth's nerve and makes the process significantly more comfortable.
WHY OUR PATIENTS LOVE LASER CAVITY TREATMENTS
Laser fillings eliminate the discomfort, vibration, and noise that can make dental treatments difficult for many of us. Drill-free fillings frequently feel easier and more comfortable from start to finish.
Without the drill, there’s no high-pitched sound that can be a major trigger for dental anxiety. It’s also more comfortable for people with sensitive teeth. In short, it’s a gentle approach that can help make your treatment easier, faster, and less intimidating.
LESS NUMBING AND FASTER RECOVERY
In many cases, we provide drill-free fillings in Winter Park, FL, with little or no numbing needed. (Of course, we always have it available if preferred!) For people who fear dental injections, this can make your appointment significantly less stressful.
Because the laser is so precise, it causes less irritation to the tooth and nearby tissue. Many patients return to their normal routine right after their visit, with little downtime, especially if you don’t have to wait hours for the numbing to wear off!
A GREAT OPTION FOR KIDS
It’s critical to set children up for success when it comes to their oral health. A filling can be an overwhelming experience, especially for children or anyone with dental anxiety. As already mentioned, laser cavity fillings eliminate many of the factors that can cause physical or emotional discomfort, including noise, vibration, heat, and pain.
Quieter, gentler experiences in the dental office help to build trust and confidence. When dental visits feel calm and positive, patients of all ages are more likely to avoid unnecessary dental anxiety in the future.
ARE DRILL-FREE FILLINGS RIGHT FOR EVERY CAVITY?
Unfortunately, laser cavity fillings are not ideal for every case. Laser fillings work best for small to moderate cavities. Some larger or deeper cavities may still need traditional treatment methods. Even ideal laser cases may still need a bit of touching up with a traditional drill.
That is why a dental exam is so important. At Anderson Family Dental, we’ll always discuss your specific needs, review all available options, and determine which we believe is best for your oral health. We want to help you feel confident making fully informed decisions about your care. With us, your comfort and safety always come first.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY WITH PROVEN RESULTS
Our team is committed to adopting the latest technology and techniques to enhance your experience. However, we also ensure any new technology is proven and supported by strong evidence before including it in our practice.
The Fontana LightWalker laser was first introduced in 2011 and earned several awards for its superior performance immediately. In the 15 years since then, widespread use and thorough research show that it is effective in providing precise, comfortable treatments.
Our team focuses on preserving natural teeth while keeping you comfortable, which is why we’re proud to offer LightWalker for drill-free fillings in Winter Park, FL.
PROTECT YOUR SMILE WITH COMFORTABLE CARE
If you’ve been putting off dental care because of fear or discomfort, drill-free fillings may be a great solution. Laser dentistry offers a calmer and more relaxed way to treat cavities.
Anderson Family Dental is proud to offer drill-free fillings in Winter Park, FL. Get in touch to schedule an appointment and find out whether laser dentistry is right for you.
Dr. Bryant Anderson, DMD
Dr. Bryant Anderson knew from a young age that he wanted to become a dentist. He studied Biology and Chemistry at Utah Valley University. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. As a top-ranking graduate in his dental class, Dr. Bryant Anderson was inducted into the dental honor society OKU. READ MORE