A new innovation in laser technology could replace the dentist’s drill in the years to come, it has been claimed.
The new Waterlase MD Turbo is one of the first lasers which could actually achieve this goal, according to Harley Street dental surgeon Tariq Idris.
"Lasers have been used in some areas of dentistry for a few years but they haven’t been fast enough to replace the drill," he told the Daily Mail.
"Now a laser can be used to remove tooth decay and prepare cavities and crowns."
One of the main benefits of the laser is that it is so precise and painless that there is no need for anaesthesia, something many Brits with a needle phobia could be pleased to hear.
However, the £50,000 price tag of the new laser and the fact that it cannot be used to replace amalgams means it is unlikely to be found in every dentist across the country any time soon.
Meanwhile, Lygia Jolley, a registered dental hygienist who teaches at San Joaquin Valley College, noted that one of the most popular treatments at present is teeth whitening, with Brits able to get the best results by visiting their dentist.
