The notion of going under the drill at the dentist inevitably brings to mind the noise, vibration, and needle-induced numbness that come along with the procedure. But Dr. Michael Contardo’s patients at Laser Dentistry in St. Joseph experience none of that. The new laser tool he uses to perform dental work is essentially anesthesia-free and non-disruptive to the patient’s day. And at this time, Laser Dentistry is the only clinic in the state of Minnesota providing this specific alternative laser treatment. |
The new laser tool, called Solea, looks very similar to a traditional drill tool. It is hand-controlled by the dentist, while a computer monitoring system applies the most effective laser pattern to the area of the mouth being worked on. Any decay removed by the laser vaporizes into the air. It is the first CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser system cleared by the FDA for hard tissue (teeth) and soft tissue (gums) ablation or vaporization.
“We chose the laser because it’s much less invasive for patients, who at our clinic span from young children to the elderly,” explained Contardo. “Laser therapy is faster than traditional methods, produces no vibration, little noise, and allows patients to resume their day as soon as the work is complete. It has revolutionized the way we provide dental care because of these immediate benefits to patients.”
“We chose the laser because it’s much less invasive for patients, who at our clinic span from young children to the elderly,” explained Contardo. “Laser therapy is faster than traditional methods, produces no vibration, little noise, and allows patients to resume their day as soon as the work is complete. It has revolutionized the way we provide dental care because of these immediate benefits to patients.”
“We chose the laser because it’s much less invasive for patients, who at our clinic span from young children to the elderly,” explained Contardo. “Laser therapy is faster than traditional methods, produces no vibration, little noise, and allows patients to resume their day as soon as the work is complete. It has revolutionized the way we provide dental care because of these immediate benefits to patients.”
Dr. Contardo has provided dental care for more than 35 years, and began working from his own clinic in St. Joseph in 1989. He became certified in laser dentistry in 2011, and has used a laser for soft tissue work since then. Now, with the December 2014 implementation of the Solea laser technology that services hard tissue as well, he has made the decision to rename his clinic to Laser Dentistry, which up until now has simply been Dr. Michael Contardo, DDS.
“I originally started my own practice because I wanted to be able to take the extra time I thought was necessary to really care for each of my patients on a personalized level,” said Contardo. “I want them to feel like their time spent here at our clinic is not rushed, and that the treatment offered to them can actually enhance their overall health.”
Along with the name change comes a new website, www.laserdentistrymn.com, where prospective patients can learn more about the laser technology as well as Dr. Contardo’s care team. Laser Dentistry is accepting new patients of all ages, and can be reached at 320-363-4468. The clinic is located at 26 NW 2nd Avenue in St. Joseph.
“I originally started my own practice because I wanted to be able to take the extra time I thought was necessary to really care for each of my patients on a personalized level,” said Contardo. “I want them to feel like their time spent here at our clinic is not rushed, and that the treatment offered to them can actually enhance their overall health.”
Along with the name change comes a new website, www.laserdentistrymn.com, where prospective patients can learn more about the laser technology as well as Dr. Contardo’s care team. Laser Dentistry is accepting new patients of all ages, and can be reached at 320-363-4468. The clinic is located at 26 NW 2nd Avenue in St. Joseph.