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Dentists Embrace New Technology

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By LAURA FRAZIER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 30, 2008

BRANDON - When Bruce Waterman opened his dental practice 26 years ago on Kingsway Road, there were a lot more cows and citrus trees dotting the local landscape, and lasers weren't commonly used as dental instruments.

Waterman's practice thrives at its original location, but treatment options for many of his patients changed dramatically about eight years ago. In 1999, he said, his practice became the first in Hillsborough County to offer laser dentistry.

Immediate past president of the Hillsborough County Dental Association, Waterman said laser dentistry is a welcome alternative for patients who require small fillings or moderate gum therapy.

"A lot of people just have decay in little grooves in the teeth," Waterman said. "With the millimeter focus of the laser, we don't have to make a big hole to repair it."

Most patients treated with the laser do not require local anesthesia, he said. Those treated for gum disease can usually skip the stitches and postoperative pain and swelling commonly associated with traditional treatments.

The laser also eliminates the vibration and whine of the dental drill, which is unnerving to some people, Waterman said. It makes a sound like popcorn popping.

The device is high-tech but simple and safe, he said.

"It's not hot like a 'Star Wars' laser. It interacts with water, and the water does the cutting on the teeth and the sterilization of the gums," he said. "It's really just a glorified pressure washer."

Another recent advance that Waterman and his partner, Andrea Gordillo-Osterberg, plan to incorporate into their practice makes permanent crowns on-site in one day. The device could eliminate for many patients the long wait often necessary to receive permanent appliances back from off-site dental labs.

Waterman grew up in Brandon and graduated from Brandon High School in 1972. He sees second- and third-generation descendants of many of his earliest patients. He intends to run his practice on Kingsway Road for at least 10 more years and said the most gratifying aspect of his career has been helping improve the health of so many people.

In 2007, Waterman spearheaded a program called Smile Fridays, sponsored by the Hillsborough County Dental Association. The organization arranges for volunteer dentists to provide free dental services to low-income adults and children. In addition to repairing teeth that would otherwise have decayed and fallen out, Waterman said the program offers valuable work experience for hygienists.

Smile Fridays is offered at the Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry Campus Dental Clinic in Tampa. For information about the program, call (813) 259-6304.

DENTAL LASER CENTER OF BRANDON

WHAT: Restorative and cosmetic dentistry using traditional and laser treatments.

WHO: Bruce Waterman and Andrea Gordillo-Osterberg

WHERE: 127 Kingsway Road, Brandon

INFO: (813) 689-8462 or www.dentallaswercenter.net

FREE DENTAL CLINIC

WHAT: Smile Fridays, sponsored by the Hillsborough County Dental Association, where volunteer dentists to provide free dental services to low-income adults and children.

WHERE: Hillsborough Community College Dale Mabry Campus Dental Clinic in Tampa

INFORMATION: Call (813) 259-6304

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 657-4523 or lfrazier@tampatrib.com.

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