
Laser Dentistry

We focus on making your dental visits comfortable while delivering great results. At MacPhail Signature Smiles, Dr. Dr. MacPhail, DDS brings over 25 years of expertise to laser dentistry—a sophisticated approach that replaces traditional drills and scalpels with precise beams of light.
This advanced technology allows us to perform procedures with remarkable accuracy, minimal discomfort, and faster healing times. Our Okemos patients consistently tell us how laser treatments have transformed their perception of dental visits from anxiety-producing experiences to comfortable, efficient appointments.
Understanding Laser Dentistry
This innovative approach uses concentrated light beams to address various dental conditions with high-level accuracy. Unlike traditional drills and scalpels, dental lasers target only the affected area, leaving nearby healthy tissue untouched.
The technology proves effective for both hard tissue applications (teeth) and soft tissue procedures (gums), making it versatile enough to address numerous oral health concerns. Patients with dental anxiety often find laser treatments far more tolerable and stress-free.
Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Providing Precise & Proficient Procedures
It has long been predicted that lasers are the future. Lasers are proliferating everywhere you look, even in our dental office. They’ve never been more effective! At Dr. MacPhail, DDS’s office, our experienced dental team provides safe, personalized, and proficient laser dentistry services. This new and exciting area of dentistry offers a vast range of benefits to patients who use it. Whether you have gum or soft tissue problems, certain mouth infections, tooth decay, or need teeth whitening, our laser dentistry in Okemos might be the perfect solution for you and your smile.

Powerful Solutions for a Variety of Problems
There are many benefits to using laser dentistry as opposed to traditional dentistry. Precise control of the laser output allows for treatment of a highly specific area without harming the surrounding soft and hard tissues. Fortunately, Dr. MacPhail has more than 30 years of in-depth dental experience and is highly trained and skilled in using laser dentistry to treat our patients. Using this method of treatment, we have helped countless patients successfully resolve their dental problems. We can help you too!
Laser dentistry can be used for the following purposes, and more:
Laser dentistry can be used for the following purposes, and more
- Treating gum disease – The lasers can be used to remove bacteria and reshape gums while root canal procedures are underway.
- Teeth whitening procedures- Our laser can be used to enhance teeth whitening by activating peroxide bleaching solutions, thereby speeding up the overall process.
- Biopsy procedures – Our lasers can remove tiny pieces of tissue to check for pathology, remove mouth lesions, and relieve pain associated with canker sores.
- Removing tooth decay – The lasers are capable of removing decayed tooth substance and preparing the surrounding area for a filling, crown, or other material.
The benefits of laser dentistry are endless and include
- Procedures performed using lasers generally do not require stitches or sutures due to their noninvasive nature.
- Many laser dentistry procedures do not require anesthesia since nearly all of them are painless.
- Bacterial infections are minimized because the laser is a beam of intense energy that sterilizes the site.
- Surrounding tissues are rarely affected
- Laser sites typically heal faster

Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Our Laser Dentistry Treatment Process
Thorough Dental Assessment
We begin with a comprehensive examination to determine if laser treatment offers the optimal solution for your specific dental concerns. Dr. MacPhail, DDS evaluates your oral health, reviews your medical history, and discusses your goals to establish a clear baseline. Advanced imaging helps identify issues that would benefit most from laser technology versus traditional approaches.
Personalized Care Planning
We create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific dental needs and goals. We consider factors like severity, your overall health status, and specific treatment goals when creating your laser dentistry plan. The strategy includes detailed information about procedures, expected results, and recovery timelines so you can make fully informed decisions.
Precise Laser Treatment
On treatment day, Dr. MacPhail, DDS utilizes state-of-the-art dental lasers calibrated specifically for your procedure with exceptional accuracy. The treatment typically progresses more efficiently than conventional methods, with significantly enhanced comfort throughout the process. Our team maintains clear communication during each step, ensuring you feel informed and at ease.
Simple Recovery Guidelines
Most laser procedures require minimal restrictions compared to traditional dental treatments, making your recovery straightforward. We provide specific instructions tailored to your procedure type and individual healing factors to optimize results. Many patients resume normal activities almost immediately, with significantly less downtime than conventional dental work.
Proactive Results Monitoring
We schedule follow-up visits to ensure your healing is on track and your results are lasting. These check-ins provide opportunities to make adjustments if needed and ensure optimal healing. Your long-term oral health remains our primary focus beyond the immediate treatment phase.
Why Choose Us for Laser Dentistry
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. MacPhail, DDS utilizes advanced laser techniques in numerous dental procedures, ensuring patients receive safe and effective care. Our practice stays at the forefront of dental technology through continuous education and investment in the latest laser systems. We carefully evaluate each case to determine when laser treatment offers genuine advantages over traditional methods.
Our approach combines technical expertise with compassionate care, recognizing that dental visits create anxiety for many patients. We’ve witnessed remarkable outcomes when applying laser technology appropriately, from faster healing times to reduced discomfort during procedures. Patient feedback consistently confirms that laser treatments provide notably improved experiences compared to conventional dental work.

Transform Your Dental Experience
Discover how laser dentistry can change your perception of dental care forever. From cavity preparation to gum treatments, this technology delivers impressive results with less discomfort than traditional methods. Ready to experience the advantages of advanced laser dentistry? Connect with Dr. MacPhail, DDS and call MacPhail Signature Smiles at 517-347-6733 today to schedule a consultation and learn how this innovative approach can address your specific dental needs.
FAQs
What is laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry harnesses concentrated light energy to perform various dental procedures with greater comfort and precision than traditional methods. The technology works on both teeth and gums, treating conditions ranging from cavity preparation to periodontal disease while preserving healthy structures.
Is laser dentistry covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for laser dental procedures varies widely between providers and specific plans, with many companies reimbursing laser treatments at the same rate as their traditional counterparts when deemed medically necessary. Our administrative team can provide procedure codes and documentation to help you maximize your insurance benefits.
Does laser dentistry hurt?
Most patients report substantially less discomfort during laser procedures compared to traditional dental treatments as the technology eliminates many sources of pain like drilling vibration and pressure. Soft tissue procedures often require no anesthesia whatsoever, while hard tissue treatments typically need reduced amounts.
How does laser dentistry work?
Different wavelengths of laser light interact specifically with various oral tissues based on their water, pigment, or mineral content. The technology precisely removes or reshapes tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels and sterilizing treated areas, allowing for more conservative procedures than possible with traditional instruments.
Is laser dentistry better?
Laser dentistry offers distinct advantages for many dental procedures, providing more comfortable treatment experiences with reduced recovery time and less post-operative discomfort. The ideal treatment depends on your specific condition and goals, which Dr. MacPhail, DDS evaluates during consultation to determine whether laser or conventional methods would deliver optimal results for your particular need.