Largo Dentist One of Few Trained in Laser Technology

After 28 years in dentistry, Dr. Randall Weisel's last year has been filled with exciting milestones.

"It's been a whirlwind," Weisel said.

Weisel's personal and professional life skyrocketed into new areas.

He remarried last August and began to focus his practice on laser technology which he says provides better dental care to patients.

A visit with Weisel is unlike most dental appointments. His calm friendly nature puts patients at ease. He's a compassionate and dedicated dentist on a mission to bring the best dental care to his patients with the least amount of pain.

Weisel Family Dentistry has been open on East Bay Drive for almost 30 years. If you haven't seen it, a new outdoor sign may catch your attention.

"Laser gum surgery without stitches" flashes across the sign, a broadcast of Weisel's expertise in the latest dental tools.

"It's Star Wars technology," he said.

Weisell is in a special class of dentists: professionally trained to use laser assisted new attachment procedure, or LANAP.

"Only five percent of dentists in the U.S. use it," Weisel said.

In June 2010, Weisel became certified in LANAP in his professional quest to find something new and more effective for his patients.

"I've been frustrated as a dentist. I knew there had to be something better out there. Something we could use that would help patients with pain and better procedures, increased healing time," Weisel said.

His passion about patient care led him to address patients' reluctance in visiting a dentist.

"We see a lot of scared patients. I've heard thousands of times, 'I hate you.' Not me personally, but as a dentist," Weisel said.

Not only does he want to turn around that stigma, he wants his patients to be comfortable, with less pain and better results.

That's where laser dentistry steps up.

"We can do so much without the pain alarm system. We can do gum surgery without knives, cutting, stitches, using heavy narcotics or taking weeks to heal," Weisel said.

"It's virtually painless. I'm not kidding."

LANAP uses an infrared light beam. Introduced about fifteen  years ago in eye surgery and medical care, the technology is only used by a small percentage of dentists.

Laser technology can be used for many dental procedures, such as filling cavities, deep cleaning, gum surgery, and more.

"After 28 years, if I could keep only one tool, I'd keep the lasers," he said.

Weisel witnesses dramatic results with his own patients.

"I worked on one patient who needed gum surgery and a crown. Usually, you'd have to wait six months for the gums to heal before doing the crown. It'd be very painful, with cutting and stitches," Weisel said.

"With the laser, the patient will heal within weeks, with little bleeding, little pain."

His excitement about the technology is matched by his long-time assistant, Christi Mauzerolle.

They see similar results with countless patients, including a woman who had front tooth trauma.

"In the past, she would've lost the tooth. It was hanging and beyond what we could've done for her before," Mauzerolle said.

With laser treatment, Weisel was able to save her tooth.

"Laser light is soothing and healing. You can dissolve unhealthy gum tissue, leaving healthy gum tissue with minimal bleeding," Weisel aded.

With another patient, they were able to help heal a viral lesion on her chin.

"Before she left the office, it had started healing.She was in less pain by the time she got to the front desk," Mauzerolle said.

With laser technology, Weisel says it'll be easier, less painful and less expensive for patients to get necessary dental procedures.

Weisel wants patients to realize that oral health is a vital component of their overall health.

"We are equally as important as any doctor," Weisell said about a dentist's role in a person's health.

Weisel travelled the U.S. to study surface biofeedback technology, which can measure the mechanism in and around the jaw and how it affects neck and head muscles. His dedication spearheaded technological advances in muscle technology

Weisel's compassion for patients' pain may stem from personal experience. He's had more than his share of painful conditions; he survived two heart attacks, cancer, a shattered leg and a private plane crash.

As his passion about laser dentistry continues to grow, he plans on becoming a trainer for other dentists.

Weiser wants to help his patients receive what most already wish for: less pain and better procedures at a lesser cost.

"I want to the best I can be," Weisel  said, "We work hard to make patients happy."

For more information on LANAP and other dental questions, contact at (727) 536-5787.