Biolase says its Waterlase line of lasers is in about 5% of U.S. dentist offices.

WSJ: To Cut Tooth Decay: A Laser vs. a Drill

In fact, Jacobson likes the Waterlase so much that he now has two.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Another reason the Waterlase and Biolase's other product, a tooth-whitening laser, appeal to customers is that they sound so high tech.

FORBES: A Painless Root Canal?

"It's basically a microexplosion, " says Ioana Rizoiu, the head of research and clinical development at Biolase Technology, the San Clemente, Calif. company that created the Waterlase.

FORBES: A Painless Root Canal?

Sales have risen steadily since, with Waterlase winning subsequent approvals for root canals in January 2002, bone surgery in February 2002 and root canal complications in February 2003.

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Biolase's Waterlase system uses a patented combination of water and lasers to precisely cut hard tissues (bone and teeth) and soft tissue (gums) with minimal damage to surrounding areas.

FORBES: Biolase Smiles Again

Lasers vary in type, but one major brand, Waterlase, works by heating water molecules in the tooth, which then expand and dislodge decayed tooth structure, according to manufacturer Biolase Inc.

WSJ: To Cut Tooth Decay: A Laser vs. a Drill

An ingenious new laser called Waterlase adds to that the ability to cut through dry teeth and bone by casting a cloud of hot water vapor around the laser's cutting point, a couple of millimeters from the tooth.

FORBES: Magazine Article