SAN DIEGO -- A new dentist’s drill that doesn't even touch the tooth’s surface is a quieter, less painful alternative to the traditional drill.

Would You Try The New Drill?

The new drill uses water and light to penetrate the tooth and remove part of its surface as it cleans, said Dr. Joe Matkovich. Traditional drills use compressed air and a metal tip.

The new laser technology can be used for a variety of procedures, Matkovich said. It is effective on root canals, cavity preparation, cavity removal, bone procedures and soft tissue treatments.

One patient who went to the dentist's office for a filling was done in less than four minutes and reported no pain.

The drill costs the same amount to use as a traditional drill would. Dental insurance plans cover it the same way they would cover a procedure done with a traditional drill.