Biolase gets US, EU approval for new dental laser

NEW YORK -- Shares of Biolase Inc. soared Wednesday after the maker of medical lasers said that U.S. and European Union regulators have approved its newest dental laser.

Biolase said it began selling Epic 10 in the European Union and some Latin American and Asian countries in late September, and it began selling it in the U.S. after the Food and Drug Administration approved it on Monday.

The company says patients are more comfortable with the new laser because there is less heat buildup and tissue damage when it is used.

Shares of the Irvine, Calif., company rose 57 cents, or 34.3 percent, to $2.23 in afternoon trading.