Parents, we know you want the best for your children and are always thinking of their safety and comfort. You may have heard talk about laser dentistry lately and wanted to learn a little more about what that is and if it’s safe for your kiddo. The Kids Smiles Team is always thinking of the safety and comfort of our little patients too and how we can make the dental experience more enjoyable and fun for them. One of the ways we can do so is through the practice of dental laser therapy. So let’s dive into the laser dentistry world together!
First of all, what is laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry is an advanced, stress-free approach to common dental procedures using specialized dental lasers. These FDA-approved lasers use precise beams of light to expertly cut and vaporize bacteria in the teeth and gums. Imagine pain-free dentistry for your children without the sound of the drill, without shots, and without stress. The innovation of laser dentistry creates a positive dental experience for pediatric patients, leading to reduced dental anxiety and less stress for both you and your child.
Types of lasers used in dentistry
While there are a few different types of dental lasers used, the two most common are…
- Soft tissue lasers. These lasers are used for treatments that involve the gum, cheek, or other oral soft tissues, such as a tongue-tie or lip-tie revision.
- Hard tissue lasers. You guessed it! These lasers are used in treating your little one’s teeth or supporting bone. We use these in treatments such as fillings or sealants in the name of preserving as much of your child’s healthy tooth structure as possible, with very little bleeding and no noisy drills.
Kids Smiles is proud to be a pediatric laser dentistry near you which uses the Solea® dental laser – a soft and hard tissue laser!
What are some benefits of dental laser treatment?
Now let’s talk more positives about this gentler form of dentistry for kids. Here are a few benefits to choosing a pediatric dentist who uses dental laser therapy in their treatments.
- Minimally invasive. Lasers are less invasive than traditional dental techniques, allowing for smaller incisions.
- Reduced pain and discomfort. A laser avoids many common problems of the high-speed drill from cracks and weakening of your child’s teeth due to the vibration and rapid turning of the drill bits. Laser dentistry results in less pain and discomfort during and after your child’s procedure. That means less stress for your kiddo and you!
- Faster recovery time. The laser sterilizes as it cuts, leaving less chance for bacterial contamination. This is especially helpful in pulpotomies where bacteria are the number one cause of failure.
- Less bleeding. The laser effectively performs numerous soft tissue (gums) procedures with little or no bleeding. The laser gives us a new high-tech tool for many procedures that previously required stitches.
- No anesthesia is required. Heat and vibration are the causes of most of the pain associated with the dental drill. Since the laser reduces heat and vibration, many dental procedures may be performed without local anesthesia, aka NO NEEDLES! Children and babies that are “tongue-tied” or “lip-tied” can be treated at a regular appointment without local anesthesia as well.
- Reduces bone loss. The laser’s pinpoint accuracy is precise enough to leave behind as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
- Longer-lasting dental fillings. A dental laser prepares teeth in a way that maximizes the bonding of tooth-colored fillings, allowing them to last longer, with far less post-operative sensitivity than traditional methods.
Can laser dentistry (work) for cavities?
Yes! Laser dentistry for cavities is the most common technique used, especially with young children.
- Painless cavity relief. A dental laser targets only infected tissue, which is the source of your child’s cavity pain.
- No drilling is required! The laser does the work of the drill without the noise, pressure, and vibrations.
- Healthy tooth structure is left untouched. Traditional treatment methods include removing tooth decay but some healthy tissues are removed in the process as well. With laser dentistry, the precise light beam is able to target just the diseased portions, preserving as much of your child’s natural, healthy tooth as possible.
Still have questions about laser dentistry?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! As the pediatric laser dentistry near you, we’re happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about our treatments or techniques.
If you’re looking for a dental home for your child or children, schedule an appointment with us in South Tampa, North Tampa, Town ‘n’ Country or East Bradenton today!
