What Is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry is a modern dental technique that uses focused light energy, or lasers, to perform various dental procedures with greater precision and comfort. Unlike traditional methods that often involve drills or scalpels, laser dentistry can treat both hard and soft tissues with less discomfort, reducing the need for numbing injections or anesthesia. This advanced approach can make dental visits easier and less stressful for children, allowing for quicker recovery times and a more positive experience overall. It’s a safe and effective option for many common dental treatments, especially in pediatric care.

How Does Laser Dentistry Work?

Laser dentistry uses a highly focused beam of light to safely and effectively treat both teeth and gums. At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use the Solea laser, a state-of-the-art tool designed to make dental treatments precise, quick, and comfortable for your child. Instead of using traditional dental tools like drills or scalpels, the Solea laser employs advanced light technology to gently target and treat specific areas in the mouth. This technology makes it possible to remove or reshape tissue without the need for cutting or stitching.

What sets the Solea laser apart is its advanced technology. It operates at a unique 9.3-micron wavelength, which is especially effective in targeting hydroxyapatite, the main mineral in tooth enamel. This specific wavelength allows the laser to vaporize tooth enamel with great accuracy without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. This level of precision makes it an excellent option for children, as it minimizes the risk of pain, swelling, and post-treatment sensitivity.

Inside the laser handpiece, computer-controlled motors (called galvos) adjust mirrors to direct the laser beam with pinpoint accuracy. This level of control allows us to tailor the procedure to each child’s specific needs. For example, we can modify the pressure applied through a foot pedal to control the laser’s cutting speed. Lighter pressure is used for delicate soft tissue treatments, while higher pressure is applied when working with harder tissues like enamel or bone. This flexibility makes the Solea laser an incredibly versatile tool, capable of handling a wide range of dental procedures with ease.

Common Pediatric Dental Procedures Using Lasers

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes laser technology as a valuable tool for treating infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special healthcare needs. Here are some of the most common procedures where lasers play an important role:

• Cavity Treatment: Dental laser procedures gently remove tooth decay without the need for drills or numbing injections, making the experience more comfortable and less stressful for children. Your dentist will determine if your child is a candidate for this treatment based on the extent of caries. 
• Frenectomy: A frenectomy releases tight tissue under the tongue (tongue-tie) or upper lip (lip-tie), which can impact feeding or oral health. The Solea laser makes this procedure quick and painless, making it ideal for young children.
• Gum Treatments: Dental lasers are used to treat gum issues like inflammation or overgrowth by precisely reshaping the gums, improving oral health and appearance without the need for cutting or stitching.
• Treatment of Mouth Sores: Laser therapy can also be used to speed up healing and provide relief for painful mouth sores like canker sores, offering quicker recovery and comfort.
• Removal of Benign Lesions: Lasers provide a minimally invasive way to remove soft tissue lesions, offering a less painful alternative to traditional surgical methods.
• Root Canal Therapy: Lasers assist in root canal treatments by disinfecting the area and precisely removing infected tissue, making the process more comfortable.

Laser dentistry ensures that these procedures are less invasive, quicker, and more comfortable for children. This advanced technology is revolutionizing pediatric dental care, making visits easier and less stressful for both kids and parents.

The Benefits of Laser Dentistry for Your Child

Laser dentistry offers several advantages that make it an excellent option for children, helping them feel more comfortable and relaxed during dental visits. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Reduced Need for Anesthesia: One of the biggest perks of laser dentistry is that it often eliminates the need for numbing injections. This means no needles, which can significantly reduce anxiety and discomfort for your child. Additionally, skipping anesthesia prevents side effects like dizziness or nausea and avoids the risk of your child accidentally biting their cheeks after treatment.
• Less Pain and Discomfort: Lasers are much gentler than traditional dental tools like drills or scalpels. This results in less pain both during and after the procedure, allowing your child to stay calm and relaxed throughout their visit.
• Faster Healing Time: Laser treatments promote quicker healing compared to conventional methods. The laser’s precision minimizes damage to surrounding tissues, which leads to faster recovery. Most of our patients are able to return to their normal activities within 24 hours.
• Reduced Anxiety: The Solea laser is quiet and vibration-free, making the dental experience much less intimidating for children. Without the noise and sensations associated with traditional dental tools, kids can feel more at ease during their visit. This helps create a more positive experience overall.
• Precise and Effective: Laser dentistry allows us to target only the affected area with pinpoint accuracy. This makes treatments more effective while preserving the healthy tissue around the problem area, ensuring a safer and more precise outcome.
• Less Bleeding and Swelling: Another key benefit of laser dentistry is that it significantly reduces bleeding and swelling. As the laser works, it seals blood vessels and nerves, which makes the procedure much more comfortable and safe for children. 
• Lower Risk of Infection: Laser dentistry minimizes the risk of infection because the laser sterilizes the treatment area as it works. By killing bacteria and reducing the chances of contamination, your child is less likely to experience post-procedure complications.
• Ideal for Children with Special Needs: Laser dentistry can be especially beneficial for children with special healthcare needs, as it reduces the need for invasive treatments and helps create a calm, more manageable environment for their dental care.

Laser dentistry helps make dental visits easier, faster, and more comfortable for children. It’s a gentle approach that encourages a positive attitude toward dental care, which can benefit your child’s oral health for years to come.

Is Laser Dentistry Safe for Children?

Yes, laser dentistry is a safe and highly effective option for children. At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use the FDA-approved Solea laser, which is specifically designed to be gentle and precise—making it ideal for young patients. The FDA approval means the Solea laser has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its safety and effectiveness for pediatric dental procedures.

We also take every precaution to ensure your child’s safety and comfort during their visit. To protect your child, we follow strict safety protocols, including providing protective eyewear, isolating the mouth to shield the tongue and cheeks from the laser energy, and using a cooling water spray to prevent heat buildup in the treated area. These measures make the procedure not only safe but also more comfortable for your child.

Our pediatric dentists are speciality trained or certified in using laser technology. They know how to adjust and deliver the right amount of energy for each procedure, ensuring both precision and safety. Their expertise in working with children means they are well-prepared to follow all necessary precautions and create a positive, stress-free experience for your child.

Considerations for Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry offers many advantages, but it’s important to consider whether it’s the right option for your child’s specific dental needs.

• Type of Treatment: Laser dentistry is highly effective for a variety of pediatric dental procedures like cavity treatment, gum surgery, and tongue-tie release. However, not all dental procedures are suitable for laser technology. For example, laser procedures are typically not used for treatments involving existing fillings or crowns. It’s important to consult with your pediatric dentist to determine whether laser dentistry is the best option for your child’s specific dental needs.
• Comfort Level: One of the main benefits of laser dentistry is the comfort it provides for children. Since the laser often eliminates the need for anesthesia or numbing injections, it can be a great option for kids who may feel anxious about needles or the noise of dental drills. The quiet and gentle nature of laser treatments helps create a much more relaxed environment. This is especially important considering that nearly 84.5% of children experience some level of dental anxiety. By using laser dentistry, we can help reduce that anxiety and make dental visits a more positive experience for your child.
• Age and Health: Laser dentistry is safe for children of all ages and can be especially beneficial for younger kids and those with special healthcare needs. However, every child is different, so it’s important to consult with your pediatric dentist to determine if laser dentistry is the best choice based on your child’s age, health, and specific dental requirements.

• Effectiveness: Laser dentistry is very precise and effective, particularly for soft tissue treatments and minor dental work. It can speed up the healing process, reduce the risk of infection, and minimize post-procedure discomfort. However, for more extensive or complex procedures, traditional methods may still be the preferred approach.

At Camp Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand that choosing the right dental care for your child is an important decision. If you’re wondering whether laser dentistry might be the best option for your child, we’re here to help. Our team is happy to walk you through all the available options, answer any questions you may have, and ensure you feel confident in making the right choice for your child’s oral health.

We take pride in offering gentle, state-of-the-art dental care tailored to each child’s unique needs. Whether it’s a routine check-up, laser treatment, or orthodontic care, we’re committed to creating a positive, stress-free experience for you and your little one.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or visit one of our neighborhood offices in Minnesota or Nebraska. Let us help your child achieve a healthy, happy smile that lasts a lifetime.