Does your child need oral surgery? Has their pediatric dentist recommended treatment for tooth decay that requires a dental filling? Fortunately, these often “scary” procedures no longer have to be cause for anxiety or stress. At Sprout Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage are pleased to offer laser dentistry for children in McKinney using the Solea CO2 dental laser. Offering a less invasive approach to dental procedures, children can now undergo a pain-free experience that results in better oral health. Read on to learn more about the benefits of laser dentistry and how it can positively impact your child’s smile.
What is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry is a safe alternative many pediatric dentists use as opposed to the traditional scalpels, sutures, and drills. Its purpose is to treat many common dental problems children face, including:
- The need for fillings to address tooth decay
- The elimination of lip and tongue ties through the process of frenuloplasties and frenectomies
- The removal of mucocele, which is caused by an injured minor salivary gland that forms a cyst under the surface of a child’s lower lip
- The removal of fibromas, which are known as “tissue tags” inside the mouth and are caused by repeated irritation to one area
- Desensitization of aphthous ulcers also known as “canker sores”
- Aiding in the eruption of delayed or unerupted teeth
- Removal of gingival pigmentations or scars
- Gingival contouring to create a more esthetic smile line to address a “gummy smile”
Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage use the Solea CO2 dental laser, which is FDA-approved for all-tissue dental procedures. Whether your child requires treatment for cavities or oral surgery that involves the bone and/or gums, this laser uses unique wavelengths to ablate or vaporize decay, gingiva, or bone without making direct contact with your child’s mouth.
What Are Its Benefits?
In choosing to use laser dentistry to treat your child’s dental problem, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage will go over the many benefits that come with this unique technique. Undergoing any kind of dental procedure can be scary for a child; however, by opting to use laser dentistry, your child’s procedure will be completed with greater precision, comfort, and effectiveness.
Some of the great benefits associated with laser dentistry include:
- A less invasive procedure.
- Decreased post-operative recovery time at home.
- A pain-free solution that offers analgesia without the use of needles.
- Minimal noise and vibration, both of which can cause a child to experience severe anxiety
- Optimal precision and accuracy.
- Minimal bleeding, as the laser instantly cauterizes the area, encouraging faster clotting and reduced swelling.
- Decreased risk for cross-contamination because there are no sutures used, which are often are prone to allowing bacteria into the surgical area and causing infection.
The next time your child’s dentist recommends a particular procedure, don’t be afraid to inquire about the use of laser dentistry. Typically, 9 out of 10 patients report no pain or discomfort during the use of the Solea laser during dental treatment without local anesthetic, but results vary dependent on treatment needs. Some children report a cool or cold sensation during dental treatment with the Solea laser. We have invested in Solea to provide a more comfortable experience for your child, and we are confident that you’ll be pleased with the exceptional results we can achieve.
About the Practice
Dr. Justin Chan has been a practicing pediatric dentist in McKinney since 2012. Earning his dental degree at New York University College of Dentistry, he remains passionate about caring for and helping children of all ages grow and develop smiles that will last a lifetime. Patients who visit Sprout Dentistry for Kids will not only meet Dr. Justin but also Dr. Sage Yoo, a fellow pediatric dentist at the practice. After studying electrical engineering at Purdue University, Dr. Sage went on to earn his doctorate and complete his residency in pediatric dentistry at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Both Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage are trained to provide laser dentistry to all patients in need of necessary treatment. Using the Solea CO2 laser, your child can experience a less invasive procedure that is pain-free, needle-free, and suture-free. To learn more about the dental technology used in our office, visit our website or call (469) 301-3212.