Laser Dentistry – McKinney, TX

Why Choose Sprout Dentistry for Kids for Laser Dentistry?

• Solea is FDA approved for all-Tissue dental procedures
• Solea provides analgesia without the need for needles
• No additional cost: Insurance coverage is the same

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

Although not all procedures can be completed with the use of laser dentistry, there are many in which the laser proves more beneficial than previous methods of surgery. Sprout Dentistry for Kids is proud to provide Solea’s technology as an alternative to the traditional methods for hard and soft tissue dental procedures. More and more offices that specialize in pediatric dentistry in McKinney, are using soft tissue laser because of their precision and effectiveness. However, the Solea is the first CO2 laser to be FDA approved for all-Tissue dental procedures including teeth, gums, and bone. If you’re wondering what’s so special about laser dentistry, here are a few of its benefits:

• Extreme Precision
• Produces analgesia during procedure
• Increased speed with no needles
• Minimal noise, and vibration
• No pain, no numbness.
• Improved post-operative healing times

Fillings

In addition to our electrical handpieces, we have invested in our patients’ improved comfort and happiness to bring the Solea laser. The need for dental fillings no longer has to be a source for anxiety. The Solea laser uses thousands of pulses of light per second to vaporize target tissue without the need for contact. No need for contact means no vibration. In addition, the wavelength of light (9.3 microns) and the number of pulses actually delivers an analgesic effect during the actual procedure meaning no need for needles. At most, patients usually mention feeling a cooling/cold sensation during the start of the procedure, which explains its nickname “Mr. Frosty.” The benefits don’t stop there as studies have been produced showing that the pulses of light actually causes to increases in microhardness of the enamel around the removed cavity leading to increased resistance to recurrent cavities.

Frenuloplasties & Frenectomies

Have you ever wondered what that little bit of soft tissue is connected to your lips and under your tongue? The frenulum is the tissues that are connected to each lip and under the tongue, and when a child is young, that tissue can be too short or too tight. This can inhibit their ability to eat, speak, chew, smile, and breathe. Thankfully, with the help of a soft tissue laser, our dentists can perform a frenuloplasty, also known as a frenectomy, and quickly loosen the frenulum without any bleeding, pain, or need for sutures. By using the laser, it significantly reduces treatment and recovery times.

Learn More About Lip and Tongue Tie

Mucocele Removals

Kids will be kids and sometimes leads to lumps and bumps. Whether a speedster that tripped and bumped his lip or a speedy chewer that accidentally bit their lip a little bit too hard, sometimes mucoceles, or mucous extravasation cysts, can form. On the inner surface of our lower lips we have many tiny little salivary glands. Sometimes during an accidental bump or bite of the lip these salivary glands can get injured and result in the released mucous forming a cyst under the surface of the lower lip, a mucocele. Usually these are painless, but annoying especially for kids who end up playing with the swelling and cause it to increase in size.

Removal of a mucocele with the Solea laser can be a breeze usually with no need for numbing, no bleeding, and no need for sutures when removing the cyst. Post-operative comfort and healing times is also improved over traditional methods.

Removal of Fibromas

If your child is experiencing an outgrowth of tissue or “tissue tag” within their mouth, this is a common problem if there is repeated irritation to a particular area. Known as fibromas, these extra bits of tissue, which are often benign, can be easily removed with the soft tissue laser. Typically, in these situations, once the fibromas are removed, it can take a few days to a week for the area to fully heal. With the Solea laser this can be done atraumatically usually without need for injections for local anesthesia, no bleeding, and no sutures.

Bacterial Reduction

Are you noticing your teenager’s gums looking red and puffy? If so, it may be that they’re not brushing their gum line as well as they should. This can lead to gingivitis and more advanced stages of gum disease if left untreated. During your teen’s visit, we’ll inspect his or her gums to determine if it’s necessary for a bacterial reduction. This procedure is usually performed in conjunction with dental cleanings when necessary to improve gingival health.

Using the Solea soft tissue laser, the concentrated beam of light will quickly reduce bacteria from above and below the gum line, leaving the tissue unharmed, all while making your teen feel comfortable.

Laser Dentistry FAQs

If you are a parent whose child is interested in receiving laser dentistry in McKinney, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage at Sprout Dentistry for Kids want you and your child to feel confident and at ease about the decision to undergo treatment. We understand you may have many questions about how it is used, whether or not it will hurt, the recovery phase, or even why it’s preferred over more traditional methods. We invite you to review the following questions for additional insight into laser dentistry. If you would like to inquire more about the process, please feel free to contact our office.

Will my child require anesthesia before receiving laser dentistry?

In choosing to use the Solea CO2 laser, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage rarely need to administer anesthesia to patients. The reason is that Solea’s unique wavelength enables fast, precise, and gentle removal of tooth and gum tissue. Dental procedures, from simple cavities to complex surgeries, are completed virtually pain-free and blood-free, eliminating the need for anesthesia and sutures in the vast majority of cases. There are no scalpels or sutures needed because of the laser’s ability to ablate and cauterize simultaneously, resulting in minimal bleeding and/or swelling and quicker recovery.

What if my child is extremely anxious about their procedure?

Although laser dentistry is designed to minimize anxiety and create a comfortable experience for your child, we understand your little one may be apprehensive about treatment. Dr. Justin, Dr. Sage, and our extensively trained team will take the time to introduce you and your child to the Solea and the procedure in a simple and relaxing manner. The vast majority of patients do not report any sensation other than occasionally describing a mild cooling or cold sensation during the start of the procedure. The fact that laser dentistry does not require direct contact with the tissue it is removing means that patients do not have to feel a vibration, which is especially helpful in reducing stress and anxiety during procedures.   

If your child does present with increased anxiety even after the introduction to the procedure, your pediatric dentist in McKinney can explore additional options to ease your child’s anxiety, such as sedation to keep them calm throughout the process. Not only will this allow Dr. Justin or Dr. Sage to complete the treatment safely, but it will allow your child to remain completely relaxed during their visit.

Are there any risks associated with the Solea CO2 laser?

One of the most beneficial aspects of using the Solea CO2 laser is that it is approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Solea is the first CO₂ dental laser system cleared by the FDA for hard, soft, and osseous tissue procedures, there are very few risks associated with this type of device. Solea offers a unique wavelength guided by sophisticated computers to deliver virtually painless dental procedures for both teeth and gums from simple cavities to complex surgeries.   

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the use of lasers as a beneficial instrument in providing dental restorative and soft tissue procedures for infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special health care needs.¹

Why don’t more pediatric dentists use laser dentistry?

Although every dental practice has its own reasons, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage believe in the importance of providing high-quality, advanced, and updated technology and equipment. Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage have invested in the ability to improve their patient experiences through the equipment, and additional advanced training necessary to fully operate the Solea dental laser safely and properly.

While some services cannot be completed using laser dentistry, it is our commitment to our patients that leads us to offer methods of treatment that not only help children remain comfortable and at ease during their visit but it also leads to safer and more efficient procedures. 

Will my dental insurance cover the cost of laser dentistry?

Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage are committed to providing the same highest quality of care and comfort for their patients as they would want for their own children. We do not charge different fees for Laser Dentistry using the Solea. The insurance coverage is the same for laser dentistry procedures using the Solea compared to the traditional treatment methods. This means you won’t pay any more for Solea laser dental treatment than you would for non-laser dental treatment.

¹American Academy Pediatric Dentistry, V40/ NO 6/ 18-19/P. 95-97, 2017, Oral Health Policies & Recommendations, “Policy on Use of Lasers for Pediatric Dental Patients”,www.aapd.org, access date: 11/2019