Parents always have their children’s best interests in mind, especially when it comes to dental care. If you’re a parent in search of safe, gentle, and modern treatment options, you may have some awareness of laser dentistry. A Kendall Park Dentist may suggest this option for children who need certain procedures; however, many parents wonder: Is it safe, and how does it stack up against the traditional tools we are used to? Let’s walk through that.
What Is Laser Dentistry, And How Does It Work?
Laser dentistry uses focused beams of light to treat teeth and gums. Compared to drills or scalpels, the laser performs exact actions, such as removing decay, reshaping gums, or even helping wounds heal more quickly.
Some benefits parents see include:
- Less bleeding in treatments.
- Fewer stitches in soft tissue work.
- Increased speed of healing.
- Less risk of infection.
Why Should Kids Get Laser Dentistry?
Kids can already worry about going to the dentist as it is, especially when they hear a drill! So, when dentists start using lasers, it can make the experience much calmer and often less intimidating for the child and the parent. You might be looking for a way to speed up a visit, and lasers can help with that, too.
So, here are a few situations where the dentist may use lasers for kids:
- To remove cavities and prepare teeth to receive fillings.
- For gum issues (examples: “gummy smiles” or gum treatment).
- Treat a mouth ulcer with a laser.
- To assist with tongue-tie or lip-tie procedures.
Does Laser Dentistry Hurt for Kids?
Another major question parents have is, “Does laser dentistry hurt for kids?” The good news is that, in most cases, the child feels little to no discomfort during the procedure. Many laser dental procedures don’t even require anesthesia because lasers are very gentle on teeth and tissues.
Most children describe the feeling of a laser as a “warm feeling” instead of pain. This alone makes for easier visits and less stress for both the child and the parent.
Is it Safe for Children to Get Laser Dentistry?
Safety is the first thing parents worry about. Laser dentistry has been FDA-approved for use in dental offices and is safe when done by a trained professional.
Here is why it is safe:
- Lasers are very precise, meaning they only focus on the area being treated.
- Laser precision makes it so that only the area being treated is focused on.
- The light kills bacteria, which means less potential for infection.
However, lasers are not appropriate for every situation. When a dentist near you in Kendall Park takes a look at your child’s dental requirements, they would be in a position to advise you on the best treatment for the child’s comfort and oral health.
How Can Parents Prepare Their Kids for Laser Dentistry?
Preparing your child to be relaxed is essential in order to receive the treatment. Here are some ways to do this:
- Use simple words: let them know that the dentist is going to use a “special light” and not a drill.
- Be calm and positive: children sense how parents feel! If parents are calm, children retain calmness too.
- Bring comfort items: Items such as a bag of marbles, an empty toy box, or show-and-tell items make them feel safe.
- Ask questions: If you have any questions, do not hesitate to talk to your child’s dentist about what to expect.
Gentle Care for Kids at Smiles By Dr Levine
When it comes to your child’s dental health, you want a solution that is safe, comfortable, and effective. Laser dentistry provides exactly that, making dentist visits less stressful and more enjoyable for all children.
At Smiles By Dr. Levine, our caring staff takes the time to clearly explain all of the treatment options to help children understand dental visits and feel comfortable and safe; whether it is a simple cavity treatment or a gum procedure, your child’s comfort is always our priority.
Give your child a brighter and healthier smile—schedule an appointment with Smiles By Dr. Levine today and see just how gentle dentistry can be!
