When your child’s pediatric dentist suggests treating certain soft oral tissues inside their mouth, you may wonder which dental instruments will be used. Many oral healthcare professionals use traditional methods – scalpels and sutures – but newer technology is now available, making treatment more comfortable and less invasive. Read on to discover the benefits of a soft tissue laser and how it can ensure a positive experience for your little one.
What is the Purpose of a Soft Tissue Laser?
Laser dentistry has been around for many years; however, it is becoming increasingly popular among dentists, allowing smoother procedures and less recovery time.
Depending on the type of laser used, these devices generally consist of a concentrated beam of light designed to treat soft oral tissues inside the mouth. It can be used to:
- Remove excess gum tissue
- Treat gum disease by targeting damaged tissues
- Release a lip or tongue-tie through a process known as a frenectomy
The laser’s precision and accuracy not only minimize post-treatment recovery times but also reduce bleeding and swelling during the procedure. It also sterilizes the area, so the chances of infection are less likely to occur.
What Are the Benefits for My Child?
It might seem a bit unnerving to learn that a pediatric dentist wants to use a dental laser to treat your child’s oral health problem, but when you compare it to regular scalpels and sutures, you cannot dismiss its many benefits.
They include:
- A more reliable technique that allows for greater precision when treating oral tissues (i.e., gums, frenulums, etc.)
- A solution that does not require stitches, as the laser cauterizes the tissue during the process
- Reduced bleeding and inflammation
- Reduced chance of infection
- Minimal recovery and faster healing time
- A more child-friendly approach as opposed to using scalpels and sutures
- A minimally invasive solution that is often more appealing to children
- Healthy tissues remain untouched
Soft tissue lasers are taking the dental world by storm, creating a more comfortable way to deliver essential care without causing patients additional discomfort. If your child is recommended for a frenectomy or gum disease treatment with the help of a dental laser, trust that the process will prove much easier for everyone involved.
About the Author
Dr. Ryne Paulson and the team at Casper Children’s Dental Clinic care about using child-friendly dental instruments and technologies. With the help of a soft tissue laser, he can administer various treatments with greater precision, accuracy, and comfort. If your child’s proposed plan includes the use of this specialized device, visit our website or call (307) 266-1997 and let us further explain what you and your little one can expect.