Laser Dentistry – To Help Calm Your Uncomfortable Child
Posted on: 13 December 2015
Oftentimes kids are afraid of the dentist because they are fearful of the needles and feeling of being numb after the work is complete. One solution to this problem is laser dentistry.
What is laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry is the use of laser energy and water to remove decay from the tooth.
Why is laser dentistry a better option for kids?
Laser procedures in family dentistry can remove many of the elements of dental work that kids aren't comfortable with.
- Numbing the tooth is not necessary. This means no needles and no funny feeling hours after the dental work is complete and there won't be a sore area where the injection was given.
- No drilling sound. That noise is unsettling to even grownups. Taking the sound out of the situation can help put your kid at ease while in the dentist's chair.
- No burning smell. When the tooth is drilled with a traditional tool, the smell of the burning tooth material can turn your stomach.
- Sterilization. Traditional drilling doesn't sterilize the area that the dentist is working on, leaving the area at risk of infection. The laser energy kills all of the bacteria and germs in the area, reducing the chances for infection after the work is complete.
What do kids experience during laser dentistry?
Laser dentistry is quick and effective. The only thing your child should experience during the treatment is a bit of water spraying into his or her mouth and the clicking sounds that come from the laser. Dentists are using specially-designed suction devices that are placed in the mouth to suck all of the water out as it is released from the laser.
Tip: If the clicking noise is discomforting to your child, a set of noise-canceling headphones with your child's favorite music can remove it from the situation.
Do kids need to be sedated during laser dentistry?
Full sedation is not necessary in many cases. However, children with special needs or very young children do better with mild sedation – nitrous oxide gas. In this case, your child will wear a small mask that goes over the nose and releases nitrous oxide and oxygen to keep your child relaxed – not sleeping.
If your child is uncomfortable during cavity repair procedures, it is time for you to talk with your family's dentist about utilizing this innovative method of removing the decay. Your child may find it much more comfortable now so dental work isn't so difficult later.
Share