What Is Pediatric Laser Dentistry?
Pediatric laser dentistry is a minimally invasive technique that uses focused light beams to treat a variety of dental conditions. It is an excellent option for children who may be anxious about traditional dental tools like drills. This advanced approach allows for gentle treatment with minimal pain, making it ideal for young patients and patients with special needs.
Laser dentistry is less invasive than many traditional forms of dentistry, and in fact, many of the procedures performed with lasers are so painless that patients don’t require any anesthesia at all! Unlike dental drills, laser dentistry causes no heat or vibration and doesn’t make loud noise, making the procedure comfortable for pediatric and all patients. For soft tissue treatment, it eliminates the need for sutures, so healing time is faster. Laser dentistry for children is a great solution for children and adults alike who find dental appointments stressful or scary.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry for Children
- Minimally invasive – Reduces the need for anesthesia.
- Less discomfort – Many procedures are virtually pain-free.
- Faster healing – Less swelling and shorter recovery time.
- Precise treatment – Targets only affected areas, preserving healthy tissue.
- Reduced bleeding and infection risk – Ideal for soft tissue treatments.
If you're considering pediatric laser dentistry in Staten Island, our experienced team is here to provide the best care possible.
Infant Laser Dentistry: A Gentle Solution
For newborns and infants, laser dentistry can be used to treat tongue ties and lip ties with exceptional precision. Infant laser dentistry allows for a quick, virtually painless procedure that promotes better feeding and overall oral health.
The laser beam is extremely bright, and special glasses will be provided to protect the eyes. (There’s something very cool about donning protective sunglasses and watching lasers knock out tooth decay, overgrown gums, and more!) The procedure will take less time than conventional methods and cause far less anxiety and discomfort. In recent years, laser dentistry has superseded many traditional dentistry practices, making treatments more precise and less painful.
Before and After Laser Dentistry: What to Expect
Parents often ask about the before and after laser dentistry process. Before the procedure, our team will thoroughly evaluate your child's needs and explain the treatment plan. After the procedure, most children experience minimal discomfort and recover quickly, allowing them to resume normal activities almost immediately.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes the use of lasers as an alternative and complementary method of providing soft and hard tissue dental procedures for infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs. Dental lasers are safe and effective for treating both children and adults.
Pros and Cons of Laser Dentistry
While laser dentistry offers many benefits, it is important to understand the pros and cons of laser dentistry before making a decision:
• Pros: Minimally invasive, reduces pain, faster healing, lower risk of infection.
• Cons: Not suitable for all dental procedures, may require specialized training.
One of the best uses for lasers in dentistry is the treatment of children: quickly, easily, and painlessly.
Our team will assess your child’s specific needs to determine if pediatric laser dentistry is the right option.
History of Laser Dentistry
Laser use in medicine and dentistry has been around since the 1960s, with FDA approval since the 1990s. Laser dentistry is one of dentistry’s latest advances, and we are extremely proud to have incorporated the Solea Dental Laser into our practice.
A laser beam delivers energy in the form of light beam, and this energy travels at different wavelengths to be absorbed by a “target.” In dentistry, these targets can be enamel, decay, or soft tissue, each absorbing a different wavelength of light while reflecting others.
Trusted & Experienced Pediatric Dentist in Staten Island
Dr. Merlino has undergone extensive training to be able to provide this specialty treatment to patients, and our office is one of only two Solea Laser certified offices on Staten Island. We can’t wait to provide this technologically advanced treatment to your child, too. With years of experience in laser dentistry for children Staten Island, he ensures every procedure is performed with precision, care, and comfort.
Dr. Merlino is a member of:
