Putting Down the Drill : A New Way to Treat Tooth Decay at myKIDSdds

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This sponsored post has been written by myKIDSdds. They’re a trusted sponsor and pediatric dentist of many Dallas Moms Blog contributors!

For many children (and if we’re being honest, adults too) the dentist can be a scary place.

Ask any parent what their dental experience was like as a kid, and it might just involve needles and drills and excerpts from horror movies. At myKIDSdds we work hard to change this perception; instead making the dentist a place children can look forward to and enjoy! If the cupcake-flavored fluoride and hygienists who double as balloon artists aren’t enough, we are also dedicated to staying at the forefront of dental technology, so we can provide the most comfortable, positive experience possible for our families. The newest addition to our office, the Solea laser, has not only transformed the way we perform many common procedures, but it has also transformed the way our patients and parents look at them!

Dr Alex Solea My Kids DDS

The Solea is the world’s first computer-aided, CO2 laser system to be approved by the FDA for both hard and soft tissue. For soft tissue laser procedures, such as frenectomies, a laser works better than traditional methods because they cause minimal pain and discomfort, rarely require stitches, and have a reduced healing time. The greatest benefit of using a laser during hard tissue procedures, such as preparations for a filling, is the unlikely need for the dreaded numbing shots before treatment.

The Solea laser actually numbs the tooth as it removes decay, so most treatment can be completed without any anesthetic at all. Not only does this remove a great deal of fear for our little, or not-so-little, ones, it also means that they can safely get back to school, snacks, and soccer practice immediately. With local anesthetics traditionally used when treating cavities, areas of the lips, cheeks, and tongue can remain numb for a few hours after the procedure. For many children this numbness is uncomfortable and upsetting, as they may chew or suck the affected area, causing bruising, swelling, or pain. When anaesthetized with a laser, the tooth itself is in no discomfort and the surrounding tissue is unaffected. This helps to eliminate the possible risk of self-injury during the post-treatment period.

While a hand drill may still be used in some cases to finish the edges during a filling, the laser’s precision allows for more of the healthy tooth to be preserved, instead targeting only the decay itself. The laser also cuts much more cleanly and continuously than a drill. The makers of the Solea describe it in action as a “chainsaw cutting a tree” rather than an ax.

Lasers are currently only being used in a small number of dental practices in the United States but are on their way to becoming the standard of care. Seeing how relaxed our patients have been during laser treatment makes us hopeful that they will continue to feel positively about their dental care for the rest of their lives, and we feel privileged to be able to offer these services to our patients.

Conveniently located at Central Expressway & Walnut Hill Lane (across from Presbyterian of Dallas), the friendly staff at myKIDSdds is always happy to answer your questions and more about your child’s oral development and care.

To contact, visit their website or call 214-696-3082.

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