Laser Dentistry for KidsBrea, CA

How Treatment Works

Laser dentistry tools take the place of traditional dental instruments such as scalpels and drills. Dentists use lasers in both hard and soft tissue procedures. Hard tissue procedures involve working on the actual teeth themselves, and soft tissue procedures involve treating the gums and tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. A well-trained dentist knows how and what type of laser to use for each procedure. Our pediatric dentistry team examines each child carefully to tailor the laser treatment to that child’s needs.

Follow-up Care

Proper care after any dental procedure is vital to its success. Even though laser procedures may involve less bleeding and faster healing, proper follow-up is still important. It is important to watch for any signs of infection or adverse reaction. If there is a problem, call our office right away. Complications are rare after laser dentistry treatments, but no procedure is fully risk-free. However, parents will be given a list of any potential complications, which our team is well equipped to handle.

Aftercare instruction will vary depending on the procedure, but a few general rules apply to most procedures. It is important to avoid anything that will disturb healing. Children should avoid strenuous activities for a day or two after the procedure. Also, parents will likely need to have soft foods on hand for those few days after the procedure, such as cottage cheese, avocados, eggs, and yogurt. Our team will give specific instructions to parents on how to handle dental hygiene during the healing process. This will likely be included in the post-care instructions specific to their procedure. Typically, children need a follow-up appointment about a week after their procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser dentistry safe for kids?

Laser dentistry is safe when performed by a qualified professional. Our team only uses treatments proven safe and effective. In addition, laser dentistry has been shown to lower risks associated with dental procedures such as inflammation and infection.

What precautions should be taken during laser dentistry?

You will be given a list of instructions on how to prepare your child for the procedure. These instructions will vary by procedure. However, both patient and practitioner will need to wear protective eyewear, which we will provide.

Will my insurance cover laser dentistry?

More and more dental insurance plans are covering laser dentistry as these procedures grow in popularity. However, as with traditional procedures, your plan may not cover laser procedures done purely for cosmetic purposes. We suggest you check with your provider for specifics on what your plan covers.

Are there any disadvantages to laser dentistry?

Though covered by many insurance plans, laser dentistry can be more expensive than traditional dentistry. Also, laser dentistry cannot treat teeth that already have dental fillings or remove pre-existing restorations. In addition, lasers cannot treat cavities between teeth or those around old fillings.

Will my child need anesthesia?

Laser surgery is associated with much less discomfort and noise than traditional dentistry. It is likely that your child will not need anesthesia. However, there are some more invasive procedures that will still call for anesthesia, even with lasers. Our team will tailor your child’s care plan for maximum comfort to make their care as comfortable and stress-free as possible.