At Smith Dentalworks, we are committed to providing our patients with comfortable dental care using the most innovative treatment options available. One example of the technology we use in our office is the Solea®️ Laser. This unique tool can replace the outdated drill in many procedures and makes dentistry pain-free. When we use our dental laser, there is often no need for anesthetic. This allows us to complete your dental procedure in the most efficient and comfortable way possible.
More information about laser dentistry at Smith Dentalworks:
How Our Dental Laser Works
The Solea Laser is a type of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. It produces a beam of powerful infrared light by running electricity through a tube filled with a gas mixture that contains CO2, nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium. This excites the nitrogen molecules, which then transfer energy to the CO2 molecules. As the gases release energy, the system produces a beam of invisible light that is reflected by a series of mirrors that increase its intensity. Galvos, which are computer-controlled motors, move the mirrors to optimize the energy of this light beam based on the type of tissue that the laser is cutting. This can include enamel, gum, or other soft and hard tissues.
This laser system emits a beam with a wavelength of 9.3 microns. This makes it different from previous dental lasers which produced a 10.6 micron beam that was only effective on soft tissues. By contrast, the wavelength of the Solea Laser is near the peak absorption of hydroxyapatite. This is a mineral composed of calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen and is the major component of tooth enamel. When the enamel absorbs the energy from this laser beam, it vaporizes and creates a clean, precise cut. As a result, we can use the Solea Laser for both hard and soft tissue.
Pain-Free Dental Care
Our dental laser makes anesthesia unnecessary for 95% of procedures and 98% of patients feel no pain at all. Most patients say they feel a slightly cold sensation which is similar to eating a snow cone. The laser also cauterizes soft tissue as it cuts, significantly reducing and often eliminating bleeding. There are no uncomfortable vibrations or loud noises like there would be with a drill. This innovative tool makes pain-free dentistry a reality.
Another benefit of anesthesia-free dentistry is that we can complete your procedure more quickly. This means that you can get back to your daily routine in the shortest amount of time possible. Because we don’t need to use a dental anesthetic, you also won’t leave the office with a numb mouth and you can go back to eating and drinking normally after your procedure.
How We Use Our Dental Laser
At Smith Dentalworks, we use the Solea Laser for a variety of soft-tissue and hard-tissue dental procedures.
These include:
- Filling cavities
- Frenectomies and tongue-tie surgeries
- Periodontal disease treatment
- Gum contouring
- Oral surgery
Comfortable, Convenient Laser Dentistry
The Solea Laser makes dentistry painless and quick. It is effective and safe for children as well as adults, so your whole family can enjoy the benefits of this unique technology.
