Laser Dentistry

Removing tooth decay or other damage doesn’t need to involve uncomfortable drilling or anesthesia injections that leave you numb for hours.

If you need a cavity filled, Jason Streeter, DDS, can use his advanced Solea® laser to perform comfortable, efficient dental treatment.

What are the benefits of choosing laser dentistry at our Colorado Springs, CO, office?

 

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

In general, laser dentistry (also known as needle-free dentistry) is safer, more reliable, and more effective than traditional treatments involving dental drills and needles. Individuals who undergo laser dentistry for a dental filling or other procedures can benefit from:

Drill-Free Dentistry

Most cavity treatments are remove damaged tissue using a drill. If a large cavity needs to be removed, a dentist will need to administer injections of local anesthesia. Even when the teeth and gums are completely numb, the vibrations and pressure associated with drilling into enamel can be uncomfortable

Relaxing Dental Appointments

For some, even the sound of a dental drill is unsettling. Dental lasers are quiet and vibration-free. Some people report a mild cold sensation during laser treatment and the high-frequency pulses of energy do not aggravate nerve tissue or other soft tissue. To further ensure that your visits are relaxing and comfortable, our Colorado Springs, CO, office is also complete with massage chairs, televisions in the treatment rooms, and noise-canceling headphones.

An Effective Treatment

Laser dental treatments are FDA-approved. With decades of safe use and research now completed, laser dentistry has become an established and standardized dental treatment option.

No Need for Needles

Many patients at our Colorado Springs dental practice understandably experience anxiety over the use of needles. Since the advanced Solea dental laser does not cause discomfort, there is no need for local anesthesia and needles.

More Conservative

The precise Solea laser allows Dr. Streeter to remove only the decayed or damaged areas of your tooth. Drills do not allow for the same level of precision. You can benefit from preserving natural enamel and protecting nearby soft tissue by undergoing this advanced form of dentistry.

Need a Filling? 

Schedule a Consultation at Streeter Dental

While laser dentistry is well-established, only a small percentage of dental practices offer this advanced technology. Our dentist has made the investment in laser technology to provide our Colorado Springs, CO, patients with the most comfortable and precise treatments available.

To stay up-to-date on the latest dental procedures, Dr. Streeter is involved with various dental organizations:

  • American Dental Association
  • Colorado Dental Association
  • Colorado Springs Dental Society

These treatments do not cost our patients more than traditional methods. To experience our advanced dental technology firsthand, request a consultation at our practice or call us:

How Does Laser Dentistry Work?

The first uses of lasers in dentistry occurred in the mid-1990s. Today, lasers perform a wide range of functions in dentistry. Whether the advanced device is used to treat gum disease, address tooth decay, remove soft tissue, or to whiten teeth, all lasers use a focused beam of light to address dental problems.

The Solea laser is widely considered to be the most advanced dental laser on the market. The device, which was first introduced in 2013, marks a considerable advance over the CO2 and erbium lasers currently on the market. The incredibly precise wavelength of light safely and predictably vaporizes enamel without damaging nearby tissue.

See how dental lasers can eradicate harmful bacteria…

Are you a Candidate?

Patients at Streeter Dental should generally meet two criteria before we will recommend this treatment option:

 

Suffering from Treatable Tooth Decay

Anyone who has mild to moderate tooth decay is a great candidate for this needle-free treatment option. Some advanced cases, however, might require root canal therapy, a dental crown, or extraction. During your consultation, Dr. Streeter will evaluate the extent of your decay and determine if the technique is right for you. He might also recommend laser dentistry for gum disease or another concern.

 

Committed to Good Oral Health

Candidates should be willing to address the causes of their current dental problems to prevent issues from recurring. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our dental practice twice a year for cleanings and exams can ensure that you do not develop further decay and that your dental fillings remain effective.

Is Laser Dentistry More Expensive?

Laser dentistry does not cost any more than traditional treatments. Many dental plans cover at least part of the cost associated with dental fillings. If you have concerns about the affordability of this treatment, our team can discuss your flexible financing options through CareCredit® and GreenSky®. We also accept all major credit cards.

Laser Dentistry Overview

A Guide Through the Process

Examination

Before your treatment begins, Dr. Streeter will determine the extent of your tooth decay. This can be done through a visual inspection and use of digital x-rays, 3D scanners, and other forms of imaging. Once the locaiton of your dental caries has been dtermined and the Solea lase’s software has been programmed, your comfortable cavity treatment will begin.

Anesthesia-Free Preparation

One major difference is that there is no need for injections of anesthesia. Local anesthesia can leave your mouth uncomfortably numb for hours after your treatment, but dental lasers allow you to leave the office with no slurring, drooling, or other side effects.

Decay Removal

The laser will evaporate decayed and infected areas of your tooth, leaving only a healthy tooth structure behind. Once the treatment site is ready, it will be thoroughly cleaned.

Filling Placement

Next, traditional or tooth-colored filings are used to restore structure an strength to your tooth. White fillings are made from composite resin, which can withstand the wear and tear associated with eating and chewing for several years.

Final Touches

Once the resin has been hardened using a speical blue light, your dentist can make adjustments to ensure that the fillings do not interfere with your bite. Once the restorations are placed the material will be indistinguishable from your natural tooth structure.

Side Effects and Aftercare

Without the potential side effect of lingering numbness from local anesthesia, this advanced treatment option allows patients to resume normal work and activities immediately after treatment.

Some patients may notice temporary temperature sensitivity while their teeth adjust to the fillings. Dental fillings placed at our practice actually lower your risk of complications and side effects because the laser treatment is safe and less invasive than drilling a tooth.

Maintaining your new fillings is easy. The most important thing you can do it to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. During your regular visits to our Colorado Springs dental practice, your dentist can check your fillings to ensure that they still have a strong bond with your tooth.