Solea Laser Dentistry: Your Questions Answered

There’s a reason so many kids tense up when they hear the whir of a dental drill. The sound, the pressure, the wait for numbing—it’s a lot, especially for little ones. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

At Sherwood Pediatric Dentistry in Austin, TX, Dr. Sherwood uses the Solea CO₂ laser for many common pediatric procedures. It allows for precise treatment with minimal noise and often no need for numbing. This means fewer disruptions, less time in the chair, and a better overall experience for your child.

What is Solea and How Does It Work?

Solea is a dental laser system cleared by the FDA for both hard and soft tissue procedures. It uses a specific wavelength of light to gently and accurately remove tooth or gum tissue. The laser energy is absorbed by water molecules in the tissue, which allows for a clean, controlled result with very little heat or discomfort.

Unlike a traditional drill, Solea doesn’t vibrate or create that high-pitched sound most patients associate with dental work. That alone can be a huge relief for young patients. A lot of kids barely notice the work being done—and many don’t need shots or numbing at all.

What Can Solea Be Used for?

Dr. Sherwood uses Solea in a variety of pediatric treatments, including:

• Tooth-colored fillings: Many cavities can be treated without anesthesia, speeding up appointments and recovery.
• Frenectomies: The laser can release tongue or lip ties with minimal bleeding or post-op discomfort.
• Gum contouring or lesion removal: Soft tissue can be shaped or treated with precision.
• Minor surgeries: For select cases, Solea can assist with quick, comfortable soft tissue procedures.

Further, the reduced need for anesthesia and faster healing times mean kids often return to school or activities the same day.

What Parents Usually Want to Know About Laser Dentistry

Does it hurt? Most kids feel little to no discomfort. Many don’t even realize treatment has started.

Is anesthesia required? Often, no. Solea works efficiently enough that numbing isn’t necessary for many procedures.

Is it safe for children? Yes. Solea is widely used in pediatric dentistry and has been safely incorporated into practices across the country.

How long do appointments take? Because there’s no waiting for anesthesia and fewer breaks are needed, appointments are often shorter.

Comfortable Laser Dentistry at Sherwood Pediatric Dentistry in Austin, TX

At Sherwood Pediatric Dentistry, we understand how a smoother dental visit can make a big difference in how kids feel about the dentist. That’s why Dr. Sherwood uses Solea laser technology—to make treatment gentler, faster, and a little less stressful for everyone.

If you’re curious about whether Solea could help with your child’s next dental procedure, give us a call. We’re happy to answer questions and walk you through what to expect.

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Categorised in: Laser Dentistry