If you’re a parent trying to protect your child’s teeth from cavities, you’ve ...
You read that correctly, at Wayzata Dental, we are able to perform most of our procedures without a drill or the use of Novocaine. How do we do it? We use laser technology. Wayzata Dental is currently the only Minneapolis laser dentistry office with access to this innovative technology.
Laser dentistry offers several benefits: it’s minimally invasive, reduces the need for drills and anesthesia, and causes less pain and bleeding. Healing is typically faster with lower infection risk. It’s also highly precise, preserving healthier tissue. Many patients find laser treatments more comfortable and less anxiety-inducing overall.
You can still have dental work done with the laser. Many of our pregnant patients love that they can have work done at any time during their pregnancy with the laser, rather than being limited to the 2nd trimester as they would be if the dentist had to use Novocaine. There are no contraindications for the laser, so it’s safe for patients in various states of health.
Solea is the first CO2 dental laser system cleared by the FDA for hard and soft tissue procedures. It was developed in Boston,Massachusetts by Convergent Dental, based on research conducted at the University of California School of Dentistry. Solea offers a unique wavelength guided by sophisticated computers to deliver virtually painless dental procedures for both teeth and gums from simple cavities to complex surgeries. Not only is the laser virtually painless, it is also vibrationless and noiseless. The experience is so unique that you will find it hard to believe you were just at a dental appointment.
No! Not only is the laser safe and effective, but it also has no side effects. This is just one more reason that we love offering laser dentistry to our patients.
Laser dentistry is usually less painful than traditional methods. It often eliminates the need for drills and reduces the need for anesthesia. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during treatment. Lasers also cause less bleeding and swelling, making recovery quicker and more comfortable compared to conventional techniques.
There is no need for the dentist to wait for you to get numb, which helps the appointment go faster. Additionally, with the laser the dentist is not restricted to working within one area of the mouth, so dental work in all areas of the mouth can be completed during one appointment. This natural anesthetic effect also allows the dentist to perform the procedure with more precision and speed.
When introduced to the idea of having work completed with the use of a laser, the first question is always about safety. The Solea laser is FDA-cleared and completely safe for use. It uses precise light energy to target specific tissues, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding areas. Lasers also sterilize as they work, lowering infection risk and promoting faster, cleaner healing after procedures.
Dr. McDowell has loved the improved quality of care he has been able to provide by using Solea in his patients. Today, ninety-five percent of dental procedures performed at Wayzata Dental, are completed without the use of Novocaine. This laser technology has allowed us to fulfill our mission to use advances in dentistry to provide a more comfortable, safer, and convenient experience for all patients.
Laser dentistry uses focused light energy to treat soft and hard tissue issues in the mouth. It can remove decay, reshape gums, treat infections, whiten teeth, and speed up healing. Dentists use different types of lasers for procedures like gum surgery, cavity removal, and even cold sore treatment.
On average, a laser tooth filling should last 10 years or more with proper care. At Wayzata Dental, we use advanced laser technology for precise, minimally invasive fillings that bond strongly to your tooth structure. We recommend biannual checkups and good home hygiene to maximize the lifespan of your restoration.