Laser dentistry for kids

Fillings without the numb lip

For most small and medium cavities, we can use the laser to prepare the tooth instead of a drill, and usually without an injection. Children leave without a numb lip or tongue, so there's no accidental biting afterward and they can get back to school or lunch right away.

We fill the tooth with a tooth-colored material, so the repair blends in. Not every cavity can be treated this way — very deep decay or a tooth that needs a crown may still call for local anesthetic — and we'll tell you which approach we recommend before we begin.

Tongue- and lip-tie release

The same laser is what we use for frenectomies. It works quickly, with minimal bleeding and a short healing time. The actual laser time is usually 15 to 30 seconds, and your baby is back in your arms within a few minutes.

Read more about tongue- and lip-tie release

Other gentle options

When a child is very young, very anxious, or at high risk for cavities, we sometimes recommend a no-drill approach first:

• Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) — a liquid brushed onto a cavity to stop it from growing and reduce sensitivity. It's quick and painless, though it does darken the treated spot.
• No-drill, no-shot care for white spots — early enamel changes, including the white spots that can appear after braces, can often be treated without drilling.

Is the laser safe?

Dental lasers are well established when used with the right precautions, and everyone in the room wears protective eyewear while it's in use. For safety rules around the laser, parents wait just outside the treatment room during a frenectomy; for laser fillings, we'll let you know what to expect ahead of time.