Brighter Smiles, Happier Visits: The Use of Laser Technology in Pediatric Dentistry

Many adults openly share negative feelings about dental visits — the familiar “I hate the dentist” mentality. As a pediatric dentist, I believe that positive early experiences play a key role in building lifelong dental confidence and healthy habits. Establishing trust and comfort in childhood may also reduce dental anxiety in adulthood.

Laser dentistry is one of the most transformative tools helping us achieve this goal. Technologies such as the Solea CO₂ laser and the Fotona LightWalker (Er:YAG/Nd:YAG) enable dental professionals to make procedures gentle, efficient, and less intimidating for young patients. These advanced systems allow for treatment with minimal vibration, noise, or anesthesia — all while promoting faster healing and greater comfort.

No Shots, No Drills — Just Gentle Fillings

With lasers such as Solea and Fotona, many cavities can now be treated without numbing injections or traditional drills. Instead of the loud mechanical vibration that often triggers fear in children, laser energy gently removes carious tissue while preserving healthy enamel.

Children typically report little to no discomfort and can eat, smile, and speak normally immediately after their appointment. For parents, this means avoiding post-visit numbness or “fat lips,” making the overall experience smoother for the entire family.

The same technology is also valuable for endodontic treatment, such as pulpotomy in primary teeth, where precision and disinfection are critical. The laser disinfects the treatment site while minimizing bleeding and promoting faster healing — resulting in improved comfort and outcomes.

Laser Frenectomy: Supporting Growth and Function

Some infants and children are born with restrictive oral tissues (commonly known as tongue-ties or lip-ties) that may interfere with feeding, speech, or oral development. Lasers such as the Fotona LightWalker or Solea allow clinicians to release these tissues with remarkable accuracy, typically in just minutes and with minimal bleeding or discomfort.

For infants, this can lead to immediate improvement in breastfeeding or bottle feeding. For older children, a laser frenectomy may enhance speech clarity, proper tongue posture, and overall oral growth. Healing is rapid — often within 24 to 48 hours — due to the laser’s coagulative and disinfecting properties.

Breathing and Sleep Benefits

Airway health is another area where dental lasers have shown promise. Treatments such as NightLase® and Naselase™ gently tighten and tone soft tissues in the oral and nasal passages, improving airflow and reducing inflammation. These procedures are non-surgical, safe, and painless, offering a valuable adjunctive option for patients with mild airway obstruction, mouth breathing, or sleep-related issues.

Photobiomodulation and Oral Healing

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) utilizes low-level laser light to stimulate natural healing responses within tissues. PBM has been shown to reduce inflammation, alleviate post-orthodontic discomfort, and accelerate recovery after dental procedures. It is also effective in managing ulcers, cold sores, and inflammatory conditions such as erosive lichen planus.

For pediatric patients, PBM offers a noninvasive and drug-free approach to comfort and tissue repair, often described as a soothing warmth during treatment.

Conclusion

Laser technology is redefining the landscape of pediatric dentistry by allowing clinicians to provide care that is precise, quiet, and comfortable. Beyond improved efficiency, lasers promote positive early experiences — helping children grow up with less fear and greater trust in dental care.

By embracing these advancements, pediatric dentists can support not only the health of young teeth but also the confidence and well-being of the next generation of patients.