Laser Dentistry in Strongsville, Ohio

At Strong Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Sarah utilizes state-of-the-art soft tissue laser technology to provide gentle and effective care for a variety of oral conditions, including tongue and lip ties. From newborns just hours old to older children, laser dentistry offers a safe, precise, and minimally invasive solution that promotes faster healing and improved overall health.

What Is Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry?

Soft tissue lasers use a focused beam of light to treat oral tissues with precision and minimal discomfort. This innovative approach has transformed dental procedures, offering benefits such as:

Less invasive treatments: Laser dentistry eliminates the need for scalpels, reducing bleeding and the risk of infection.
Faster healing times: Procedures performed with a laser often result in quicker recovery and reduced swelling.
Minimal discomfort: With little or no need for stitches or sutures, the process is gentler than traditional methods.
Improved precision: Lasers allow for highly targeted treatments, ensuring the surrounding tissues remain unaffected.

Tongue and Lip Tie Revisions

Tongue and lip ties occur when the frenulum (the tissue connecting the tongue or lip to the mouth) is too tight, restricting movement and causing a variety of issues. These ties can lead to difficulties with breastfeeding in infants and speech, dental development, or eating in older children.

Laser Frenectomies for Infants

Tongue-tied infants may experience:

Difficulty latching during breastfeeding
Poor weight gain
Prolonged feeding sessions
Increased gassiness or spitting up

Dr. Sarah provides expert assessments for infants, often within hours or days of birth. If a frenectomy is needed, it can typically be completed in minutes using the laser. Using a laser, Dr. Sarah can release tongue and lip ties, which can help alleviate various symptoms and improve nursing and feeding for your infant. After the procedure, many parents notice immediate improvements in breastfeeding, allowing both mother and baby to feel more comfortable and at ease.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry for Tongue and Lip Ties

Laser dentistry offers significant advantages over traditional surgical methods, including:

No harm to dental hard tissues: The laser focuses exclusively on soft tissues, preserving the integrity of surrounding teeth and structures.
Minimal local anesthesia: Many procedures can be performed with little to no numbing, reducing stress for young patients.
Reduced recovery time: The precision of the laser minimizes trauma, leading to faster healing.
Precision and predictability: Lasers provide a controlled and accurate treatment, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

For older children, the laser can also help with issues like:

Improving smile aesthetics by reshaping gum tissue
Easing the eruption of teeth for orthodontic preparation

Supporting Infant Breastfeeding Success

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes laser dentistry as a valuable tool for treating infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special needs. In cases of tongue or lip ties, timely treatment can significantly improve a child’s quality of life.

Dr. Sarah’s approach to frenectomies is guided by compassion and expertise. During your visit, she will:

Conduct a thorough assessment of your child’s oral health and breastfeeding challenges.
Explain the procedure in detail, addressing any questions or concerns.
Perform the frenectomy quickly and safely, reuniting you with your baby for immediate nursing.

Many parents find that post-procedure nursing feels more natural and comfortable, and babies often experience reduced gassiness, spitting up, and feeding times.

Advanced Care for Older Children

Beyond infancy, laser dentistry can also support older children by addressing functional and aesthetic issues. For example:

A frenectomy can improve speech clarity or eating habits.
Gum tissue reshaping can enhance the appearance of a child’s smile.
Lasers can create space for teeth to erupt, supporting orthodontic treatments.

Take the First Step Toward Better Oral Health

Laser dentistry offers a modern, effective way to address tongue and lip ties and other soft tissue concerns. If your child is facing challenges related to oral health or development, contact Strong Smiles Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll create a plan to ensure your child’s comfort, confidence, and health for years to come.

STRONG SMILEs

STRONG SMILES

STRONG SMILE

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Oral Surgery Strongsville, Ohio

At Strong Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Sarah is highly trained in providing oral surgery for children and patients with special needs

Questions?Answers!

01

At what age should my child first see a dentist?

We recommend that your child’s first dental visit occur by the age of one year or within six months after their first tooth appears. Early visits help to establish a relationship with the dentist and ensure that your child’s teeth and gums are developing properly. Regular visits from an early age also allow us to provide guidance on oral hygiene and preventive care.

02

How can I prepare my child for their first dental visit?

Preparing your child for their first visit is essential to ensure a positive experience.

- Talk about the visit in a calm, positive manner.
- Use children’s books or videos about dental visits to familiarize them with what to expect.
- Avoid using words like “pain” or “shot” to prevent fear or anxiety.
- Encourage your child to ask questions and express their feelings.
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Our friendly team will make your child feel at ease and explain everything in a fun and non-threatening way.

03

What should I expect during my child’s first dental visit?

During your child’s first visit, Dr. Sarah will perform a gentle examination of your child’s teeth and gums, checking for any early signs of dental problems. We will also discuss the best ways to care for your child’s oral health, including brushing, flossing, and dietary habits. For younger children, the appointment may be short, but it’s important to build a positive experience for future visits.

04

How often should my child visit the dentist?

It’s recommended that your child see the dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. Regular visits help to prevent cavities, monitor your child’s oral development, and ensure any potential issues are caught early. Some children may need more frequent visits depending on their individual needs.

05

What are dental sealants, and should my child get them?

Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth (molars). Sealants help to protect against cavities by preventing food and plaque from getting stuck in the grooves. We typically recommend sealants for children as soon as their permanent molars come in, usually around age 6.

06

Does my child need braces?

Braces may be necessary if your child has crooked teeth, bite issues, or other alignment problems. Dr. Sarah will monitor your child’s teeth as they grow and discuss the best time for orthodontic treatment. Early evaluations allow us to address any concerns before they become more complicated.