We at Greg G. Pitts DDS, Aesthetic & Sports Dentistry, have invested in all sorts of sophisticated FDA-cleared technologies and advanced materials for the utmost comfort of our patients and support a pleasant and hassle-free experience at the dentist’s office. Solea® is a great complement to the other “latest and safest” dental equipment available at our American Fork, UT practice, such as iTero diagnostic scanners and CEREC computer-aided dentistry.
Shining a light on Solea®
Solea® is a type of dental laser. All dental lasers largely work by delivering a beam of focused light toward the area to be treated. This controlled light energy produces reactions in the tissue, allowing the laser to cut through or manipulate the enamel, bone, and gums. This approach allows for dentists like Dr. Pitts to prepare or treat many common conditions without the use of cutting instruments, such as scalpels. Unlike other earlier-generation systems, the Solea® is the first CO2 dental laser device designed to treat both hard tissues (like teeth) and soft tissues (like gums).
We commonly use the Solea® to conservatively, quickly, precisely, and gently:
- Prepare dental fillings – We direct the laser toward the damaged area. The laser penetrates the enamel. It may be used to remove diseased tissue and shape the natural tooth to “accept” the filling material. Due to the precise and non-invasive nature of the Solea®, filling preparation with this system allows us to preserve a maximum amount of healthy natural tooth structure. We avoid using the drill, which is a common source of dental fear and anxiety, and also removes more tooth structure than the laser.
- Laser frenectomies – Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a common, congenital problem that is characterized by a short or tight band of tissue that connects the tongue to the floor of the mouth. Movement is restricted and can affect a child’s ability to breathe properly, especially during sleep, or to speak clearly and eat comfortably. Functional problems can also arise due to problems with the tissue that connects the lip to the gums. Solea® presents a comfortable, fast alternative to cutting lip- and tongue-ties with scissors and scalpels, promoting healthy and painless healing.
- Periodontal therapy – Dr. Pitts may use the Solea® system to perform a gingivectomy. This procedure traditionally involved the use of instruments to cut away at pieces of gum tissue. It is a go-to treatment for damaged or recessed gums that are plagued by conditions like periodontal (gum) disease. Lasers can be used to efficiently and gently reshape gum tissue and encourage healthy reattachment.
The Solea® is so low-touch and low-risk (yet high-reward) that it may be an appropriate way to treat decay, lip-ties, tongue-ties, gum recession, periodontal disease, and other conditions among both pediatric and adult patients. We look forward to introducing you to modern, fear-free dentistry and all that state-of-the-art tools like the Solea® system have to offer. Contact us today to schedule your appointment at our office, located near American Fork Hospital.