Laser Dentistry in Chicago IL: Illuminating the Future of Dental Care

Dentist Chicago IL Patient Receiving Solea Dental Laser Treatment

Learn more about the laser dentistry offered in Chicago IL at Strobel Dentistry.

What Is A Dental Laser in Chicago IL?

Let’s begin with a little introduction to lasers in general. The word LASER is actually an acronym, standing for Light Amplification by Stimulation Emission of Radiation. Don’t let that last word scare you – the thermal radiation produced by a laser is non-ionizing, and not the type of radiation you think of when you’re being warned against exposure. Lasers have been in use in the dental industry since the 1990s and are gaining greater traction every day with continuing advances in the field.

  • Photothermal: meaning the energy is transformed into heat. This process is beneficial for surgical incisions, hemostasis, biopsies, and removal of diseased tissue.
  • Photochemical: lasers can stimulate chemical reactions, i.e. hardening a filling
  • Photoacoustic: The pulse of laser energy can act on hard tissues (the enamel and dentin that comprise your teeth) to remove decay.
  • Non-surgical: Laser energy can produce an oxygen radical that is used to disinfect periodontal pockets and root canals. It can also stimulate tissue to promote wound healing, pain relief, collagen growth and a general decrease of inflammation.

What Are Dental Lasers Used To Treat?

There are two types of dental lasers we use in our practice. The first is used in our hygiene department - this laser allows us to treat hygiene patients who need a little extra care:

Patients with or at risk for Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease affects approximately 80% of adults, and we’re learning more about it every day. We now know that it is a bacterial infection affecting pockets around teeth – given this, we want to do more than just remove mechanical irritants and diseased tissue (a traditional cleaning). We want to address the bacteria underlying this infection by decontaminating the area. This decontamination is important for three key reasons:

  • To reduce or eliminate bacteremia (bacteria in the blood): During a normal cleaning, many patients will have some areas that bleed a little. This allows any present bacteria (we all have some!), good or bad, to flood into the bloodstream and settle in weakened areas of our body. The latest research shows that these oral pathogens are linked to a number of other diseases, including cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, premature birth and more. Needless to say, anything that we can do to reduce or eliminate bacteremia is a good thing!
  • To prevent cross-contamination: We don’t want an infection in one part of your mouth traveling anywhere. Decontamination minimizes the chance that a bacterial infection in one area may inadvertently be deposited in another.
  • To kill periodontal disease bacteria: It’s important to stop the infection that results from harmful bacteria before it causes physical destruction or loss of tissue and bone attachment around your teeth.

Solea Dental Laser - Dental Fillings Without Pain Or Anesthesia

Our second type of laser allows us to do so much for our patients! With Solea Dental Laser Chicago patients have access to a versatile range of procedures, enhancing everything from dental fillings to oral surgery. Here are some examples:

  • Direct Fillings
  • Frenectomies
  • Gingivectomies
  • Aphthous Ulcer Treatments
  • Fibroma Removal
  • Crown Lengthening / Bone Removal
  • Implant Uncovering
  • Dramatically reduce snoring

How Does Solea Work?

This is the really cool part. The specialized wavelength of light energy supplied by the CO2 Solea Laser vaporizes four different “photoreceptors:” hydroxyapatite, water, collagen, and plastic. It basically makes the tissue disappear! Meanwhile, it overwhelms our nerves’ ability to sense pain, allowing decay and unwanted tissue to be removed quickly and without anesthesia. This energy is “pulsed” and expertly controlled by our dentists via foot pedal, guaranteeing precision and predictable results.

Are There Any Side Effects With Solea?

You’ll feel none of the lingering numbness that you would after a traditional procedure...

But just like a normal dental restoration, there may be some residual soreness. During treatment with Solea Dental Laser you should feel no pain; our patients have reported cold sensitivity and mild pressure during use, but an overwhelming majority felt nothing else!

*Solea Dental Laser is not currently indicated for use in endodontic procedures and amalgam removals.