Northeast Ohio dentist believes future of dentistry includes no needles, no drills

CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - “There’s no doubt."

That is how certain Chagrin Falls dentist Ryan Slaten is that the future of dentistry includes no needles, no drills.

Dentophobia, the fear of dentists, is real, but dentist Ryan Slaten wants that to change, and he believes the technology in his office is the solution.

The future is now

“The laser allows us to practice routine procedures without the need for the needle or the drill,” Slaten said. “Over 98% of fillings can be done without any shots at all, and often times without using a drill.”

Slaten called the laser an “unparalleled experience.”

“We can use it anytime, for surgical procedures, restorative care, crowns, and extractions,” Slaten said.

Slaten spoke as if he were on a mission to develop a different idea of what dentistry will be. The leap forward will require a “leap of faith,” Slaten said.

Without the angst

“Aside from the fear and anxiety, the three things are pain, vibration, and noise,” Slaten said speaking to his patients dislikes.

“When you don’t develop the fear and anxiety that most people have, when you don’t have the opportunity to become afraid of the drill and the shots then it’s a whole different ballgame,” Slaten said. “It’s a whole different experience walking into the dentist’s office.”

Slaten pointed to his 11-year-old patient Rocco Dardis, “He’ll never know the drill,” Slaten said.

“It pretty much just feels like air blowing on your mouth and teeth,” the 11-year-old Dardis said after his appointment. “You don’t have to be afraid, it doesn’t hurt at all.”

Something new

“You don’t have to worry about going back to work numb and drooling,” Slaten said. Convergant Dental, Inc. which developed the Carbon Dioxide dental laser Solea, claims dentists will be able to skip anesthesia in up to 96% of cases.

“When you bring people back into the fold, there’s definitely something gratifying,” Slaten said.

According to Slaten his patients have already seen the benefits of the laser technology and its advantages.

“We are able to work in all areas of the mouth in one appointment,” Slaten said, making repeat visits unnecessary.

The Chagrin Falls dentist said the new technology has the ability to alleviate the anxiety and fear that keeps people from visiting the dentist.

“I think it’s important if there’s anyone out there who is really afraid of coming into the dentist, this is the opportunity to revisit,” Slaten said.

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