When I was in school, we didn’t have lasers—only traditional electrosurgery units. Later, diode lasers became the gold standard for soft-tissue procedures, and I used them for many years. They were certainly an improvement over electrosurgery, but their capabilities were still fairly limited.
About ten years ago, I invested in an erbium laser, which at the time felt like a significant advancement. I used it intermittently for a couple of years, but in reality it remained more of an occasional tool. It didn’t fundamentally change the way I practiced dentistry.
That changed when I began working with a true all-tissue laser: the 9.3-micron CO2 Solea laser. After attending a hands-on course and directly comparing its capabilities with the equipment I had previously used, it became clear that laser dentistry had evolved into something far more versatile, predictable, and reliable than what I had experienced in the past.
The most significant difference with the Solea platform is its versatility—it’s not limited to niche procedures. Instead, it can be deployed across a broad range of clinical situations throughout the day. In my practice, I now utilize Solea for:
Soft Tissue Management: Gingival recontouring, frenectomies, biopsies, and uncovering crown margins with minimal bleeding and without the need for packing cord.
Surgical Applications: Crown lengthening and exposure of subgingival margins can be accomplished with a clean field, improving bonding and restorative outcomes.
Restorative Dentistry: Efficient removal of decay, improved access in cervical regions, and preparation of all classes of cavity, nearly always without the need for local anesthesia.
Adjunctive Procedures: Removal of residual cement, conditioning surfaces for bonding, and contouring around implant restorations.
The ability to move seamlessly between hard and soft tissue without changing handpieces or the interface fundamentally changes chairside efficiency. My team sees the difference as well. Procedures are cleaner, faster, and more predictable.
One of the most striking benefits is the improvement in patient experience. Even when a laser procedure may take a similar amount of time as a traditional rotary instrument, patients perceive it as quicker and more comfortable. The absence of the high frequency handpiece noise and vibrations, plus the reduced use of anesthesia, leads to consistent positive feedback.
That positive experience drives referrals. More and more patients come in because a friend told them about “that laser dentist.”
From an operational standpoint, integrating a versatile all-tissue laser allows me to complete procedures that I previously referred out, keeping more treatment in house and improving workflow. The absence of consumables for Solea compared to other lasers has also simplified inventory management.
Equally important is the professional satisfaction. After decades in practice, I can say that this technology has been one of the most impactful investments I have made. It has improved my efficiency, enhanced my clinical outcomes, and renewed my enthusiasm for daily dentistry.
My team is happier with Solea. They love that we no longer have to pack cord for impressions. They see better clinical outcomes for our patients, and they see me enjoying dentistry more. In fact, the only complaint they’ve had is, “We need another one!”
My decision to integrate Solea was not driven by marketing or the promise of a quick financial return. It was grounded in a desire to provide the highest level of care for my patients. The financial benefits have simply followed naturally—allowing us to perform more procedures in a day, keep more treatments in-house, and improve overall efficiency.
For colleagues considering laser dentistry, I strongly recommend gaining hands-on experience whenever possible. There are meaningful differences between platforms. Beyond reviewing technical specifications, it’s important to evaluate how easily the technology integrates into your existing workflow and how it can expand the range of procedures you offer.
After decades in practice, I’ve seen many technologies come and go. This one truly stands apart. Solea has significantly enhanced my day-to-day dentistry and brought a renewed sense of professional satisfaction—not just for me, but for my entire team. At this point, it’s hard to imagine practicing without it.
About D. Greg LoPour, DDS
Dr. LoPour was born in Lovington, New Mexico. He attended Abilene Christian University in Texas on a basketball scholarship before receiving his DDS from Baylor College of Dentistry. He began his dental career in Texas before he and his wife, Paige, moved back to New Mexico, where they have co-owned and co-operated a family and cosmetic dental practice in Albuquerque for over 25 years. Dr. LoPour has served as President of the NMDA along with other professional affiliations. Dr. LoPour has also been nominated twice for Ethics in Business Award. Dr. LoPour is passionate about giving back to his community and co-chaired the New Mexico Mission of Mercy in addition to volunteering for NMMOM for many years. He continues to participate in RAK, Giving Back A Smile and supports many other worthy non-profits.