Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. They support your teeth and protect your roots. Additionally, they help prevent serious oral health problems. When your gums become inflamed or infected, you will need treatment. When left untreated, gum disease can lead to pain, tooth loss, and long-term health risks.

Traditional treatment for gum disease involved cutting the gums, cleaning them, and stitching them back up. Many patients found the process uncomfortable and intimidating. Laser gum treatment offers a better option. It is a non-surgical approach that targets infection while preserving healthy tissue. The treatment is designed to support the body's natural healing process. Most patients experience less pain, less bleeding, and faster recovery.

If you are struggling with gum disease or want a more comfortable solution, you can talk to your dentist about laser gum treatment. The dentist will assess whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and perform it safely and effectively.

What Is Laser Gum Treatment?

Laser gum treatment is a modern dental procedure used to treat gum disease. The first sign of gum disease is plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria on teeth. If left untreated, the plaque can harden into tartar. Tartar irritates the gums and causes inflammation. The signs of gum disease are:

  • Redness and gum swelling
  • Bleeding gums if you brush or floss
  • Bad breath

At this stage, the damage is reversible. Your dentist can recommend proper oral hygiene and professional cleaning to restore gum health. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. At this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap bacteria. Over time, the infection can cause damage to the bone and surrounding connective tissue.

Traditional treatment for advanced gum disease often involves surgery. Surgery involved cutting through the gums to clean them and then stitching them back. Such an invasive surgery comes with a high risk of complications like bleeding and infection. Laser treatment provides a less invasive solution for gum disease.

The procedure uses focused light energy instead of traditional surgical tools. The goal of the procedure is to remove infection while protecting healthy gum tissue. During the treatment, the dentist uses a laser to target the areas affected by bacteria and inflammation. The laser removes diseased gum tissue and kills harmful bacteria.

Additionally, it helps to clean the root surfaces of teeth. This reduces the buildup that causes gum disease. Laser treatment does not involve cutting the gums, unlike traditional methods. The result makes the procedure less invasive and more comfortable for patients. The laser only removes damaged tissue, leaving healthy tissue unaffected.

The laser energy stimulates blood flow to the gums, which helps the body repair damaged tissue. Furthermore, it encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth and reduce pocket depth over time. Patients often choose laser gum treatment because it causes less pain and bleeding. Additionally, the recovery is faster than with traditional surgery. Most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks after undergoing laser treatment for gum problems.

Conditions Treated With Laser Gum Treatment

Laser gum treatment can address several gum and oral health conditions without the need for surgery. Dentists use lasers to remove infection, reduce inflammation, and support healing. For this reason, the treatment is effective in the early and progressive stages of the conditions. Common conditions for which your dentist can recommend laser treatment include:

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the most common condition treated with laser gum therapy. The condition begins if the gum disease progresses beyond gingivitis. At the late stages of gum disease, deep pockets form between the gums and teeth. These pockets can hold bacteria and debris. The laser targets the gum tissue infected within these pockets.

It kills harmful bacteria and removes diseased tissue. Furthermore, it helps reduce pocket depth and allows the gums to reattach to the teeth. Laser treatment stimulates natural healing. Over time, the inflammation decreases, and the gum tissue becomes firmer. The treatment helps prevent further bone loss and tooth mobility.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. During this stage, your gums appear red and swollen and may bleed easily. Although traditional cleanings are often sufficient to reverse gingivitis, laser treatment can provide additional support. The laser will:

  • Remove bacteria that cause inflammation
  • Calm irritated gums
  • Reduce bleeding and tenderness.
  • Restore a healthier gum appearance.

You may be a suitable candidate for laser treatment if you struggle with recurring gingivitis.

Gum Recession

Gum recession occurs when the gums move away from the teeth. Receding gums expose tooth roots and increase sensitivity. The result may raise the risk of decay and infection. You can correct receding gums with laser treatment. Laser therapy helps disinfect the affected area. Also, it encourages tissue healing and reduces inflammation. Lasers can help stabilize mild cases and improve comfort.

However, if you have a severe recession, you may need grafting. Most patients notice less sensitivity after laser treatment. Also, the gums may feel healthier and more resilient.

Peri-Implantitis

Peri-implantitis is caused by bacterial infection and inflammation. The condition affects the gum tissue around dental implants. If untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to dental implant failure. If you have this condition, your dentist can recommend laser treatment. The laser cleans the infected area without damaging the implant surface. Additionally, it safely removes bacteria and inflamed tissue.

Removing bacteria from the gum helps reduce inflammation and supports the reattachment process. Laser treatment can protect implants from failure and extend their lifespan.

Laser Gum Treatment Procedure

Laser gum treatment focuses on removing infection. The procedure involves the following steps:

  • Initial Examination and Planning

Laser gum treatment begins with a thorough dental examination. The dentist will check your gums for abnormalities. Furthermore, they measure pocket depth around each tooth. Also, the dentist can use X-rays to evaluate the extent of bone loss. They identify areas with infection and inflammation.

The findings from these tests enable the dentist to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs. The dentist will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. After the initial examination, the dentist gives you local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.

  • Cleaning and Laser Application

The dentist will begin the laser treatment when your gums are numb. The dentist places a thin laser fiber between the tooth and the gum. The laser targets infected gum tissue inside the pocket. Laser power removes diseased tissue and kills harmful bacteria. A laser gum treatment is safe and effective because it does not affect your healthy tissues.

The dentist will move slowly from one area to another to treat each pocket. Laser gum treatments are not painful. However, you may feel pressure and warmth in the gums.

  • Root Surface Cleaning

After removing the infected part, the dentist cleans the tooth roots. This process removes tartar and plaque buildup below the gumline. Smooth root surfaces make it more difficult for bacteria to reattach. At this stage of treatment, your dentist may use a laser to assist in the procedure. It helps sterilize the roots and surrounding tissue.

  • Blood Clot Formation and Healing

After cleaning the teeth and gums, the laser helps stimulate blood clot formation. These clots seal the pocket and protect the area as healing begins. The clots allow the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth. You will not need stitches after laser gum treatment. Instead, your gums will heal and reattach on their own.

  • After the Procedure

The procedure may take one to two hours, depending on the severity of the gum disease. However, you can go home shortly after treatment. Most patients experience minimal discomfort. However, the recovery is faster compared to traditional gum surgery.

Aftercare Instructions for Laser Gum Treatment

You must take care of your gums after the laser treatment. Proper care helps reduce the risk of complications and promotes faster recovery. Your dentist can give you the following aftercare instructions:

Manage Discomfort

After laser gum treatment, you may experience mild soreness and discomfort. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter medications to relieve the pain. However, you should avoid aspirin unless your dentist approves it. Cold compresses can also reduce the swelling after the procedure. You should apply them to the outside of your face for short periods.

Eating and Drinking

After laser gum surgery, it is recommended that you stick to a soft food diet. You can choose foods like:

  • Yogurt
  • Soup
  • Eggs
  • Smoothies

Your dentist can recommend that you avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods. These foods can irritate the gums and slow down the healing process. Your dentist can recommend that you avoid alcohol or smoking after the procedure.

Smoking and Tobacco Use

You should avoid smoking or vaping for at least one week after your laser gum surgery. Tobacco delays healing and increases the risk of infection. Quitting the habit entirely can improve your results and gum health.

Oral Hygiene Care

You must keep your mouth clean even after laser surgery. However, your dentist will recommend that you avoid brushing or flossing the treated area for the first 24 hours. After the period elapses, you can brush gently using a soft toothbrush. You should avoid electric toothbrushes until your dentist allows them. To control bacteria in the mouth, you should only use the prescribed mouth rinse.

Activity and Follow-Up

Your body needs rest to recover from the procedure. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid heavy exercise for the first two days. As you recover from gum disease, you should schedule follow-up visits with a dentist. During these visits, your dentist will monitor your healing to ensure it is progressing as planned. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should immediately seek dental treatment:

  • Severe pain
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Signs of infection

Benefits of Laser Gum Treatment

Laser gum treatment offers the following benefits:

Less Pain and Discomfort

Laser gum treatment works without cutting the gums. This reduces trauma to the tissue and pain. Because there are no incisions or stitches, nerves are less likely to be irritated. Most patients feel only mild discomfort during the procedure. Therefore, you will not need heavy pain medications to ease the discomfort. Reduced pain also helps patients feel more at ease about their treatment. You may be a good candidate for laser gum treatment if you struggle with dental anxiety.

Faster Healing Time

Healing is faster with laser gum treatment than with traditional gum surgery. The laser helps seal tissue as it works. This promotes natural clot formation and protects the treated area. You may experience mild swelling and bleeding. Your gums will begin healing immediately after the procedure. Faster healing reduces disruption to daily life. Therefore, you can return to normal activities within a short time. Also, it lowers the risk of complications during recovery.

Reduced Risk of Infection

Infection is a common complication of dental procedures. The laser kills bacteria inside deep gum pockets. Additionally, it disinfects the treated area. The thorough cleaning helps prevent the spread of bacteria.

Preservation of Healthy Tissue

The laser targets only diseased and inflamed gum tissue. It also does not harm healthy gums. This precision keeps the gums' natural shape and structure. Additionally, it protects the supporting bone and connective tissue. Preserving healthy tissue leads to stronger gums and an improved appearance.

Improved Gum Reattachment

Laser gum treatment encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth. The laser reduces pocket depth caused by gum disease and stimulates the natural healing responses. As the gums reattach, your teeth become more stable.

Find Expert Dental Care Near Me

Laser gum therapy is an easy and effective treatment for gum disease, gum recession, or peri-implantitis. Laser therapy treats the infection while preserving healthy tissue and promoting healing. The patients benefit from lower pain, less bleeding, and faster recovery due to laser gum treatment.

Dentists recommend this treatment option because it helps restore gum health. With healthy gums, you can easily ensure your oral hygiene. Additionally, it reduces the risk of future problems. Many patients overcome the fear of gum surgery with laser treatment. You should schedule a dental consultation if you notice symptoms such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession.

You achieve healthier gums and a more confident smile if you take action early. To achieve the desired outcome of your procedure, it is recommended that you consult an experienced dentist. At Northridge Advanced Dentistry, we offer safe, affordable, and reliable dental services for our clients in Northridge, CA. Call us today at 818-701-3010 to book an appointment.