Almost 50% of adults in the United States suffer from some type of periodontal disease. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a serious oral health concern for many adults. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to serious dental issues such as infections, loose teeth, and even heart problems. Traditional treatments for this condition typically included invasive procedures like surgery and deep cleanings, which were often uncomfortable and required a long recovery time.
However, with advancements in technology, laser periodontal therapy has become known as a less invasive and highly effective solution. If you are considering laser gum surgery for your dental needs, you should know its advantages and potential disadvantages and see if you are a good candidate.
This blog will help you decide if laser gum surgery suits you. We will cover the various types of lasers used in this treatment and the possible side effects. We will also offer advice on preparing for and recovering from the procedure. Keep reading to learn more about laser periodontal therapy.
What is Laser Periodontal Therapy?
Laser periodontal therapy is a specialized treatment that uses low-level laser energy to effectively eliminate harmful bacteria and infected tissue below the gum line. It can effectively clear away significant amounts of plaque and tartar and improve oral health.
This minimally invasive treatment works well for early gum disease. It can also help with more severe periodontal disease, though it might need several sessions.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is the inflammation and infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It often arises from inadequate oral hygiene, but some individuals may be more susceptible to it, even with good brushing and flossing habits.
Symptoms of periodontal disease can include:
- Gums that appear red or purple
- Tenderness in the gums
- Bleeding gums
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Receding gums (gums pulling away from teeth)
- Pain while chewing
- Changes in how your teeth align
- Loose teeth.
The primary cause of periodontal disease is the accumulation of dental plaque. This plaque harbors various bacteria that can infect your gums. Genetics may also influence gum disease by affecting how an individual’s immune system reacts to bacteria.
How Laser Periodontal Therapy Works
Lasers utilize focused beams of energy to complete various actions during periodontal surgery. They can:
- Trim and eliminate unhealthy tissue
- Seal blood vessels and create solid clots
- Destroy bacteria and germs
- Disinfect the region
Lasers operate on the principle of stimulated emission, where atoms in an excited state are induced to release photons coherently. This controlled light emission targets and removes unhealthy tissue with precision. This procedure generates the energy necessary for specific tasks, such as removing tissues without a blade.
Advantages of Laser Periodontal Therapy
Here are some benefits of using laser periodontal therapy to treat periodontal disease:
- Minimal Inflammation—The energy from the laser targets and eliminates bacteria responsible for periodontal disease while encouraging the healing process. This method is safe and efficient for decreasing inflammation and enhancing gum recovery.
- Shorter Recovery Time—Laser therapy increases the healing speed and helps alleviate the discomfort linked to periodontal issues.
- Reduced Scarring—A key advantage of laser therapy in periodontal care is its ability to minimize scarring. This treatment can remove damaged tissue and encourage healing without harming or scarring the surrounding areas.
- Reduced Damage to Healthy Tissue—Lasers can specifically target diseased areas, reducing the effect on healthy tissue.
- Less Pain During Treatment—Laser therapy offers a less invasive option for treating periodontal disease and can be combined with other methods, such as scaling and root planing. The laser explicitly targets bacteria in the pockets around teeth and gums, leading to reduced pain. Since the laser focuses on specific areas, it causes less damage to surrounding tissue and has fewer side effects than traditional treatments. As a result, patients experience shorter, more comfortable sessions and require fewer dental visits.
- Reduced Swelling and Bleeding During Procedures— Laser therapy minimizes swelling and bleeding during periodontal treatments. This effectiveness is attributed to the laser’s ability to seal blood vessels and encourage healing. Furthermore, laser therapy aids in reducing inflammation and supports tissue regeneration.
- Cost-effectiveness—Laser therapy is often utilized as a supplementary therapy for periodontitis. It can complement traditional root planing and scaling or be an independent treatment option. Laser therapy is less invasive than traditional periodontal methods, which can lead to lower dental expenses.
- Fast dental procedure—Laser therapy is quick and straightforward, often completed in a single dental visit. It can effectively remove plaque and tartar, enhance gum health, and reduce gum size.
Preparing For Your Procedure
Laser gum surgery does not require general anesthesia; only local anesthesia is necessary, so fasting before the procedure is unnecessary. Wear comfortable clothing to help you relax during the procedure, as the surgical area is maintained at a cool temperature to reduce bacterial growth. Also, remove any nose rings and tongue piercings you may have. Avoid wearing your hair in a ponytail or bun if you have long hair. You will rest your head against the chair for several hours, and a ponytail or bun may be uncomfortable.
The Laser Periodontal Therapy Procedure
Here is what you should expect during laser gum surgery:
- Your periodontal therapist will position the fiber optic end of the laser device at the edge of your periodontal pocket. This laser is roughly the width of a few human hairs.
- It will emit focused light to eliminate infected and inflamed tissue from that pocket. The device is specifically designed to target only unhealthy tissue, leaving healthy tissue untouched. It also removes harmful bacteria and germs from your periodontal pocket.
- After cleaning the pocket of bacteria and infected tissue, the laser is set aside.
- Next, your periodontist will use an ultrasonic dental cleaning appliance to pick and eliminate tartar and calcified deposits using sound waves.
- The laser device is then inserted into the periodontal pocket to thoroughly cleanse the base and remove any remaining debris.
- The laser sterilizes the bone and tissue while promoting the development of a blood clot. This speeds up healing and helps reattach gum tissue to your tooth.
- If you plan to treat your entire mouth, you might require two appointments, each lasting between 1 and 2 hours. Treating just one quadrant can be completed in 1 to 2 hours.
Using Laser Periodontal Therapy for Gummy Smile Surgery
Here is what to expect during gummy smile surgery using laser periodontal therapy:
- If excess gum tissue is due to inflammation or infection, the first step by your periodontist will be a scaling and root planing procedure. After that, a laser procedure will be used to shape and contour the gums, which can be performed by either a periodontist or an orthodontist.
- During the procedure, a soft tissue laser will eliminate the extra gum tissue and also cauterize it, minimizing bleeding and discomfort after surgery. Your dental specialist may additionally use the laser to reshape the jawbone beneath the gums.
The Cost Of Laser Gum Surgery
The price of laser gum surgery for gum disease treatment can vary based on several factors, including the extent of the work needed and your location. Sometimes, you may get a free consultation before scheduling the surgery. If you have dental insurance, it typically covers part of the expenses. However, if you use laser surgery to fix a gummy smile, you should know that insurance usually does not cover this, as it is considered a cosmetic procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate For Periodontist Laser Therapy?
This type of surgery is suitable for individuals suffering from mild to acute periodontal disease. It can also suit people who find managing the inflammation and pain associated with traditional dental treatments challenging. You could also be a good candidate for laser periodontal surgery if you have lost many teeth because of cavities or other issues.
Expectations After Laser Gum Therapy
Some patients may be able to return to their usual activities the day after surgery, while others might need a few days to recover fully. You can expect to experience mild soreness for several days, along with some temporary side effects, such as:
- Slight bleeding
- Minor swelling
- Changes in gum color
Aftercare recommendations may include the following:
The healing period typically lasts about a week. During this time, your periodontist may advise you to:
- Avoid brushing or flossing the treated area
- Gently rinse your mouth and let the water or mouthwash flow out instead of spitting
- Do not use nicotine products like cigarettes
In the first couple days, your periodontist might suggest rinsing your mouth every few hours with warm salt water to help ease discomfort. To prepare the rinse, mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces (0.3 kg) of water, ensuring the temperature is comfortable.
You should also practice good oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy and prevent infections. This includes:
- Brushing and flossing daily once you have recovered
- Visiting the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
Recovery After Laser Periodontal Therapy
Recovery from the gum surgery usually takes several days before you can return to normal activities. However, the healing time can vary based on the complexity of the surgical procedure and your overall health, with some individuals recovering more quickly than others. To enhance your recovery and maintain optimal oral health, consider the following tips:
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids—Hydration helps to eliminate toxins and pathogenic bacteria that could have entered the gums after or during surgery. Aim for a minimum of eight glasses of water each day.
- Opt for soft foods—Eating soft foods minimizes the risk of damaging your teeth or dental work while allowing you to eat comfortably during recovery. Avoid hard foods during recovery, as they can cause damage or stress to your healing tissues and may lead to decay.
- Follow your doctor’s advice on antibiotics. Dental infections can cause significant bone loss in between teeth, even with good dental hygiene. Taking your antibiotics as prescribed can help lower this threat and promote a faster recovery.
Deep Cleaning Vs. Laser Gum Therapy
There is often confusion about which method is more suitable for cleaning patients' teeth with periodontal issues or dental implants. This article aims to clarify the differences between deep cleaning and laser gum therapy.
Laser gum therapy employs intense light to eliminate bacteria from the gums and teeth. It helps manage periodontitis, but may not always provide the best outcomes due to the small area it can cover at one time.
On the other hand, deep cleaning goes beyond intense light; it also incorporates specialized chemicals and brushes to thoroughly clean all gum and teeth surfaces. Although deep cleaning is usually considered more comprehensive than laser treatment, it can cause harm if performed too frequently or incorrectly.
Examples of Laser Periodontal Surgeries
Below are two examples of this treatment:
LANAP for Gum Disease
LANAP laser therapy is a gentle, FDA-approved, minimally invasive technique that utilizes lasers to eliminate infected and unhealthy gum tissue.
This treatment is effective in treating even severe gum disease. The laser reaches deep beneath the gum line, helping to regenerate bone loss. It promotes the growth of new attachments, reversing damage caused by periodontitis.
However, in cases of extreme bone loss, alternative treatments may be necessary initially. These treatments can involve bone or soft tissue grafts to create a strong foundation. LANAP can then enhance these grafting procedures by encouraging the growth of new tissue and blood vessels.
During an oral exam, your periodontist will assess the current stage of your gum disease. They will then create a customized treatment plan based on the severity.
The advantages of LANAP include:
- Minimally Invasive Approach—Unlike traditional surgeries that require significant cuts, LANAP only needs small openings in the skin, making the process physically and emotionally less taxing on the body.
- No Recovery Period—Most people can quickly return to their routines after LANAP, often experiencing little to no soreness.
- Lower Infection Risk—By targeting and destroying the source of infection deep within one's teeth, this treatment significantly reduces the chance of subsequent infections in that area.
Laser-Assisted Perio-Implant Procedure (LAPIP)
This procedure is designed to enhance the durability of dental implants.
The advantages of LAPIP are:
- Enhanced Precision—With the LAPIP procedure, dentists can accurately place implant posts using a laser-guided approach, which reduces the need for traditional mechanical probing.
- Less Pain—Patients typically experience reduced pain due to using lasers. This minimizes inflammation and damage to the soft tissues, which are common issues with older drilling methods.
When to Consult a Periodontist
You should visit a periodontist if you are struggling with pain or tooth loss.
Risks Involved with Laser Periodontal Therapy
Some potential risks are linked to Periodontist Laser therapy, but adhering to your doctor’s instructions minimizes most risks. Typical risks are:
- Accidentally damaged teeth or gums—If you feel any burning pain or sensation following the procedure, contact your dental surgeon immediately. Reporting your side effects is crucial for prompt attention.
- Swelling—After your treatment, you might notice some swelling lasting a few days. To minimize complications, drink lots of water and refrain from strenuous activities.
- Bleeding—Mild bleeding should resolve independently within several hours, but seek medical attention immediately if you experience significant bleeding. Bruising could also exist but will fade over time.
What Differentiates Periodontist Laser Therapy From Other Forms of Gum Surgical Treatments?
Periodontist Laser Therapy employs a technique known as Accumulated Energy Therapy, using pulsed light to eliminate bacteria and promote tissue healing. In contrast, traditional methods rely on scalpels and ultrasonic devices to remove infected tissue and may inadvertently affect healthy surrounding tissue.
Ultimately, this innovative periodontics approach transforms dental care for gum-related problems. Patients frequently experience better outcomes and reduced discomfort following laser gum therapy performed by specialists.
What are the Consequences of Avoiding Laser Periodontal Therapy Due to Fear of Treatment?
Patients can experience painful abscesses and require multiple tooth extractions if they avoid treatment due to fear of lasers or surgery, in general. They may also risk losing their teeth. This loss may affect their natural smile and reduce their chewing efficiency compared to when they had their natural teeth. Additionally, the infection can enter the bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks, diabetes, strokes, and other serious health conditions. The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease can also be passed on to partners, spouses, and family members.
How Can I Know If My Dental Professional is Trained in Laser Procedures?
Inquire about your periodontist’s training background and what it involved before making your choice. Ensure that the periodontist or their staff can provide certification from an educational and training program the laser manufacturer offers.
Find a Professional Periodontist Near Me
If you or a loved one suffers from periodontal disease, you should consult a professional dentist to see whether you are a good candidate for laser periodontal therapy. This procedure is a dental solution for gum disease that also reshapes the gums and helps reduce a gummy smile. We at Tarzana Dental Care have seasoned dentists who have successfully treated many patients using laser periodontal therapy. Our dentists are dedicated to providing you with quality dental care. Call us today at 818-708-3232 to speak with one of our dental experts.