Laser Gum Surgeries

Laser Gum Surgeries

In recent years, Laser gum surgery has become more widespread for treating moderate to severe gum disease. Laser stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Your dentist may recommend laser surgery as an additional step after having a traditional scaling and root planning treatment. They may recommend laser gum surgery in lieu of non-laser surgeries, such as gum flap surgery. Laser gum surgery may also be used for other dental procedures. These include gum contouring to address a gummy smile for cosmetic reasons.

Procedure

1.  Your periodontist will place the fiber optic tip of the laser at the top of the periodontal pocket. The laser is about the size of three human hairs.

2. The laser will use pinpointed light to remove diseased and inflamed gum tissue from the pocket. (The laser is designed to only remove diseased tissue. It does not remove or damage healthy gum tissue. The laser also removes disease-causing germs and bacteria from the periodontal pocket.)

3.  Once the pocket is cleaned of damaged tissue and bacteria, the laser is set aside.

4.  Your periodontist then uses an ultrasonic cleaning tool to break apart and remove tartar and calcifications with sound waves.

5.  The laser is reintroduced into the pocket to deep clean the bottom and eliminate telltale debris.

6.  The laser also sterilizes tissue and bone, and stimulates formation of a blood clot. The blood clot speeds healing and helps gum tissue reattach to the tooth. This eliminates the need for stitches.