you visit the dentist and find out you have gum disease. It’s not fun news, but different treatments depend on how bad it is. One option is laser treatment, which is less intense than surgery and is becoming more common.
You might know that lasers are used in many industries, but did you know they are also used in dentistry? However, we need more research on how well they work for gum disease.
Is Laser Gum Surgery Safe?
The American Dental Association has not officially declared that lasers are safe for treating gum disease. However, some studies show that laser gum surgery is safe and works well for various dental problems, including gum disease.
Another group, the American Academy of Periodontology, reviewed the evidence and decided that laser treatment might help more than regular treatments. However, it also admitted that more research is needed to be sure.
So, if you decide to try laser treatment, go to a periodontist experienced in lasers. That’s important.
Laser Gum Treatment for Gingivitis
Laser therapy is not used alone but with regular treatments. In this therapy, the dentist uses a special light to remove swollen gum tissue around your tooth and clean out tartar and plaque. Then, they smooth out rough spots on your tooth to prevent bacteria from returning.
After this, your gums need time to heal. They should be free from infection during healing and snugly fit around your tooth, like a well-fitting turtleneck. Not all dentists use lasers. Those who do have special training to use them correctly and know which type of laser to use.
Post-Laser Gum Surgery Care
After surgery, you might feel some redness and sensitivity, and your mouth could be numb from the anesthetic medicine. Keep the area clean and avoid hot or cold drinks for a few days to feel better.
It’s also important not to smoke because it can make the pain worse, slow down healing, and cause more gum problems. Your dentist might want to see you again a few weeks after surgery to check your health and decide what to do next.
Remember, laser surgery isn’t a magic fix. You still need to take care of your teeth and gums with your dentist’s help to prevent needing more treatments later on. Laser surgery isn’t the only way to treat gum disease or other mouth problems, but it can be helpful for many dental procedures.
Laser Treatment for Gum Disease Pros and Cons
Using lasers to clear out diseased gum tissue has some massive advantages:
- Healing happens faster.
- You don’t need general anesthesia, sometimes used in other dental surgeries.
- Lasers can target the bad areas very precisely.
- There is less bleeding, pain, and swelling because laser therapy is gentler than regular surgery.
Even though laser therapy has these benefits, some medical groups are not fully on board yet. They are still studying how well it works. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), there is insufficient proof to say it’s better than regular treatments. But it’s been helpful for some people who can afford it.
Wrapping Up
If you seek a periodontist who can do laser treatment, ensure they have learned how to do it properly. They should have taken courses and gotten training from places like dental schools, dental groups, or the Academy of Laser Dentistry (ALD).
Visit our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Andrew Rossi, at Perio Health Professionals. Our doctor is an expert in regenerative periodontal therapy and soft and hard tissue reconstruction. Dial (346) 509-9060 to book an appointment.
