What is Periodontal Laser Therapy?
The Overview
A minimally invasive treatment that is an effective alternative to traditional gum surgery.
Lasers treat periodontal conditions by using focused light energy to vaporize infected gum tissue. They eliminate deep-pocket bacteria without cutting or stitches. The laser targets only diseased tissues, while leaving healthy gums intact. They also sterilize the area to promote natural healing and tissue regeneration.
Periodontal laser therapy procedures include:
Frenectomy – a quick, minor oral surgery to remove or loosen a frenum—a small band of tissue connecting your lip to your gums or your tongue to the floor of your mouth. The goal is to release restricted tissue and improve the range of motion.
Gingivectomy – a periodontal surgical procedure that removes excess or diseased gum tissue. It is primarily performed to treat periodontal disease, correct a “gummy smile,” or improve overall access for oral hygiene.
Gingivoplasty – a surgical dental procedure that reshapes and contours healthy gum tissue. It is primarily performed to correct uneven gum lines, reduce a “gummy smile”, and create a more aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking appearance.
Peri-implantitis – an inflammatory condition affecting the gum and bone around dental implants. A laser removes inflamed gum tissue and decontaminates the implant surface.
LANAP – a laser protocol used to treat moderate to severe gum disease. It uses a specialized dental laser to target harmful bacteria and diseased tissue while leaving healthy gums intact. To learn more, please visit our LANAP Therapy page.
Periodontal Laser Disinfection – a procedure that uses concentrated light energy to destroy harmful bacteria deep within gum pockets.
Periodontal Crown Lengthening – a procedure where a periodontist reshapes excess gum tissue to expose more of a tooth’s natural surface. It secures dental crowns and corrects a “gummy smile.”
Periodontal Laser Therapy resolves issues with:
The Overview
A minimally invasive treatment that is an effective alternative to traditional gum surgery.
Lasers treat periodontal conditions by using focused light energy to vaporize infected gum tissue. They eliminate deep-pocket bacteria without cutting or stitches. The laser targets only diseased tissues, while leaving healthy gums intact. They also sterilize the area to promote natural healing and tissue regeneration.
Periodontal laser therapy procedures include:
Frenectomy – a quick, minor oral surgery to remove or loosen a frenum—a small band of tissue connecting your lip to your gums or your tongue to the floor of your mouth. The goal is to release restricted tissue and improve the range of motion.
Gingivectomy – a periodontal surgical procedure that removes excess or diseased gum tissue. It is primarily performed to treat periodontal disease, correct a “gummy smile,” or improve overall access for oral hygiene.
Gingivoplasty – a surgical dental procedure that reshapes and contours healthy gum tissue. It is primarily performed to correct uneven gum lines, reduce a “gummy smile”, and create a more aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking appearance.
Peri-implantitis – an inflammatory condition affecting the gum and bone around dental implants. A laser removes inflamed gum tissue and decontaminates the implant surface.
LANAP – a laser protocol used to treat moderate to severe gum disease. It uses a specialized dental laser to target harmful bacteria and diseased tissue while leaving healthy gums intact. To learn more, please visit our LANAP Therapy page.
Periodontal Laser Disinfection – a procedure that uses concentrated light energy to destroy harmful bacteria deep within gum pockets.
Periodontal Crown Lengthening – a procedure where a periodontist reshapes excess gum tissue to expose more of a tooth’s natural surface. It secures dental crowns and corrects a “gummy smile.”
Periodontal Laser Therapy resolves issues with:
How Periodontal Laser Therapy Works
The Details
Treatment
Lasers create a narrow beam of light, about the size of three human hairs, in a specific wavelength that produces concentrated energy at an exact location.
The procedure-appropriate laser enables a skilled periodontist to remove bacteria, excess or diseased gum tissue, reshape and contour healthy gum tissue, and reduce inflammation.
Local anesthesia is sometimes used to numb the affected area before the laser is used.
Recovery
Recovery from these procedures is faster than after traditional periodontal surgery, with patients returning to normal activities within a single day. Full recovery takes 2-4 weeks.
Patients should avoid physical exertion and use OTC pain medications and ice to minimize swelling during the first 24 hours of recovery.
For the next week, stick to a liquid/soft-foods diet and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid carbonated beverages, alcohol, and smoking to promote faster healing.
Procedure-specific, additional post-operative care instructions may be provided.
Advantages
The Details
Treatment
Lasers create a narrow beam of light, about the size of three human hairs, in a specific wavelength that produces concentrated energy at an exact location.
The procedure-appropriate laser enables a skilled periodontist to remove bacteria, excess or diseased gum tissue, reshape and contour healthy gum tissue, and reduce inflammation.
Local anesthesia is sometimes used to numb the affected area before the laser is used.
Recovery
Recovery from these procedures is faster than after traditional periodontal surgery, with patients returning to normal activities within a single day. Full recovery takes 2-4 weeks.
Patients should avoid physical exertion and use OTC pain medications and ice to minimize swelling during the first 24 hours of recovery.
For the next week, stick to a liquid/soft-foods diet and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Avoid carbonated beverages, alcohol, and smoking to promote faster healing.
Procedure-specific, additional post-operative care instructions may be provided.
Advantages
Before and After Periodontal Laser Therapy
Periodontal Laser Therapy Tampa
The Takeaway
Periodontal Laser Therapy is a minimally invasive and highly effective alternative to traditional gum surgery.
Periodontal Laser Therapy procedures include: Frenectomies | Gengivectomies | Gingivoplasty | Peri-Inplantitis | LANAP | Laser Disinfection | Crown Lengthening.
Usually pain-free, lasers cast a narrow beam of light to deliver concentrated energy at a precise location. Bad tissue is treated. Healthy tissue is preserved.
After treatment, normal activity can resume the following day, and full recovery typically occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Dr. Hilary Dalton is a board-certified periodontist, holds additional laser proficiency certifications, and has been successfully performing laser treatments for over 20 years.
Dr. Dalton Says
“The use of lasers to treat periodontal conditions has revolutionized the industry. Say ‘Goodbye’ to weeks of painful recovery and say ‘Hello’ to healthier gums and beautiful smiles.”
The Takeaway
Periodontal Laser Therapy is a minimally invasive and highly effective alternative to traditional gum surgery.
Periodontal Laser Therapy procedures include: Frenectomies | Gengivectomies | Gingivoplasty | Peri-Inplantitis | LANAP | Laser Disinfection | Crown Lengthening.
Usually pain-free, lasers cast a narrow beam of light to deliver concentrated energy at a precise location. Bad tissue is treated. Healthy tissue is preserved.
After treatment, normal activity can resume the following day, and full recovery typically occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Dr. Hilary Dalton is a board-certified periodontist, holds additional laser proficiency certifications, and has been successfully performing laser treatments for over 20 years.
Dr. Dalton Says
“The use of lasers to treat periodontal conditions has revolutionized the industry. Say ‘Goodbye’ to weeks of painful recovery and say ‘Hello’ to healthier gums and beautiful smiles.”
Periodontal Laser Therapy Learning Center
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