Can I See a Laser Dentist for My Gum Surgery?

  • Did you know that a laser dentist can handle your gum surgery? Lasers are quickly replacing scalpels as the method of choice for those who require periodontal surgery. Find out how this procedure works and why many people prefer lasers over traditional methods.

An Overview of Laser Gum Surgery

  • When people have periodontal disease, dentists must remove the inflamed gum tissue and clean out the plaque and calculus located below the gumline. Dentists also smooth out the root to prevent future infections. Once the procedure is over, the gum tissue is placed next to the teeth, and the healing begins. In the past, dentists used scalpels for this procedure, but now, many use lasers.

The Laser Gum Surgery Procedure

  • Dentists use a laser to remove the inflamed gum tissue that is located by the tooth’s root. This exposes the root, allowing dentists to clean it. Lasers allow dentists to focus on damaged tissue. With traditional methods, dentists typically must remove some healthy gum and bone, causing additional gumline recessions. By only removing damaged tissue, the recession is limited, and healing is faster. By limiting gum recession, a laser dentist also preserves the patient’s natural smile. People do not have to worry about feeling self-conscious due to gum loss after undergoing laser treatment.

Pain-Free Gum Surgery Performed by a Laser Dentist

  • Some patients do not require any anesthesia when getting gum surgery at a laser dentist. Lasers are less invasive and bleeding is limited. Also, lasers quickly cauterize tissue after removing it. This closes and sterilizes the incision immediately. When anesthesia is required, it is typically far less than what is needed for traditional gum surgery. Fewer shots lead to less anxiety in the dental chair.

What to Expect After Laser Gum Surgery

  • Patients notice less pain following the surgery. Traditional gum surgery includes surgical cutting and patients leave the office with sutures. The sutured area is typically quite sensitive and painful, so patients must take pain medications. There are not any sutures with laser surgery and the treated area is not nearly as uncomfortable. Some patients do require over-the-counter pain medications to handle the slight discomfort, but many do not. Patients will need to follow some guidelines after the surgery. Smoking should be avoided since it inhibits the healing process. Patients need to eat a soft diet and dentists will provide specific guidelines about brushing and flossing for the first week following the treatment.

Long-term Results

  • Laser gum surgery regenerates bones and tissue. This makes it easier for the gum tissue to reattach to the teeth. This continues well after the procedure is complete, providing better long-term results than with traditional gum surgery.

Are You Considering Laser Gum Surgery?

  • If you have gum disease, it needs to be treated soon. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other issues. A laser gum procedure is pain-free and you will not have to worry about gum recession. The healing time is minimal and you can use over-the-counter pain medications if you experience discomfort. After the procedure, your gums will reattach to your teeth, preserving your smile for the long term. Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.

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