Today’s dentistry is about more than just treating problems—it’s about offering gentler, more precise, and more comfortable solutions. One of the most significant advancements in our field is the use of dental lasers. For a periodontal office like ours, this technology is a game-changer, providing minimally invasive options for treating gum disease and other soft tissue concerns.
In our office, lasers are a powerful tool for various procedures, offering advantages over traditional surgical methods. A laser uses a focused light beam to treat targeted areas with incredible accuracy.
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, an infection of the gums alone. If it isn’t treated, it can advance to periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets. Bacteria collect in those pockets and harden into calculus, which speeds up gum detachment and bone loss. Gum disease usually progresses without pain until it is severe, so red, swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath that won’t go away and teeth that look longer than normal are all reasons to have your gums examined.
For many patients, a full deep cleaning is the first line of attack. In some instances of more severe infection, Dr. Tanur or Dr. Ovadia uses a dental laser to gently remove damaged gum tissue and eliminate bacteria from deep pockets. For gum disease treatment, the laser is used at a lower strength to kill bacteria and stimulate the gums to reattach to the teeth. It also seals nerve endings and blood vessels as it works, so there is less bleeding, swelling and discomfort.
Laser therapy is one part of a broader gum disease treatment plan. The right approach depends on how far the disease has progressed, and the doctors decide after a comprehensive exam with digital X-rays and 3D images from our cone beam scanner.
| Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) | Laser therapy | Gum surgery | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When it’s used | The first line of attack against periodontitis | Some instances of more severe infection | Areas below the gumline that deep cleaning can’t reach |
| How it works | An ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments remove calculus below the gumline, then the root surfaces are smoothed | A focused light beam removes damaged gum tissue and eliminates bacteria from deep pockets | A small incision in the gums gives the doctor access to remove deposits and smooth the roots |
| Who performs it | Our hygienists, trained to the standards of a periodontal practice | Dr. Tanur or Dr. Ovadia | Dr. Tanur or Dr. Ovadia |
In more advanced cases, gum grafting can replace gum tissue that has receded and cover exposed roots, and bone grafting can replace bone lost to periodontitis. The doctors walk you through the specifics of your case so you know exactly what is going on and what they recommend.
Laser gum treatment typically takes about an hour, depending on how severe the gum disease is. You may feel slight discomfort, but it is significantly less than with conventional methods of removing tissue. If dental visits make you anxious, sedation options such as a sedative pill with nitrous oxide are available.
Afterward, caring for your gums involves the usual routines of brushing, flossing and regular checkups. Gum disease can return easily if follow-up care isn’t adequate, so periodontal maintenance is an important part of keeping your results. The doctor tailors how often you return for cleanings to your needs, and our hygienists show you the brushing and flossing techniques and home care products that keep your gums healthy.
While laser technology offers incredible benefits, the power and precision of this equipment require specialized training and expertise. A dental laser is not a one-size-fits-all tool; different types and settings are needed for specific treatments.
As periodontists, our training focuses exclusively on the tissues and structures supporting your teeth. We have an in-depth understanding of how to properly use and adjust laser technology to ensure both safety and optimal results. Misusing a laser can lead to tissue damage and other complications. When you choose a specialist for your laser treatment, you are entrusting your care to a professional who:
Lasers are not only for gum disease. When too much gum shows when you smile, the doctors use a minimally invasive laser during gummy smile treatment to remove and reshape excess gum tissue, which offers greater precision and faster healing. The dental laser is also used to biopsy suspicious lesions for microscopic analysis, part of how the doctors diagnose oral pathology concerns.
Our dental laser is far less invasive than standard surgical instruments, and it works alongside a radiosurgery unit and other state-of-the-art technology that help keep gum treatments precise.
The cost of laser therapy depends on your treatment plan. Your new patient exam includes a comprehensive oral exam, a full-mouth 3D CT scan and a written treatment plan, so you know what your care involves before it begins.
We are not in network with dental insurance, but we will help you prepare your claim and can file it electronically for you. Patients who prepay in full receive a 5% courtesy discount, and financing is available through CareCredit, Sunbit, Cherry and LendingClub.
You may feel slight discomfort, but it is significantly less than with conventional tissue removal. The laser seals nerve endings and blood vessels as it works, which means less bleeding, swelling and discomfort, and sedation is available if you feel anxious.
A full deep cleaning is the first line of attack against periodontitis, and in some cases it effectively addresses gum disease on its own. The doctors use the laser in some instances of more severe infection, to remove damaged gum tissue and eliminate bacteria from deep pockets.
Yes. Gum disease is persistent and can return easily if follow-up care isn’t adequate. All gum disease can be brought under control, but keeping it there takes consistent maintenance care and addressing risk factors such as smoking.
Yes. To correct a gummy smile, the doctors perform crown lengthening, using a minimally invasive laser to remove and reshape excess gum tissue. The procedure typically takes about an hour, and if needed, the doctors also reshape the bone around your teeth to prevent gum regrowth.
If you’re looking for a gentler, more comfortable way to address gum disease or enhance your smile, minimally invasive laser treatment might be the perfect solution. Don’t leave this advanced technology to chance.
We invite you to contact our office for a consultation. Let us show you how our specialized expertise and state-of-the-art laser technology can transform your periodontal care, helping you achieve a healthier and more confident smile.
