Laser Dentistry Specialist

What is laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry is a high-tech service that reduces pain, bleeding, and other complications that often happen with the less advanced traditional treatments for gum disease. Family Smile Dental uses the Dentsply Sirona SiroLaser Advance diode laser to perform gum therapy safely and effectively.

Laser gum therapy treats gum disease and a variety of other dental health complications by targeting and removing inflamed or diseased tissue from your mouth. The laser is extremely precise and does not damage nearby healthy tissue. It can also remove plaque and tartar from below and around the gum line, a risk factor of gum disease.

After using laser therapy, your gums (which may be loose or form pockets around the bases of your teeth) constrict during the healing period and eventually fit snugly around the roots of your teeth again.

Can I benefit from laser dentistry?

Laser dentistry is an alternative to traditional gum surgery, which treats gum disease by removing bacterial buildup and affected tissue. 

Gum disease starts as gingivitis with mild symptoms like slight bleeding when you brush. At this stage, you can reverse it by cleaning your teeth regularly.

As gum disease progresses into a later stage called periodontitis, it can no longer be treated with diligent brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Later stage symptoms of gum disease may include:

• Gum tenderness
• Gum redness and swelling
• Bleeding easily
• Loose teeth
• Foul breath
• Gum recession
• Pain while chewing
• Pus between your teeth and gums

A primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, but smoking, nutritional deficiencies, and genetics can all play a role. Your oral health has links to your overall health, so treating gum disease with laser gum therapy at Family Smile Dental is a priority.

What is the recovery period like after laser dentistry?

Recovering after laser dentistry doesn’t take nearly as long as recovering after traditional gum therapy. The laser cauterizes your tissue during treatment, which prevents bleeding. The treatment is also less invasive and doesn’t require general anesthesia.

While aftercare instructions vary based on the laser wavelength your dentist uses, Family Smile Dental may tell you to:

• Eat soft, nutritious foods
• Avoid crunchy, spicy, and hot foods
• Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse
• Continue brushing and flossing

If you have any concerns during the healing period, contact Family Smile Dental right away. They may recommend a follow-up appointment.

If you have signs of gum disease and want to learn more about laser dentistry, call Family Smile Dental or reserve an appointment online right away.