Laser Gum Therapy Specialist

What is laser gum therapy?

Laser gum therapy is a type of periodontics that uses a dental laser to access and remove infected or inflamed gum tissue. After vaporizing the damaged gum tissue with a medical-grade laser, Dr. Knight begins root scaling. During root scaling, she carefully scrapes off the tartar and plaque below your gum line and around the root of each tooth.

Next, Dr. Knight smooths any rough spots on your teeth. Raised areas or bumps can attract bacteria and cause future infections. By smoothing the surfaces of your teeth, your gums can regenerate and reattach as they heal.

What are the benefits of laser gum therapy?

Compared to traditional periodontal treatments, laser gum therapy presents a variety of benefits, including:

• No need for general anesthesia
• Less bleeding and swelling
• Limited pain
• Shorter healing and recovery

Laser gum therapy is incredibly precise and accurate. This means there’s less risk of complications, and a greater likelihood of a positive treatment outcome.

Is laser gum therapy safe?

Laser gum therapy is safe and usually well-tolerated. Following treatment, make sure to follow Dr. Knight’s recovery instructions carefully. 

In the first 24-48 hours after your appointment, it’s normal to experience some mild pain and discomfort. Wait to brush or floss for at least a day and take any medications as prescribed. You should also eat soft foods like yogurt or applesauce.

Once your mouth begins to heal, make sure to brush and floss daily. You might also want to use a prescription-strength mouthwash to heal irritated gums. Additionally, it’s important to avoid smoking to prevent the risk of future complications.

Is laser gum therapy right for me?

To determine if laser gum therapy is right for you, Dr. Knight reviews your oral health history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a comprehensive oral exam. Afterward, she orders oral X-rays to get a closer look at your tooth roots and jawbone and to better assess the damage caused by gum disease.

Once Dr. Knight gathers all of this information, she develops a custom treatment plan that aligns with your needs. If you have mild gum disease, healthy lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, practicing good oral hygiene, and quitting smoking may be enough to improve your symptoms.

If you have moderate to severe gum disease, laser gum therapy can prevent the problem from getting worse, preserving your smile for years to come.

To learn more about the benefits of laser gum therapy, schedule an appointment at Knight’s Dental. Book a consultation online, or call the office and speak with a friendly team member today.