What to Know About Laser Gum Surgery
There are times when it’s necessary to perform surgery on the gums. Sometimes this is necessary due to advanced gum disease that requires the removal of decay. It can also be performed for cosmetic purposes, especially for those concerned with a ‘gummy’ smile. For many years these kinds of surgery required a scalpel, stitches, anesthetic, and significant recovery time. This all passed with the introduction of the dental laser. These tools have turned these procedures into simple operations that dentists can do quickly. Further, the recovery time for these treatments is significantly reduced.
How Laser Dentistry Has Changed The Face Of Gum Surgery
Some years ago, the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) determined that laser surgery was an acceptable approach for a range of dental procedures. In the earliest stages of laser dentistry, practitioners primarily used it to enhance the results of tooth whitening procedures. Since the FDA has approved it for use in a broader range of treatments. These include:
- Periodontic Procedures – New root planing and scaling approaches involve using the dental laser. Rather than using a metal tool to achieve these ends, the dental laser is finely tuned to eliminate the presence of biofilm in these areas.
- Endodontic Procedures – Root canal treatments are the most commonly performed endodontic procedure. The dental laser makes it easier to eliminate all traces of decay and infection without damaging healthy tissue.
- Oral Surgery: Gum surgery is one example of an oral surgery procedure that can be achieved using modern laser dentistry.
Laser gum surgery achieves its ends using highly focused beams of light to sterilize the treatment area. Throughout the procedure, several approaches may be used. Dental lasers can cause blood to clot in the blood vessels to prevent bleeding. They can also cut and remove diseased tissue from affected areas. During this process, the laser automatically cauterizes the treatment area, eliminating the need for stitches. Further, this approach reduces the need for an anesthetic as the process is nearly painless.
Many types of dental lasers are available, and each is well-suited to its own range of procedures. Each of these devices varies in the degree of power they can deliver and the wavelengths of the lasers they emit. The most advanced models are capable of adjusting both the power of the beam and the wavelength. These versatile tools are genuinely changing the face of dentistry.
What To Expect Following Laser Dental Treatment
Dental laser treatments’ recovery process is generally short and free from complications. You should follow some care guidelines to ensure a full recovery. The treated area should remain unflossed and unbrushed for approximately a week. Instead, rinse your mouth carefully with mouthwash or water. Do not spit during this stage. Instead, you should let the liquid fall from your mouth freely. You should also avoid the use of any nicotine products during this period.
