Laser Gum Treatment - Cost, Procedure, Pros & Cons
Newer technologies to treat gum disease are continuing to make headlines. It is becoming increasingly popular to use laser treatment for periodontal disease. Your dentist may recommend laser gum surgery over traditional gum surgeries depending on various factors.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research 42.2% of U.S. adults aged 30 and older have total periodontitis. The highest rates are found among men (50.2%), Mexican Americans (59.7%), those below the poverty line (60.4%), current smokers (62.4%), and individuals who self-report diabetes (59.9%).
Laser gum surgery may also be indicated for individuals with a gummy smile or other dental cosmetic conditions. Since becoming more widely used, applying laser technology for gum disease treatment requires ongoing research. This article will give complete information about Laser Gum Treatment.
- Studies report Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) to have a 99.9% kill rate of damaging oral bacteria.
What is Laser Gum Treatment(Periodontal)?
So, what is laser gum treatment? In this section we dive into all that you need to know about this type of gum surgery.
Laser gum surgery is a modern procedure used for removing diseased or irregular gum tissue. It is commonly used for surgery periodontal disease. Many dental professionals recommend this treatment due to its efficacy, safety, minimal invasiveness, reduced bleeding, and faster healing over other traditional gum surgeries. It allows healthy gum tissue to remain, while the unhealthy tissue and bacteria is removed.
Why Laser Technology?
Laser technology in periodontal treatment leverages the precision of the laser's wavelength to target only the infected tissues, sparing surrounding healthy tissues. This focused intervention ensures minimal discomfort and reduces the potential for cross-contamination within the mouth. For example, Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers are renowned for their ability to precisely eliminate infected tissues, thereby aiding in expedited recovery processes. As research on laser technology evolves, professionals are continuously optimizing these treatments to enhance outcomes for patients.
Is Laser Gum Surgery Necessary?
Wondering if laser gum surgery is necessary? With many options available to treat gum disease, continue reading to see if laser gum surgery is a good fit for you.
Laser treatment for periodontal disease is an effective treatment option. Individuals suffering from gum disease can benefit greatly from laser treatment. Laser treatment eradicates unhealthy oral bacteria, lowering your risk of spreading oral infection and experiencing tooth loss. The procedure is performed quickly, and there is little to no discomfort and post-operative bleeding.
Alternative Options
While laser gum surgery offers several advantages, it is essential to weigh all treatment options based on the severity of your periodontal condition. Non-laser treatments such as scaling and root planning or conventional surgical options may be more appropriate for certain stages of gum disease. Consulting with a qualified dental professional can help tailor a treatment plan best aligned with individual patient needs and health profiles.
Laser Gum Treatment Procedure
Have you ever heard of Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)? Continue reading to learn more about this treatment and what the procedure entails.
Consultation and Evaluation
The first step of laser gum treatment is to perform an initial consultation and evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. A thorough medical and dental history will be recorded. Dental X-rays will be taken to evaluate your oral condition and bone levels. Your dentist will also measure your gum pocket depths.
Preparation
Once your treatment plan is determined, your dentist will prepare you for the laser procedure. You will be asked to remove piercings and rings prior to the start of the procedure. Brush and floss your teeth before treatment begins.
Laser Types and Precision
During preparation, particular attention is given to the laser settings, customized to target specific depths of periodontal pockets. For instance, the PerioLase MVP-7, commonly used for LANAP, allows the customization of laser pulses to adapt to varying degrees of infection and pocket depths, ensuring optimal penetration and bacteria eradication.
Local Anesthesia
The procedure does not involve any incisions or stitches. In most cases, laser gum treatment is done without anesthesia or sedation. Topical anesthesia may be used.
Consideration for Anesthetic Use
Each patient's pain tolerance differs, and while local or topical anesthesia is typically sufficient, some individuals might appreciate mild sedation. A detailed discussion with your dental practitioner can ascertain personal preferences for the procedure's comfort.
Laser Types and Precision
During preparation, particular attention is given to the laser settings, customized to target specific depths of periodontal pockets. For instance, the PerioLase MVP-7, commonly used for LANAP, allows the customization of laser pulses to adapt to varying degrees of infection and pocket depths, ensuring optimal penetration and bacteria eradication.
Laser Application
The laser will be applied to the affected area and will remove only the diseased tissue. Your dentist may use multiple settings on the laser to remove all of the bacteria and smooth off the infected areas. The laser will also promote your healing tissue to re-attach itself to the tooth to prevent bacteria and food particles from causing re-infection.
Healing Properties
The precision of the laser does more than remove infected tissue – it also encourages cellular regeneration and the reattachment of the gum to the tooth’s surface. This process helps stimulate new bone growth, improving the overall health and stability of the tooth structure.
Tissue Interaction
The laser interacts with the gum tissue and removes bacteria and diseased tissues from the mouth. healthy gum tissue remains intact and is not affected by the laser.
Sealing Blood Vessels
Once the laser has been applied, the formation of blood clots will occur. The blood clots help speed up the healing process and allow the gum tissue to re-attach to your teeth. No stitches are necessary.
Promoting Healing
The laser promotes healing by cleaning off your oral tissues and bone. The healing process is relatively quick, taking approximately one week to heal and regenerate gum tissue.
Recovery Timeline
Recovery is generally swift, with significant improvements in tissue regeneration observable after just one week. Owing to the non-invasive nature of the procedure, patients often report only mild discomfort, which subsides as healing progresses.
Post-Procedure Care
The recovery period is generally around a week. You may be instructed to not brush or floss the surgical area for a specified period of time. It is best to consume a soft diet and avoid habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol. Rinsing with warm salt water may help soothe your mouth.
Follow-Up Appointments
Your dental professional may schedule a follow-up appointment around 7-10 days after the surgery is performed. They will evaluate your healing and answer any questions you may have.
Long-term Care
For optimal long-term results, it's often recommended to schedule regular maintenance visits every three to six months post-surgery. This ensures sustained oral health and helps in promptly addressing any minor issues that might arise over time.
How Much Does Laser Gum Treatment Cost?
Cost is always an important factor to consider when discussing treatment. Learn more about the average laser gum treatment cost below.
The cost of laser gum treatment can vary based on several factors. For example, the complexity of your oral condition, practice location, additional pre-operative procedures such as scaling and root planing, and your dental insurance coverage. The average cost of laser gum treatment ranges between $2,000 to $8,000.
Expanded Cost Analysis
Cost variations can also be region-specific; metropolitan areas tend to have more advanced clinical offerings and experienced personnel, which can influence the pricing. Moreover, patient feedback and reviews about a specific clinic can offer insights into the perceived value of investing in laser surgery.
Pros and Cons of Laser Gum Treatment
As with any treatment, there can be advantages and disadvantages to consider. Read more below about laser treatment for gum disease pros and cons.
Pros
- Reduced Discomfort
Laser gum treatment has the advantage of being relatively pain-free. In most cases, no dental anesthesia or sedation is needed. - Faster Healing
Laser gum surgery has a quick recovery period. Your gum tissues will heal quickly and you should feel normal after a couple days. - Precision
Laser gum therapy is highly precise and effective. It targets infected tissue while maintaining healthy tissue intact. - Reduced Bleeding
Laser gum treatment results in minimal bleeding. Unlike traditional gum surgery, laser therapy does not create incisions in the gums, which results in less bleeding. - Minimal Anesthesia
Minimal to no anesthesia may be necessary for laser gum treatment. The procedure does not involve any incisions and is relatively painless. - Treatment of Specific Areas
Laser gum surgery can target specific areas of the gums. If a quadrant of the mouth is affected, the laser can target that specific quadrant without impacting the rest of the mouth. - Reduced Infection Risk
Research reports a reduction in risk of infection with laser gum treatment. The lasers help kill bacteria and remove diseased gum tissue.
Cons
There are some possible cons to consider with laser gum surgery. Continue reading to learn about laser gum treatment side effects and possible disadvantages.
- Cost
The cost of laser gum treatment can be relatively expensive. However, many insurance plans offer coverage for necessary gum treatments and offices may offer special discounts to make treatment more affordable. - Availability
Laser gum therapy is not offered by all dental professionals. Dentists must acquire additional certifications and training to provide these services, so you may have to search for a provider. - Effectiveness in Severe Cases
Laser gum treatment may not be effective in treating complex cases. Severe cases of gum disease may require additional surgical procedures. Your dental professional will recommend the best treatment option for your individual case. - Limited Penetration Depth
Laser technology has a limited penetration depth, which may make it less effective in tackling severe gum disease. Large gum pocket depths may not be fully treated with laser gum therapy alone. - Equipment Cost
Laser periodontal therapy can be expensive due to high equipment costs. Fortunately, many insurance plans offer coverage which can help offset the high equipment costs. - Not Suitable for Everyone
Laser gum therapy may not be recommended for everyone. For instance, patients with severe gum disease and large pocket depths. - Weighing the Options
When considering laser gum treatment, it's crucial to weigh these pros and cons against personal health needs, lifestyle, and budget. Engaging in a comprehensive dialogue with your dental practitioner can help pinpoint the most appropriate approach for your oral health goals.
Laser Gum Treatment Aftercare
Laser gum treatment aftercare is important to maintain results. Learn important aftercare tips below.
- Good Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to maintain any dental treatment and a healthy smile. Be sure you are brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy and free from disease. - Soft Diet
It is recommended to have a soft diet for the first week after laser gum surgery. This can help you avoid disrupting the healing process. - Avoid Irritating Foods
Do your best to avoid irritating foods, such as spicy, acidic, and sugary items. These can interfere with your recovery. - Stay Hydrated
Consume plenty of fluids. It is best to maintain hydration with water to help aid the healing process. - Rinse with Salt Water
Rinsing with salt water can help cleanse the area. This will also help soothe the treated area. - Pain Management
If you are experiencing discomfort, over-the-counter pain medications can help. Speak with your dentist for pain medication recommendations. - Nicotine Abstinence
Refrain from smoking after laser gum treatment. Smoking can slow the healing process and create inflammation that damages treatment results. - Monitor for Complications
Be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of complications. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, fever, or other serious issues, contact your dentist immediately. - Follow-Up Appointments
Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment a week or so after the laser gum surgery. They will check to ensure everything is healing properly. - Professional Advice for Recovery
Providers may suggest additional protective measures, such as using special mouth rinses or avoiding physical activities that could impact the healing process. Personalized recovery plans ensure the best healing trajectory and minimize the chance of post-operative issues.
Experience the Best Laser Gum Treatment at Gentle Dental
Gentle Dental is the place to go for comfortable, affordable, and top-quality dental care. If you are looking for the best laser gum treatment, Gentle Dental is the answer to your search.
Gentle Dental offers a range of dental services to meet your smile needs, including laser gum treatment. Gentle Dental is well-known for being the best choice for laser gum therapy and gum treatments, cosmetic dentistry, crowns and bridges, dental fillings, implants, oral surgery, root canals, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and much more.
The amazing doctors and dental specialists at Gentle Dental offer personalized care that you can trust to enhance your smile and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Trying to save yourself from dental disease? Laser gum treatment may help eliminate and prevent future oral infection. It is a minimally invasive dental procedure that uses laser technology to help remove diseased tissue. Schedule an appointment today with our team of experts at Gentle Dental, who can provide you with comfortable and quality laser gum treatment.
