Laser Gingivectomy treatment is an innovative procedure that’s minimally invasive, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional gum surgery, which involves removing excess gum tissue with a scalpel. This advanced treatment provides a precise, non-invasive solution to combat gum inflammation and asymmetries, and greatly improve smile aesthetics.
What Exactly is Laser Gingivectomy?
Laser gingivectomy uses cutting-edge laser technology to remove excess gum tissue. This high-precision process carefully removes excess tissue and reshapes the gum line. This treatment offers benefits for both oral health and aesthetics. It is often used towards the end of orthodontic treatment to further enhance the visual appeal of the newly aligned teeth. With laser gingivectomy, gum symmetry can be achieved, tooth length and size can be enhanced, and the entire smile will benefit from enhanced microesthetics.
Who Could Benefit from Laser Gingivectomy?
There are several types of patients who can benefit from this treatment. From an aesthetic point of view, laser gingivectomy is an easy, non-invasive method of reducing swollen or misshapen gums, correcting the appearance of a ‘gummy smile’, enhancing smile and facial symmetry, and boosting self-confidence.
From a health perspective, this treatment is excellent for combating excessive gum growth, which can create deeper than normal periodontal pockets, a condition where the gums around the teeth form a large space that can trap bacteria and food.
Laser gingivectomy also increases the visible, accessible surface of the tooth, so it can be a useful procedure to undergo in conjunction with other dental or orthodontic treatment, such as having braces or Invisalign treatment. It works well to enhance the visible smile and reduce the aging effect that can occur when teeth appear short and worn.
Laser Gingivectomy VS Traditional Scalpel Gingivectomy
Laser gingivectomy offers a conservative alternative to traditional scalpel-based methods. Here are just some of the reasons why this modern treatment is the best choice for many patients requiring a gum reduction procedure…
High precision delivers amazing results
With the pinpoint accuracy of laser technology, targeted treatment can effectively remove tissue while maintaining surrounding healthy tissues, resulting in reduced gum trauma when compared with traditional methods of gum removal. Additionally, this high level of precision allows for incredibly detailed gum reshaping, resulting in a truly gorgeous smile.
Reduced discomfort and faster healing
This advanced laser treatment both removes and cauterizes the gum tissue. This ensures that there is no bleeding and swelling during healing is non-existent. The treatment is less painful (often numbed with only topical gel), and the recovery is much faster when compared to a scalpel gingivectomy. Most patients only experience mild irritation for a day or two post-procedure, at a level that is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The tissue will often be fully healed within a week, allowing you to get on with your life and enjoy your beautiful new look more quickly.
The risk of infection is lower
Laser treatment is sterile, so the risks of an infection are very low. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone for whom an infection could be particularly dangerous, such as patients with a compromised immune system.
Laser Gingivectomy Treatment – The Process?
Undergoing any dental treatment can be a little daunting for some, so let‘s walk through the process so you know exactly what to expect during your journey to great gum health and a stunning smile…
Undergoing your treatment
For our orthodontic patients, if we’ve decided that you’re an ideal candidate for laser gingivectomy, we’ll have you scheduled for treatment at a convenient time for you. We’ll usually administer topical numbing gel and occasionally local anesthetic, so you won’t feel anything during your laser treatment. A hand-held laser will be used to carefully remove excess or diseased gum and reshape the gumline, and we’ll pay particular attention to the reshaping process to ensure a natural look with excellent visual symmetry.
The after-care process
Laser treatment is minimally invasive, and the healing period is usually 3-7 days. You’ll need to be a little careful for a couple of days as your gums could be slightly sensitive, but you’ll be able to carry on as normal with your life and work.
Within a few days, any tenderness and swelling should be gone, and within a week, your gums should be totally healed. Of course, if you have any concerns or questions, just give us a call; we’re always here to help.
Our Advice to Laser Gingivectomy Patients
If you’re considering laser gingivectomy treatment, then you may find this list of post-treatment care tips useful to make sure your recovery is fast, effective, and pain-free.
- Oral hygiene is important, so although your gums may feel a little tender, don’t avoid brushing your teeth. Before your treatment, purchase a brush with soft bristles and use this to gently brush your teeth twice a day.
- For the first day or two after treatment, choose soft foods so you don’t irritate the gum tissue. You’ll want to avoid salty and citrus foods.
- It’s important to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during your recovery period. Of course, these habits are bad for your teeth and oral health anyway, but it’s especially important to abstain in the first few days after laser gingivectomy treatment as it can significantly slow the healing process.
- An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in the mouth to further reduce the risks of post-treatment infection. Your dentist will be able to recommend a suitable product, as some may be too strong and cause irritation.
- It’s highly likely that you’ll feel fully recovered and completely back to normal within a day or two. A post-op visit will enable us to check that the healing process is proceeding smoothly.
Laser Gingivectomy FAQs – Your Questions Answered
Q – Is dental laser treatment safe?
A – Yes, here at San Diego Smile Pros, we use the latest, state-of-the-art diode laser equipment. Our dental laser is fully tested and FDA-approved.
Q – Will my gums eventually grow back?
A – The doctor will discuss which areas are likely to be permanent and which are likely to regrow. It’s case dependent, so you’ll know ahead of time the likely outcome for your gums.
Q – How painful is the treatment?
A – Because you’ll be numbed during treatment, there should be no feeling while it’s being performed. There may be a little tenderness for a couple of days after treatment that can easily be addressed with basic over-the-counter pain medication.
Q – How much time will I need to take off work?
A – It’s highly likely that you’ll feel fine and able to go back to work the same day as you undergo treatment.
Q – Could laser gingivectomy treatment damage my teeth?
A – No, the laser treatment is precision-focused, so only the gums are targeted. Teeth and dental devices will not be affected.
Do you want to Explore Laser Gingivectomy Treatment Further?
Could laser gingivectomy be the solution you’ve been searching for? Find out by booking a consultation with San Diego Smile Pros. We’ll quickly determine your suitability for treatment or recommend other treatment routes that would work well for you. Call us today to start your journey to healthier gums and a dazzling smile!
San Diego residents can depend on Dr. Durschlag from San Diego Smile Pros to deliver the highest-quality orthodontic treatment. Dr. Matthew Durschlag is a board-certified orthodontist with a wealth of experience and a whole host of happy clients with beautiful smiles. His specialist skills ensure the successful treatment of even the most complex conditions, including all types of orthodontics, MARPE, laser gingivectomy, Invisalign, clear and metal braces, lingual braces, TADs (temporary anchorage devices), fixing open bites, crowding, overbites, surgical cases, and more!
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