Walking into a modern dental office can seem scary with all the tools around. If you’ve had sensitive or bleeding gums, traditional gum surgery might worry you. But, what if there was a gentler way to fix gum disease and improve gum health? That’s what laser treatment for gums offers.

This method is less scary and can really help your smile. It’s important to know how laser gum treatment can change your oral health for the better.

Think about a treatment that works 99.9% of the time to kill bad bacteria. It also heals faster and makes you less scared of gum surgery. This is what LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) does. If you’re unsure about laser treatment, learning more about it could help you decide.

Key Takeaways

  • LANAP has a 99.9% success rate in eliminating harmful oral bacteria.
  • The average cost of laser gum treatment ranges from $2,000 to $8,000.
  • Recovery period is relatively short, around one week post-procedure.
  • Laser treatment is less invasive, minimizing pain, discomfort, and infection risks.
  • Faster healing is often reported, with minimal to no anesthesia required.
  • Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled within 7-10 days after the procedure.
  • Not all dental professionals offer laser gum treatment, due to required additional certification and training.

What is Laser Gum Treatment (Periodontal)?

Laser gum therapy, like the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), uses advanced laser technology. It targets and removes diseased gum tissues while keeping healthy tissue intact. This leads to quicker healing and less bleeding than traditional gum surgeries.

This method is minimally invasive and treats moderate to severe gum disease in just one to two visits. Patients feel less pain because the laser is precise and causes minimal damage. This means they can get back to their daily activities quickly, unlike traditional surgeries that take two to four weeks.

Not all periodontists offer LANAP because it requires extra training. Some patients with very severe gum disease might not qualify for this treatment. But for those who do, laser gum surgery greatly reduces bleeding and bone loss, helping those with gingivitis the most.

The lasers used in laser periodontal treatment are adjustable and highly effective. They remove cavities while keeping healthy teeth parts. Most patients say they feel little to no pain, often needing no anesthesia at all.

Laser gum therapy might cost more than traditional methods, but many insurance plans cover it. With nearly 68 million American adults over 30 having periodontal disease, laser therapy is a hopeful solution for many.

Pros and Cons of Laser Gum Therapy

Laser gum therapy is a modern alternative to traditional gum surgery. It doesn’t involve cutting or stitching the gums. This makes it different from traditional methods that often require a lot of gum removal and stitching.

With laser treatment, only the diseased tissue is targeted. This precision helps prevent gum recession and speeds up healing.

One big plus of laser gum therapy is that it reduces post-operative issues like bleeding and swelling. Patients can usually go back to their normal activities the same day. They also experience less pain compared to traditional surgery. Many laser gum surgery reviews highlight the better patient experience.

Advanced laser treatments use high-energy water pulses to remove bacteria from teeth roots. This improves gum disease outcomes. Lasers can clean deep within gum tissues, preventing recontamination and leading to lasting results. The procedure is also quick, usually taking less than an hour.

But, there are downsides. The cost of laser gum surgery can be high. Even though some insurance plans cover it, not all do. This can mean higher costs for patients. Also, not all dental offices offer laser treatments because they require special training and certifications.

In severe cases, traditional surgery might be needed. Laser gum therapy has its limits with deep or extensive periodontal issues. Sometimes, a mix of laser therapy and traditional methods is best for the best results.

Untreated gum disease can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes. So, getting treatment on time is key. Despite the cost of laser gum surgery, its benefits, like less pain and quicker recovery, make it a good choice for many. The question is: Is laser treatment for gums worth it? For many, the answer is yes, thanks to its minimal invasive nature and effective results.

Is Laser Treatment for Gums Worth It?

Laser gum treatment is becoming more popular. It offers many benefits, like less pain and discomfort. This is great for the 50% of people who are anxious about dental visits.

It also helps keep healthy gum tissues while removing diseased ones. Lasers are precise, which means they target only the bad areas. This makes the treatment safer and more effective.

  • Laser gum treatments produce less pain compared to traditional methods.
  • There is minimal need for sutures, which also helps in quicker recovery.
  • The risk of post-operative infections is significantly reduced as the laser seals blood vessels, promoting almost immediate clotting and minimal bleeding.

Healing times are shorter with laser gum treatments. Unlike traditional methods, lasers don’t require cuts. This means patients can get back to their daily activities faster.

Traditional deep cleanings can be painful and cause bleeding. Laser treatments are less invasive but just as effective. They are great for treating hard-to-reach areas and managing gum disease.

Conclusion

Laser gum treatment offers a good alternative to old-school gum surgeries. It uses precise technology to kill diseased tissue. This leads to quicker healing and less pain for patients.

Many people feel better in just a few days to a week. This is much faster than traditional surgery recovery times. Lasers also reduce bleeding and swelling and clean the area well, lowering infection risks.

But, laser gum surgery has its downsides. It might not work for all gum disease stages, like severe cases.

Not all dental insurance covers laser treatments. This can make the cost even harder to bear. It’s important to think about these points before choosing laser gum surgery.

The dentist’s skill matters a lot in laser gum therapy success. Many patients feel less pain and heal faster with lasers. But, sometimes traditional methods work better.

It’s key to talk to a trusted dentist to figure out the best treatment. They can help decide if laser therapy is right for you. With the right advice, you can make a smart choice for your gum health.