How Does Laser Therapy Work?

Many people associate laser therapy with cosmetic procedures or pain management. While it’s commonly used for those purposes, more dentists are adopting the technology as well.  

If you’re wondering whether laser therapy can benefit you, you’re not alone. Dr. Caesar Sweidan and Dr. Laura Smith at Gulf Coast Periodontics & Implants created this blog to answer some common questions. Read on to learn about what laser therapy is, the dental issues it can address, and the many benefits of this noninvasive treatment. 

What is laser therapy?

Laser therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that uses targeted light energy to alter, shape, remove, or restore soft tissue in your gums or hard tissue in your teeth. It can also be used to detect problems with your tooth enamel, such as cavities.

Because it’s minimally invasive, many people find the treatment more comfortable than traditional dental tools, such as drills and scalers. 

Laser therapy doesn’t involve incisions or stitches either, so following treatment, many people can return to their normal routine right away.

Dental issues that laser therapy can address

We use laser therapy to treat several dental issues, including:

Detecting cavities

Since lasers produce different wavelengths of light, they can help detect cavities in their earliest stages. 

Healthy enamel reflects very little light, while decayed or demineralized enamel reflects more. Laser therapy helps us identify these changes early, allowing us to prevent decay from worsening. 

Applying dental fillings

Traditionally, getting a filling involved having the damaged portion of your tooth drilled away. Laser therapy eliminates the need for drills by precisely targeting areas of decay. 

Treating gum disease 

Periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, causes inflammation and makes the gums recede (pull away from) the teeth. This was traditionally addressed with scaling and root planing, which involves using dental instruments to remove plaque beneath the gums. 

Laser therapy offers a less invasive alternative. It can precisely target plaque buildup, helping reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Gum contouring

Many people with “gummy” smiles feel self-conscious.  Laser therapy can safely address this concern by precisely and painlessly removing excess gum tissue.

Biopsies

If we discover an abnormal growth on your gums or tongue during a routine exam, we may collect a biopsy (tissue sample). Laser therapy allows us to do this quickly and comfortably, often without the need for traditional surgical techniques.

Removing soft tissue folds

Sometimes, excess gum tissue affects how dentures and other dental restorations fit. Laser therapy lets us contour these areas, providing a more comfortable experience. 

Benefits of laser therapy

Laser therapy offers many benefits compared to traditional dental instruments. These include:

• Reduced need for anesthesia or stitches
• Faster healing and tissue regeneration
• Comfortable
• Quicker recovery

Laser therapy is also beneficial for dental procedures. It can cauterize tissue, seal nerve endings, and sterilize tools. Together, these effects lower the risk of infection and other recovery-related complications.

Another important benefit is safety. Laser therapy doesn’t require any special preparation beforehand. On the day of your procedure, you simply wear protective glasses during treatment. 

Most people experience little to no discomfort, but if needed, we can numb your mouth to keep you comfortable. 

Explore the benefits of laser therapy today!

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with periodontal disease or need to schedule routine periodontal maintenance, laser therapy can help.

To see if this treatment approach is right for you, contact us today to make an appointment. Call our Gulfport, Mississippi, office at (228) 868-9615 or request an appointment online at www.gcperio.com.