Laser Gum Treatment

Laser Gum Treatment

Laser technology, which is prominent in many areas today, is also taking its place in dentistry. Its use is becoming widespread due to its scientifically proven high success rates in dental treatments, especially in gums and soft tissues. In addition, these systems, which have superiority in terms of wound healing process and procedure comfort, are now more preferred.

Lasers work on the principle of creating a heat increase by concentrating light energy on a very small point. There are lasers with different powers that serve different areas of use. It can contribute to healing by creating a controlled heat increase in the tissue and increasing blood flow, or it can provide the removal of unwanted tissue from the area with much higher energies.

Laser is preferred in dentistry for the following treatments:

• Gingivectomy and Gingivoplasty: Removal of gum growths, Gummy smile, known as excessive gum visibility during smiling, is the process of removing unwanted gum tissue or adjusting inappropriate gum form. When performed with laser, these procedures are less bleeding and the healing process is faster and more comfortable.
• Depigmentation: Purplish discoloration may occur in the gums, which is more common in dark-skinned individuals or heavy smokers. This condition is called "Melanin Pigmentation". With the treatment called gum peeling or depigmentation, these colored gum layers can be removed and a healthy and pink gum appearance can be achieved. This process can be applied practically and easily with the help of laser.
• Biopsy: When a suspicious lesion or growth is found in the oral cavity, lasers can be used to help remove a small piece of this tissue for examination. Laser biopsies usually cause less bleeding and heal faster than traditional surgical biopsies.
• Frenectomy: The frenulum is a band of tissue that can restrict movement of the lips, tongue, or cheeks. In some cases, it can cause unwanted movement of the gums, making them prone to receding gums. The removal of this band of tissue is called frenectomy. Laser frenectomy can help release these restrictions, improving function and comfort.
• Bleeding control: Lasers can help control bleeding during various procedures that may cause bleeding, reduce the need for stitches, and minimize postoperative discomfort.

What is Laser Gum Treatment? How is laser used in gum treatment?

Gum disease is a disease caused by bacteria in the mouth, food residues that cannot be effectively cleaned, and tartar that accumulates over time; It causes destruction in the bone around the tooth, creates deep and difficult-to-clean grooves called "pockets" between the teeth and gums, and unfortunately, when it progresses, it can cause healthy teeth to lose their support and move. The most effective treatment for this disease, which can be progressive if not treated correctly, is to clean the tooth surfaces and gum pockets from tartar and similar additions that contain harmful bacteria. This treatment, which is frequently applied with traditional methods, can now be done more comfortably with the development of laser applications.

Laser therapy can help disinfect periodontal pockets (areas formed by gum disease), which are spaces between the teeth and gums. It can target and kill bacteria in these areas, helping to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Lasers can also be used in conjunction with traditional root planing procedures. These procedures involve removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and smoothing the root surfaces to prevent bacterial attachment. Laser-assisted procedures can help remove infected tissue and bacteria more effectively.

It is important to note that although lasers offer several advantages, their effectiveness and suitability for treatment depend on the condition to be treated and the skill of the physician. Different types of lasers are used for different procedures, and not all conditions can be treated with lasers alone. Laser treatment for gum disease is often considered a valuable supplement to traditional treatments

Is laser effective in treating gum disease?

Yes. Laser treatment is very effective in healing gum diseases. It is highly effective especially when used in combination with traditional methods. The healing process is faster and more comfortable compared to the surgeries that are sometimes necessary in the treatment process.

Does laser treatment hurt?

Laser treatment is generally less painful than traditional procedures. Since the area is numbed with local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. During the recovery period, the process will be less painful than traditional treatments due to the effectiveness of the laser on the tissues.

How long does laser treatment take?

The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Depending on the procedure to be performed and the width of the area to be treated, this period may be shorter or slightly longer. If the area to be treated is very large, it will be more appropriate and more comfortable to treat each area in more than one session.

Are there any side effects of laser treatment?

There may be temporary mild swelling, tenderness and pain after the procedure, but it usually tends to pass quickly.

What is the difference between laser treatment and traditional treatments? What are the advantages?

The biggest difference between laser treatment and traditional treatments is that it eliminates the need to use blades. With the help of a light source whose energy we can control in the tissue, we can create the desired effect in a less invasive way. This means that the risks of invasive procedures are less common in laser treatments. In addition, thanks to the structure and working principles of laser devices, it allows surgical procedures to be performed without the need for stitches. Another advantage of laser is that it has a simultaneous hemorrhage-stopping effect during the procedure. This will provide the doctor with a better view and a comfortable recovery for our patient.

Is one session of laser treatment enough? How many sessions of laser treatment should I have?

Many treatments performed with lasers achieve sufficient and permanent results in a single session. However, in cases where advanced gum disease or larger areas require surgical applications, more than one session may be required. The number of sessions required during treatment planning will be determined by your physician.

What is the recovery process like after laser treatment?

Recovery is usually rapid and with minimal discomfort. Return to your daily routine will be quicker than with traditional surgeries. Since stitches are not usually required, the tension created by the stitches will be eliminated and stitch removal will not be necessary.

Can laser treatment be applied to advanced periodontal diseases?

Laser treatment is effective in periodontal diseases and is preferred in very advanced cases. However, in advanced cases, it is recommended that laser applications be combined with traditional treatments to obtain the best results. Thus, the effectiveness of the two applications will be combined and the success rate in treatment will increase significantly.

What should I do before laser treatment?

It is important to give great importance to oral hygiene in the pre-treatment period. When good oral hygiene is provided, the possibility of infection during the recovery process of laser treatment is prevented. It is recommended that a light meal be eaten before the procedure and that any regular medications you use are taken.

Are the results obtained after laser treatment permanent?

As long as good oral hygiene, full compliance with post-operative physician recommendations and regular follow-ups are performed, the results of laser treatment are permanent. Especially regular follow-ups and effective oral care are essential for permanent and long-lasting oral health.