Laser periodontal treatment has some amazing results that greatly benefit patients, including minimization of pain, bleeding, and swelling and faster recovery time. All this is done without scalpels, without stitches, and in a single visit – though a few follow up visits may be necessary to monitor progress over the next few months.

But what is the secret that makes it all work? In short, the key to success in laser gum surgery is nothing less than the LANAP laser and its special capabilities.

The Power Is All In The Laser
Now, you have to use a periodontist with the proper training and experience in order to effectively treat your gum disease with modern lasers, but the real power to treat and heal is bound up in the design of the LANAP laser itself.

How does this laser treatment work? First, the laser actually targets infected tissue (which is darker in color) while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. There are 7 different pulsation settings that adjust how the laser affects the tissue it is aimed at. LANAP enables unparalleled precision.

The modern dental laser zaps away bacteria and diseased gum tissue in a painless, rapid process. You may feel like your gums are slightly warm, but that’s about it.

These lasers are also aimed at the juncture of tooth and gums in order to target deep periodontal pockets. Even the worse pockets can be cleansed without resorting to hand tools. And the laser can also prepare the surface of tooth roots to speed up gum reattachment post-op – and, amazingly, it also stimulates gum regeneration.

Finally, LANAP lasers are passed over the patient’s gums one final time at the end of the procedure to make the relevant areas of the gums clot to prevent bleeding and promote rapid healing.

After Laser Periodontal Treatment
Brushing and flossing is the key to good oral hygiene, but avoid it during the first seven to 10 days after laser periodontal treatment. Your gums will be too sore, and you don’t want to risk detaching the gums from the teeth through vigorous brushing. Instead, just use an antiseptic mouthwash during this time.

Also, stay on a soft diet, while avoiding high-sugar foods and drinks. Don’t eat anything spicy. And avoid smoking tobacco or drinking alcohol since that could hinder or interfere with the healing process.

You will have some gum soreness the first few days post-op, and you may need to use some painkillers like Ibuprofen. Many don’t need this, but it depends on your pain tolerance level. Compared to traditional gum surgery, the pain, swelling, and bleeding is very, very minimal.

Your periodontist may have you wear splints temporarily for a few days to help stabilize any teeth that were loose or that had their tooth roots exposed for some time. It may take awhile for the gum tissue to fully reattach to the tooth roots. If your periodontist gives you any other instructions, be sure to follow these to the letter as well to promote fast and effective healing of the gums.

If you have gum disease and think you could benefit from laser periodontal treatment, feel free to contact Dr. Raymond A. Kenzik in Ormond Beach, Florida, today!