What is Laser Gum Therapy and Why Should I Consider It?

Laser gum therapy is a non-surgical procedure that utilizes laser technology to enhance your smile and treat oral health issues. The procedure itself is quite straightforward: the dentist will clean your teeth and check for any potential problems before moving on to inserting the special laser device. The light from it penetrates inside your gums, stimulating new blood vessels formation and collagen production in the area. This process leads to a significant reduction in discoloration, as well as reducing bleeding from small capillaries in the gums during brushing or flossing.

What Is the Purpose of Laser Gum Therapy?

The main goal of laser therapy for gum disease is to reduce inflammation in the patient’s gums. It has also been shown to reduce bacterial levels in patients with periodontal disease. It can also be used to treat bleeding gums. If you have discolored gums, laser therapy might be able to reduce the color. If you have receding gums, laser therapy might be able to help with that too. It can be used to shrink the gums, which can help the teeth stay in place. It is also used to remove tartar from teeth.

Why Are My Gums Discolored?

The gum tissue is rich in blood vessels and capillaries, which are responsible for delivering nutrients to the gum tissue. This is a crucial function and allows the gum tissue to stay healthy, hydrated, and nourished. However, in some people, the tissues may be abnormally rich in these blood vessels. This leads to an increased potential for the gums to become discolored due to an excess of melanin. Gum discoloration can be caused by different factors, such as genetics, sun damage and aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, smoking, poor oral hygiene, etc. At the same time, laser gum therapy can also cause some degree of gum discoloration, although it’s not a serious side effect, and once the treatment is over, the discoloration goes away.

How Does Laser Gum Therapy Work?

The laser emits light energy into the capillaries of the gum tissue, prompting the body to produce new collagen and blood vessels. This helps the body to naturally heal itself and ultimately leads to a significant reduction in the redness and discoloration of the gums. There, it creates a biochemical reaction that triggers the production of collagen and new blood vessels, thereby promoting healthier and more hydrated gum tissue. The laser also works to disrupt the bacterial colonies in the gum tissue, which helps prevent any potential infections.

Potential Side Effects

As with any procedure, there are some potential side effects to keep in mind. Laser gum therapy, however, has been shown to be a safe and effective procedure in most cases. Most patients experience some degree of discomfort due to the procedure. To minimize any pain, the dentist may apply a topical anesthetic. The most common side effect of laser therapy is gum discoloration. This is a result of the laser’s light penetrating inside the gum tissue and causing it to temporarily turn a darker shade. The discoloration usually goes away after a few weeks.

Who Can Benefit from Laser Gum Therapy?

Laser therapy for gum disease can be beneficial to anyone who suffers from gingivitis or gum disease. Since it is non-surgical, it is a great option for those who are looking for a more conservative form of treatment. Laser gum therapy is usually recommended for those who are not candidates for traditional surgery for gum disease. This could be due to a variety of different factors, such as obesity, diabetes, pregnancy, smoking, or certain medical conditions.

Gingivitis is a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth becomes inflamed. This can lead to an increased risk of developing periodontal disease, which is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of plaque, calculus, and bacteria in the mouth. This can lead to an unpleasant tooth staining, bad breath, and an increased risk of tooth decay. Laser gum therapy can help to stop the progression of gingivitis and ultimately reverse the damage to your gums.

Final Words

Gum disease is a serious oral health issue that can lead to some truly devastating complications if left untreated. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available, including laser gum therapy. This procedure is non-invasive and has been proven to reverse gum disease in a majority of patients. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can examine your teeth and gums and determine if laser gum therapy is right for you.