Laser Gum Treatment
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection that affects the tissues surrounding your teeth. It is caused by the accumulation of plaque, which can lead to inflammation, gum recession, and even tooth loss if left untreated. If you notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums, or if your gums start to recede, these could be signs of gum disease. Addressing it early with our Staten Island cosmetic dentist can prevent more severe complications, including infections and tooth loss.
Dr. Liana Stein is an experienced dentist who offers incisionless laser gum disease therapy to restore the full health of your gums without the bleeding, recovery time, and pain often associated with traditional gum surgery. Contact LianaSmiles Dentistry today to learn about our effective, pain-free treatments for recessed or diseased gums.
What are Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease/Recession
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Swollen, red gums
- Loose teeth or a change in bite
- Gum recession, where teeth appear longer than usual
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
What are the Benefits of Laser Gum Surgery?
Dental lasers have revolutionized gum disease treatment, offering a precise, effective, and minimally invasive alternative to traditional methods. Laser treatments like TwinLight® and LANAP can effectively treat a variety of conditions, including gum recession and advanced periodontal disease. Depending on which treatment is performed, laser therapy can remove infected tissue, reshape the gums, and promote tissue regeneration. Benefits include:
- Non-invasive with no direct contact with the gum tissue required
- Recovery is quicker than traditional surgery, typically within a few days to a week
- The laser can target diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact, reducing discomfort and healing time
Laser gum treatments target the root causes of gum disease, including infection, bleeding, and inflammation. The laser energy removes bacteria, promotes blood flow, and encourages gum regeneration.
Laser Gum Surgery vs. Traditional Gum Surgery with a Scalpel
Traditional scalpel surgery often involves cutting and stitching the gums, whereas laser treatment uses focused light to remove or reshape gum tissue without the need for incisions. Laser treatment offers several advantages:
- Less bleeding: Laser procedures are less invasive, leading to reduced bleeding and swelling.
- Faster recovery: Patients typically experience a faster healing process with laser therapy.
- More precision: Lasers provide precise targeting, preserving healthy tissue.
“Dr Stein is a fantastic dentist! She is extremely caring and treats all of her patients with the utmost respect. She is on the forefront of technology with a laser to treat gum infections as well as fill cavities with no numbing, how cool!”
Do I Need Gum Disease Treatment?
If symptoms like persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, gum recession, tooth sensitivity, loose teeth, or discomfort while chewing are affecting your day-to-day life, treatment for gum disease may be necessary.
While a personal consultation with a dentist is the only way to confirm the need for treatment, gum disease can affect patients of all ages and is generally influenced by factors such as:
- Dental hygiene
- Genetics
- Smoking or vaping
- Hormonal changes
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Certain medications
Individuals with medical conditions that compromise immune response, such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders, may be particularly prone to gum disease and can benefit greatly from timely periodontal care to prevent complications.
Ultimately, gum disease is a chronic condition that ranges from mild inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) to advanced periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Since the disease often progresses quietly, many patients may not realize they need treatment until symptoms become more noticeable. For this reason, early evaluation and intervention are key to preserving both oral health and your overall wellness.
What are My Treatment Options for Gum Disease/Recession?
Unhealthy or recessed gum tissue can be treated with several different solutions. Below, you can find some of the most common approaches to restoring healthy, proportionate gums.
TwinLight® Laser Gum Therapy
TwinLight® by Fotona is an elite gum disease treatment that uses a dual-laser approach to address gum disease with precision and minimal invasiveness. The process combines one laser to target bacteria and infected tissue deep within periodontal pockets, with another laser to gently remove diseased tissue and calculus from both soft and hard surfaces. This combination allows for highly controlled treatment, reduced bleeding, and faster healing, while also helping to regenerate new gum tissue.
- Cost: TwinLight® treatment is priced by quadrant and generally costs between $1,800 and $2,500 per quadrant, depending on the extent of the procedure. Treatment for the entire mouth can cost up to $10,000.
- Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within 24 hours, with mild tenderness or swelling resolving within a few days.
LANAP Laser Gum Therapy
LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) laser gum therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared treatment designed specifically for moderate to severe periodontal disease. It uses a single Nd:YAG laser to selectively remove infected gum tissue while preserving healthy tissue and reducing harmful bacteria. The procedure follows a strict protocol and is performed by specially trained providers, with the goal of encouraging new attachment between the gum tissue and tooth root without cutting or sutures.
- Cost: Generally higher than conventional periodontal treatments due to specialized training requirements and proprietary technology. The cost is also influenced by disease severity and the extent of treatment.
- Recovery time: Most patients experience minimal downtime and return to normal activities within 24–48 hours, with gradual gum healing over the following weeks.
Gum Graft Surgery
For advanced cases of gum recession, a gum graft surgery may be recommended. During this procedure, tissue is taken from another part of the mouth (or a donor source) and grafted onto the affected area.
- Cost: Gum graft surgery can range from $600 to $3,000 per site, depending on the extent of treatment.
- Recovery time: Recovery typically takes 1–2 weeks, with full healing occurring in 3–6 months.
- Alternatives: Alternatives include laser treatments for less invasive recovery and more targeted results.
Non-Surgical Gum Therapy
Non-surgical gum treatments like laser therapy, scaling and root planing, antibiotics, guided biofilm therapy, and use of fluoride can be excellent options for patients looking to avoid traditional surgery. These methods are minimally invasive and offer significant benefits, including little to no recovery times and fewer risks. Non-surgical techniques can be utilized for many purposes, including:
- Treatment for gum recession: Targeted treatments to stop or reverse recession, including laser therapy.
- Disease treatment: Non-surgical therapies can help remove plaque and tartar, reduce gum inflammation, and promote healing.
- Restoration and regeneration: Procedures like laser therapy can stimulate the regeneration of gum tissue and support healthy gums.
- Care and maintenance: Non-surgical options also help maintain gum health by promoting better oral hygiene practices, offering preventative care and long-lasting results.
Scaling and Root Planing
This is a non-surgical procedure where the hygienist removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the surface of the teeth to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Cost: Typically ranges from $250 to $300 per quadrant. With the inclusion of the Diode laser, treatment can cost $450 per quadrant.
- Recovery: Mild discomfort is common for a few days after the procedure, but the recovery is relatively quick.
What is TwinLight® Laser Periodontal Treatment?
The TwinLight® Periodontal Treatment is an advanced, minimally invasive laser procedure performed by a dentist to treat gum disease and recession. By combining two different types of laser technology, TwinLight® provides highly effective results with reduced discomfort and recovery time.
What are the Benefits of TwinLight®?
Laser therapies like TwinLight® therapy can stimulate the regeneration of gum tissue, promoting natural regrowth and healing. This can help restore lost gum tissue due to recession and disease. Benefits include:
- Non-invasive: There are no cuts or stitches required.
- Quick recovery: Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days.
- Gum regrowth: The treatment encourages the regeneration of healthy gum tissue.
- Highly effective: TwinLight® treatment is proven to reduce periodontal pockets, treat gum disease, and improve overall gum health.
- Periodontal Pocket Reduction: Laser gum treatment can effectively reduce periodontal pockets, where bacteria can thrive, helping to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the gums and bone.
- Alternative to traditional gum grafting surgery: Laser treatments are an excellent option for patients with gum recession who want to avoid the risks and recovery time associated with traditional gum graft surgery. These treatments help to address gum recession effectively while maintaining the aesthetic and functional integrity of the gums.
How is the TwinLight® Periodontal Treatment Process Performed?
The treatment uses two complementary lasers:
- First Laser (Er:YAG): Removes infected tissue and bacteria below the gumline.
- Second Laser (Nd:YAG): Stimulates tissue regeneration and accelerates healing.
Additional Laser Gum Treatment FAQs
What is the difference between the Fotona TwinLight® and LANAP?
The TwinLight® treatment uses two lasers to both remove infected tissue and promote tissue regeneration. In contrast, LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) is typically used for more advanced gum disease and focuses on removing infected tissue using a single laser. Both are effective, but TwinLight® offers a broader range of benefits for gum regeneration.
What is crown lengthening and how is the technique performed?
Crown lengthening is a procedure where the gum tissue is reshaped to expose more of the tooth, often performed for aesthetic purposes or to help with restorative procedures like dental crowns.
Can laser gum surgery correct a gummy smile?
Yes, laser gum treatment can help reduce the appearance of a gummy smile by reshaping the gumline and reducing excess gum tissue.
Can gum recession be reversed?
While gum recession cannot always be fully reversed, modern treatments, including laser gum therapy, can halt the progression and restore gum health. Early intervention can slow or stop the recession process and prevent further damage.