Laser dentistry is a modern general dental treatment method that we provide at Lighthouse Family Dentistry in Annapolis, MD. Dental lasers use light energy to cut the soft tissues of the mouth. They can be used for gum treatments, tongue-tie, or lip-tie. The use of lasers has made invasive procedures pain-free and simple. Lasers allow our dentists to work with extreme precision so that we only remove necessary tissues and can avoid nerves.
Dr. E. Taylor Meiser will review your options with you at a dental consultation. If you are interested in painless, comfortable care with laser dentistry, please let Dr. Meiser or a team member know. With the use of laser dentistry, there are faster healing times, very little damage to tissue, and and procedures are pain-free.
The Benefits of Dental Lasers
Patients receive many treatment advantages with laser dentistry. Some of the benefits of dental lasers include:
- Are clean and sterile
- Do not require sutures
- Precisely target gum tissue
- Have lest post-surgical bleeding
- Promote faster healing times
- Offer painless treatment
- Do not damage gum tissue
Contact our office and ask us about laser dentistry if you have a gum problem, tongue tie, or lip tie. We will help you determine the proper treatment for your specific needs, and see if laser dentistry may be used to help you!
Laser Dentistry in Annapolis, MD
There are a variety of treatment options that use dental lasers. These procedures and treatments include:
Gum Contouring
This treatment benefits patients with infected gum tissue or a “gummy smile.” Gummy smiles are marked by excessive gum tissue over the top teeth or below the bottom teeth. We use a dental laser to precisely cuts excessive or infected gum tissue.
Gum grafting
Like gum contouring, gum grafting cuts the gum tissue. However, this treatment takes healthy tissue from one part of the mouth and graft it into a different area. Patients who have receded gums as a result of gum disease benefit from gum grafting treatment. When lasers are used for gum grafting procedures, patients typically heal much faster than if traditional methods were used.
Frenectomies
Patients with a tongue or lip-tie benefit from a frenectomy. This treatment cuts the band of tissue that is restricting the movement of the lips or tongue. Once we cut this tissue with a laser, patients have a wider range of motion in their mouth.
Recovering After Laser Gum Treatment
Healing from laser gum treatment is usually faster and more comfortable than traditional gum surgery, but you still need to take proper care of your mouth. The laser helps reduce bleeding and swelling, so most people recover within a few days to a week.
Right after the procedure, your gums may feel tender or sensitive. You might notice some pinkish tint in your saliva, but heavy bleeding is uncommon with laser treatment.
We recommend that you follow these tips after treatment:
Eat Soft Foods
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies for the first day or two. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that could irritate your gums.
Be Gentle When You Clean Your Mouth
Brushing and flossing should continue, but be extra gentle around the treated areas. Your dentist may recommend a special mouthwash to keep the area clean while it heals. Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as they can slow down healing and increase the risk of problems.
Rest
Most people can return to normal activities the next day, but avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours. If you had sedation during the procedure, rest for the remainder of the day. Our dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to check your healing progress.
Use Pain Medication as Prescribed
While discomfort is usually mild, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection (like pus or increasing swelling), contact your dentist right away. Following these care instructions will help your gums heal properly so you can get back to a healthy smile.
Get Modern Dental Care Today
Discover the benefits of laser dentistry. Schedule a dental consultation with Dr. Meiser on our website or call 410-324-7287. Let us know if you have any remaining questions about laser dentistry. We will be happy to help you get answers to your dental questions.