Laser Gum Surgery Recovery
In recent years, laser dental treatments have accelerated in popularity. Laser stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Your dentist might recommend laser gum surgery as an additional step following a traditional scaling and root planing procedure. They might recommend laser gum surgery instead of non-laser surgery, such as gum flap surgery. Laser gum surgery can also be used for other dental procedures. This includes gum contouring to improve a gummy smile for cosmetic reasons.
This innovative technology is incredibly safe and highly effective at treating various gum-related issues, and it is important that you follow guidelines after your procedure to attain your desired outcome.
Laser gum surgery is usually not painful, but your gums still need time to heal. After your procedure is finished, you will be provided detailed instructions to ensure a healthy recovery with truly little discomfort. The better you follow these instructions, the more likely you are to achieve your desired results.
What is Laser Gum Surgery?
Laser gum surgery is a procedure that includes using a tiny laser fiber to eradicate bacteria and infected tissue existing in the deeper layers of the gum tissue. Beyond its ability to treat moderate to severe gum disease, laser treatments are also effective at removing excess gum tissue to improve the appearance of short-looking teeth.
While traditional gum surgery involves incisions and sutures, laser technology is a minimally invasive approach that does not leave any obvious signs of having work done.
What to Expect after Laser Gum Surgery
You will be able to resume your normal activities the day following your surgery. If more extensive, it might take a few days to feel completely back to normal.
You should expect to feel mild soreness for a few days. Other temporary side effects may include:
- Some slight bleeding.
- Very minor swelling.
- Slight discoloration of your gum tissue.
Your aftercare instructions may include the following. The healing process usually lasts a week. During that time, your dentist may recommend you:
- Do not brush or floss the affected area.
- Rinse your mouth and let the water fall out gently instead of rinsing and spitting.
- Eat a soft diet.
- Abstain from using nicotine products like cigarettes.
In the first couple of days, your dentist might recommend you rinse your mouth every few hours with warm salt water to help soothe your mouth. Laser surgery will decrease and eliminate gum disease. However, to keep your mouth free from infection, you need to maintain good oral hygiene habits. These include:
- Daily brushing and flossing.
- Seeing your dentist twice a year for an examination, preventive care, and regular cleaning.
Laser gum surgery is a powerful treatment that can address multiple issues with your gums. Even though the procedure can achieve some remarkable results, it is still imperative that you do your part during the recovery phase to take diligent care of your mouth. Resting, eating healthy, keeping up your dental hygiene, keeping your head elevated, and avoiding aggravating activities will help ensure you a positive and speedy recovery.