Laser Gum Treatment

Only the dentist can assess whether you are suitable for laser gum treatment. Candidates who are suitable for laser gum treatment:

• Those without rheumatic disorders such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Those without severe bone loss
• People with chronic conditions under control
• Everyone who has completed tooth development and is healthy
• Those who want to have gum aesthetics
• Those who want a quick recovery
• Those who do not want the traditional surgical method of gum treatment
• Those who are afraid of the dental chair or do not want to experience pain during treatment
• Non-pregnant
• People with gingivitis and periodontal disease (People with gingivitis and advanced gum disease can benefit from laser treatment. This includes those with pockets up to 6 mm deep, swollen and bleeding gums and loose teeth.
• Those with persistent dental disease despite deep cleanings
• Those who do not respond to conventional gum treatments Gum shaping requirements

The laser method of treatment is determined by the type of gum disease and the current stage of the disease. Depending on these factors, different procedures such as laser gum resection, vestibuloplasty, or photodynamic therapy may be used. After describing the treatment procedure in general terms, the purpose and manner in which these methods are applied will be explained. After the decision for laser gum treatment, the process consists of the following steps:

Consultation and evaluation:

The first stage of laser gum treatment is the consultation to assess patient suitability. A detailed medical and dental history of the patient is recorded. Dental radiographs and, if necessary, additional imaging modalities are used to assess the intraoral condition and alveolar bone levels. In addition, the presence of infection and the depth of periodontal pockets are measured.

Pocket depth measurements are performed painlessly with a round-tipped periodontal probe. Deeper measurements indicate more advanced bone loss. Pocket depths of two to three millimeters are considered healthy; four millimeters indicate early gum disease, while pockets of five and six millimeters indicate periodontitis requiring urgent intervention. In pocket depths exceeding eight or nine millimeters, there is a risk of tooth loss due to advanced bone loss.

Preparation:

After the treatment plan has been established, the patient is prepared for the laser procedure. Before the treatment, brushing and flossing are recommended to ensure oral hygiene.

Local anaesthesia:

Local anesthesia is used to prevent any discomfort during the procedure. Local anaesthesia may not be required for superficial procedures; in such cases, topical anesthetics can be used.

Laser application:

• A periodontal probe equipped with a diode laser is inserted into the periodontal pocket and moved around the tooth while the laser beam eliminates diseased tissue and bacteria. The laser energy is effective enough to destroy most of the bacteria above and below the gum tissue. Laser types that can pass through water and hydroxyapatite eliminate pathological tissues in the targeted area without damaging healthy gum tissue and enamel surface. This method, which does not require stitches, accelerates the healing process by protecting healthy tissue.
• After the laser tip is placed into the pocket, the diseased tissue covering the inner surface of the pocket is selectively removed with the beam energy. At the same time, the bacteria in the area are destroyed, and the tartar plaque attached to the tooth surface is loosened by the laser beam. At this stage, the contact of the laser energy with the tooth surface reduces the risk of postoperative sensitivity by closing the dentinal tubules on the root surface.
• In the next stage, the laser is used at a low power setting to remove calcified plaque. Tartar loosened by the laser is removed by water irrigation.
• An ultrasonic scaler is used to remove tartar in areas where the laser cannot reach. This device, which works with vibrating sound waves, provides mechanical removal of tartar. After tartar elimination, the laser is applied again at a low setting to remove the remaining bacteria and debris layer on the root surface.
• Finally, the laser is switched to coagulation mode to coagulate the tissue. This process helps to eliminate toxins and bacteria remaining between the gum tissue and the root surface. In addition, the clot formed in the area acts as a barrier to prevent bacterial leakage by facilitating the re-adhesion of the gum fibers to the tooth in the following process.
• As a result of laser application, an environment is created to promote the regeneration of healthy tissue in areas where pathological tissue is eliminated.

Tissue interaction:

The laser interacts with the gingival tissue to remove bacteria and diseased tissues in the oral cavity. Healthy gum tissue remains unaffected by the laser. The laser accelerates the healing process by cleaning oral tissues and bone.

Haemostasis and vascular occlusion:

The blood clots formed after laser application accelerate the healing process, facilitating the reattachment of the gum tissue to the tooth. No sutures are required.

Disinfection:

The treated areas are disinfected by irrigation with antibacterial solutions. This stage is of great importance to minimize the risk of postoperative infection.

Postoperative care:

The recovery period is usually around one week. It is recommended not to brush and floss the surgical site for a certain period of time. It is important to follow a soft diet and avoid smoking and alcohol use. Gargling with warm salt water may help to maintain oral hygiene and provide relief.

Control and follow-up appointments:

The dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment seven to ten days after the operation. The dentist will perform an examination to ensure that the healing process is progressing well and may recommend additional treatments if necessary.

Laser gum resection is a procedure performed in clinical situations where the gums are excessively prominent or prominent. Gum cutting is also referred to as gum contouring, gingivoplasty, or gingivectomy. It is a surgical procedure involving the removal of excess gum tissue or the addition of missing tissue depending on the clinical needs of the patient, and the cutting process is performed with a laser. It is mainly applied for two purposes:

Gum resection for aesthetic purposes:

In cases of excessive recession of the gums or a high gum line, the cosmetic dentist or periodontist resects part of the gum tissue with a laser. In the case of receding gums or asymmetric gum levels, graft tissue from the upper palate is usually used to add tissue to the missing area. Patients sometimes request laser correction of the gum line after restorative or orthodontic treatments in order to complete their ideal smile aesthetics.

Laser gingival resection for medical indications:

Periodontal disease treatment:

In cases where there is no response to periodontal disease treatments such as root surface smoothing (curettage), detertraj, and antibiotic use, laser pocket elimination may be required to reduce periodontal pockets with bacterial accumulation.

Gingival hyperplasia:

Gingival hyperplasia is an abnormal growth of gum tissue, usually associated with pain and erythema. In advanced cases, it covers most of the tooth surface, making oral hygiene difficult and increasing the risk of caries and infection. In cases that cannot be controlled with medical treatment or in patients diagnosed with Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis (HGF), laser gingival resection and shaping can be performed.

Jaw crest elevation:

Resorption of the alveolar bone due to a missing tooth may cause a depression in the soft tissue in the relevant area. Ridge augmentation is a laser-assisted gingival surgery procedure in which this depressed area is restored with graft tissue. This procedure is often performed before dental implant or bridge applications.

Preparation before orthodontic treatment

Prior to orthodontic treatment, it may be necessary to shape the gums with a laser to create sufficient space for brackets and other appliances and to optimize periodontal health.

Patients' concerns about traditional surgical methods or the expectation of postoperative pain may make the use of lasers preferable. However, the objective advantages offered by laser technology are also effective in the selection of this method.

The main advantages of laser gingival resection are as follows:

Minimal invasiveness and reduced pain:

Since surgical trauma and nerve stimulation are minimal in laser applications, postoperative pain and discomfort are significantly less compared to conventional methods.

Speed and comfort:

Laser gum resection is completed in less time and in a more comfortable way for both the patient and the operator.

Minimal bleeding:

Laser energy coagulates the tissues, providing hemostasis in the surgical field and minimizing bleeding.

No need for sutures:

Due to the coagulation ability of the laser, suturing is not required in many cases.

Fast healing and low risk of infection:

Due to minimal tissue trauma, the healing process is accelerated and the risk of infection is reduced.

Precision and superior aesthetic results:

Thanks to the high sensitivity of the laser, precise shaping can be achieved while preserving the surrounding tissues, resulting in a natural and aesthetic gum contour.

Laser gum resection is a procedure performed to recontour the gum line. The procedure is started under local anesthesia. It can be performed as ablation of excess gum tissue or tissue addition by grafting. The laser energy selectively removes excess tissue by causing vaporization of the target tissue. In grafting procedures, a connective tissue graft from the palate is adapted to the recipient site. In this way, asymmetrical gingival levels, gingival hyperplasia, or gingival recession can be effectively corrected.

• Laser gingival ablation is a procedure aimed at the elimination of infected or unwanted tissues using laser energy and sterilization of the area. By adjusting the wavelength of the laser, the target tissue is specifically focused. The laser beam produces a controlled thermal effect on the tissue, eliminating pathological areas and providing effective disinfection.
• In the treatment of advanced periodontal diseases (laser is used for the debridement of infected tissues resistant to conventional treatments and for the promotion of tissue regeneration),
• Control of bleeding gums (bleeding foci are effectively treated thanks to the coagulation feature of the laser),
• As an auxiliary modality in various periodontal and restorative procedures (laser is used for aesthetic gingival shaping, acceleration of tissue healing, and infection prophylaxis).

It is a method used in patients with mild or moderate gingival recession, who are at risk of infection as a result of gingival recession or who do not want to be treated with traditional surgical methods, and is used to heal the gums that move away from the tooth and cause the root surfaces to be exposed and to regenerate healthy gum tissue. As it is known, laser also gives effective results in gingival recession. The infected tissues are cleaned with laser, the progression of gingival recession is stopped and the gums regain their former health, which is accelerated.

As with other applications, your dentist first determines whether you are suitable for laser treatment to solve the problem of gum recession. If you are suitable for the application, the procedure starts with local anesthesia. Your dentist focuses the laser light on the gum pockets and removes the infected tissues. This process stops your receding gums from receding further and accelerates blood flow in the tissues. Thus, you will enter a rapid healing process.

The benefits of laser gum recession treatment are as follows:

• Tissue regeneration support
• Minimal bleeding and pain
• Fast Recovery
• Reduced risk of infection
• More aesthetic appearance

Laser gum cleaning is a procedure that uses laser energy to destroy bacteria that accumulate in the gum tissue and clean the infected tissue. Laser gum cleaning is applied for patients with symptoms of gum disease or at risk of infection. It is an effective option to stop the progression of gum disease, maintain healthy gum tissue, and strengthen the support structure of the teeth.

As with any treatment, there are advantages and disadvantages to be considered in the treatment of gum disease with laser.

Advantages:

• Fewer surgical procedures
• Less pain
• Faster and more convenient operation
• Faster recovery
• More precise processing
• Less bleeding
• Minimum anaesthesia
• Selectable treatment site
• Reduced risk of infection

Disadvantages:

• Costs can be more expensive than traditional gum treatments.
• Laser gum treatment can only be performed by dentists who are certified in this field.
• In very serious gum problems, laser alone may not be effective; additional surgical procedures may be required.

After laser gum treatment, it will be necessary to pay utmost attention to the following points in order to maintain the treatment results and provide faster recovery.

• Maintain oral hygiene.
• Soft Diet (first week after the procedure)
• Avoid irritating foods such as spicy, acidic and sugary foods.
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Gargle with salt water.
• Use painkillers recommended by your doctor for pain
• If you smoke, avoid smoking as much as possible
• If you experience swelling, fever, or other serious problems, contact your dentist immediately.
• Keep your checkup appointments.

Does gum laser treatment hurt?

Gum laser treatment is usually a painless or minimally uncomfortable procedure.

Will I recover quickly after gum laser treatment?

Full recovery time may vary depending on the person's post-treatment care, gum health, and the scope of the procedure, but most patients return to their daily activities after a few days.

How long does gum laser treatment take?

If it is to be performed in a small area, the procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes. If the gums in the whole mouth need to be cleaned or treated with laser, the procedure may take about 1-2 hours.

Are there side effects of laser gum treatment?

Temporary side effects such as sensitivity, mild bleeding, or swelling may occur, but these usually disappear spontaneously in a short time.

Is laser gum cutting safe?

Laser gum cutting is a safe treatment method as long as you are suitable for laser treatment and it is performed by a specialist in the field under appropriate conditions and with the correct laser application.It carries minimal risk.

Is gum laser treatment better than other methods?

First of all, it is of course advantageous for people who are afraid of traditional gum treatment. However, you should make your decision by paying attention to two issues. Firstly, your dentist should determine whether you are suitable for laser gum treatment. Secondly, your doctor will determine whether the condition of your gum disease can be treated with a laser and whether additional surgical procedures are required. If you are suitable for gum treatment with a laser and if the above-mentioned advantages are also a priority for you, you can choose this treatment method