Laser Gum Treatment

Periodontal disease silently affects nearly half of American adults over age 30, threatening not only your smile but your overall health. At Groveland Dental, we’ve transformed the approach to gum disease treatment with advanced laser therapy that eliminates the need for scalpels, stitches, and extended recovery periods. Dr. Matthew Colaizy, DDS and our experienced team combine the FDA-approved PerioLase MVP-7 laser technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional results for patients struggling with gum disease.

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Understanding Laser Gum Treatment

Laser gum treatment represents a significant advancement in dental care, offering a sophisticated alternative to conventional periodontal surgery. Instead of scalpels and sutures, this innovative procedure uses concentrated light energy to remove infected tissue and eliminate harmful bacteria hiding deep between your gums and teeth. The PerioLase MVP-7 laser we use at Groveland Dental allows for exceptional precision, targeting only the diseased areas while leaving healthy tissue untouched.

Unlike traditional gum surgery which often involves cutting, significant bleeding, and extended healing periods, laser treatment is minimally invasive. The laser seals blood vessels as it works, promoting immediate healing and reducing the risk of infection. This technology makes treatment more comfortable and effective, allowing you to maintain better oral health with less disruption to your daily life.

Benefits of Laser Gum Treatment

Improved Gum-to-Tooth Reattachment

The PerioLase MVP-7 laser stimulates the formation of new connective tissue fibers between your gums and teeth, creating a stronger seal against future bacterial invasion. This enhanced reattachment helps stabilize teeth that may have become loose due to advanced periodontal disease. This improved connection between gums and teeth provides better protection against recurring infection and supports overall tooth retention.

Targeted Bacteria Elimination

The specific wavelength of the dental laser effectively destroys pathogenic bacteria responsible for periodontal disease while leaving beneficial bacteria relatively untouched. The laser energy penetrates microscopic areas within the periodontal pockets, reaching bacteria hiding in crevices and tubules that mechanical instruments cannot access. This comprehensive bacterial reduction significantly decreases the inflammation driving your gum disease and creates an environment where healthy tissue regeneration can occur.

Protection of Underlying Bone Structure

Advanced periodontal disease threatens not just your gums but the supporting bone structure essential for tooth stability. By eliminating infection at its source, the treatment interrupts the cycle of bone loss typically associated with untreated gum disease. This preservation of bone architecture is vital for long-term oral health and can prevent the facial structure changes that sometimes accompany advanced periodontal disease and tooth loss.

Enhanced Integration with Restorative Treatments

Patients requiring both periodontal therapy and restorative dental work benefit from laser gum treatment’s compatibility with other procedures. The reduced healing time means restorative treatments like crowns, bridges, or implants can proceed sooner after addressing gum disease. Laser-treated gum tissue creates an optimal foundation for subsequent restorative work, improving outcomes for complex dental rehabilitation cases.

Potential Systemic Health Benefits

The bacteria associated with gum disease have been linked to various systemic conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Laser gum treatment efficiently reduces these harmful bacteria, potentially decreasing associated systemic inflammation. Patients with conditions like diabetes often report better blood sugar control following successful periodontal treatment, highlighting the important connection between gum health and systemic health.

Our Laser Gum Treatment Process

Detailed Gum Health Assessment

We’ll conduct comprehensive pocket depth measurements around each tooth, document any areas of gum recession, and evaluate tissue inflammation levels. Dr. Matthew Colaizy, DDS will use specialized probes to identify bleeding points and assess tissue firmness, while digital imaging helps us visualize bone levels that aren’t visible during clinical examination. This meticulous assessment provides crucial baseline data to guide your laser gum treatment and measure your healing progress over time.

Customized Periodontal Protocol

Following your assessment, we develop a tailored laser therapy plan addressing your specific periodontal needs. The treatment protocol outlines which areas require intervention, the appropriate laser settings for your tissue condition, and the expected number of sessions needed. Dr. Matthew Colaizy, DDS will discuss medication adjustments if needed, timing considerations, and how your gum treatment integrates with any other dental work you may require.

Gentle Laser Procedure

During your treatment appointment, we ensure your comfort while delivering precise laser therapy to diseased gum tissues. The specialized laser fiber selectively removes infected tissue and eliminates bacteria hiding in deep periodontal pockets without harming healthy gum structure. You’ll experience minimal discomfort as the laser works, with many patients reporting only a sensation of slight pressure or warmth in the treatment areas. Throughout the procedure, we continually monitor tissue response to achieve optimal results.

Specialized Recovery Guidance

Immediately after completing your laser gum treatment, we provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to support proper healing. Unlike conventional surgery, your recovery process is significantly simplified with no stitches to protect, minimal bleeding to manage, and reduced discomfort. We’ll review specific oral hygiene modifications for the first week, recommended dietary adjustments to protect healing tissues, and appropriate pain management options if needed.

Strategic Follow-Up Appointments

Your continued care includes carefully timed evaluation visits to monitor healing progress and document improvement. At scheduled intervals, Dr. Matthew Colaizy, DDS will assess your gum attachment levels, measure pocket depth reductions, and evaluate tissue healing. These appointments allow us to confirm the effectiveness of your laser therapy and make any necessary adjustments to your maintenance plan.

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Why Choose Us for Laser Gum Treatment

At Groveland Dental, we’ve invested in advanced training and state-of-the-art technology to provide exceptional periodontal care. Dr. Matthew Colaizy, DDS has completed specialized training in laser dentistry and stays current with the latest advancements in periodontal treatment. Our team’s experience with the PerioLase MVP-7 laser system ensures you receive treatment that meets the highest standards of care and comfort.

Beyond technical expertise, we prioritize creating a comfortable, stress-free environment for every patient. We understand that dental procedures can cause anxiety, so we’ve designed our practice and protocols to put you at ease. From flexible scheduling to transparent discussion of treatment costs and payment options, we strive to make excellent dental care accessible.

Restore Your Gum Health Today

Your oral health directly impacts your overall well-being and quality of life. Laser gum treatment offers a comfortable, effective solution to periodontal disease with minimal disruption to your daily routine. Dr. Matthew Colaizy, DDS and the entire team at Groveland Dental are committed to helping you achieve optimal gum health using the most advanced, patient-friendly techniques available. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram for oral health tips and updates, or call us today at 651-298-0024 to schedule your consultation.

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FAQs

Is laser gum treatment necessary?

If you have deep gum pockets, persistent bleeding when brushing, receding gums, or loose teeth, these are signs that more intensive treatment may be needed. Left untreated, advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss and may contribute to systemic health issues, including heart disease and diabetes. Your dentist will recommend laser treatment only when the benefits clearly outweigh other options for your specific condition.

What to eat after laser gum treatment?

Following laser gum treatment, it’s best to stick with soft, lukewarm foods for the first 48-72 hours. Good options include yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, eggs, pasta, fish, and well-cooked vegetables that don’t require much chewing. Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods that could irritate your healing gums or potentially damage the treatment sites. Stay away from seeds and nuts that might get lodged in the treated areas. Gradually reintroduce firmer foods as your comfort level improves, typically within a week after treatment.

What do gums look like after laser treatment?

Immediately after laser gum treatment, you may notice that your gums appear slightly darker or discolored in the treated areas, which is completely normal and temporary. Some minor swelling might be present, though significantly less than with traditional surgery. Within a few days, your gums will begin to take on a healthier pink color as healing progresses. Unlike conventional surgery, there are no visible stitches or surgical wounds, resulting in a more natural appearance even during the healing phase.

Is laser gum treatment painful?

Laser gum treatment is substantially less painful than traditional periodontal surgery. During the procedure itself, most patients report feeling little to no discomfort, with many requiring only local anesthetic rather than sedation. The laser precision means less trauma to surrounding tissues, which translates to minimal post-procedure pain. Most patients manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers for just a day or two following treatment.

Can I drink coffee after LANAP surgery?

You should avoid coffee for at least 48-72 hours following LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) surgery. Coffee is acidic and can irritate your healing gum tissues, potentially interfering with the crucial initial healing process. Additionally, hot beverages of any kind could disrupt the forming blood clot that serves as a natural bandage over the treated area. When you do reintroduce coffee after the initial healing period, try consuming it at a moderate temperature and consider using a straw to minimize contact with the treated gum tissues. Always follow your dentist’s specific post-operative instructions for your individual case.