Soft-Tissue Laser Dentistry Castle Rock, CO

Soft-Tissue Laser Dentistry in Orthodontics

Laser dentistry is being incorporated more often in orthodontic treatments. Dental providers can use soft-tissue lasers to help contour gums and reshape them to remove excessive gum tissue. Lasers can also be part of a treatment plan for impacted teeth. The laser allows the tooth to grow more appropriately into the mouth, improving the patient's smile.

Post-Treatment Care and Tips

After a soft-tissue laser dentistry treatment, patients must follow the post-op care from Founders Dental. As stated in Mouth Healthy, it may be necessary to stick to a mild or liquid diet for a few days after the surgery. Then, patients may be asked to transition to a soft food diet for a week or two until the mouth or gums are healed.

The areas treated by the laser may feel tender, so it is normal to experience a little soreness. The surgical site may appear grey, red, purple, or other unusual colors while healing. It may also be necessary to avoid brushing and flossing the surgical spot and use a warm saltwater rinse to clean it instead.

Candidates for Soft-Tissue Laser Dentistry

Soft-tissue laser dentistry may be an option for some treatments. Dental procedures such as gum re-contouring, crown lengthening, and periodontal disease treatments may be performed using a laser. By using a laser during dental treatment, we can increase the precision of the treatment and target specific areas that may be difficult to reach with traditional methods.

Our team will work with you to determine if the patient can benefit from soft-tissue laser treatment. During the consultation, we will review the patient’s medical history and state of oral health to determine if they are a candidate for this procedure.

Different Types of Soft-Tissue Laser Dentistry

According to WebMD, there are different types of surgeries that use soft-tissue lasers. Before the surgery, your dental provider will explain the steps of your specific procedure. The most common type of laser used in soft-tissue procedures by dental providers is the diode laser. Here are some examples of what may happen during a soft-tissue laser surgery:

• Cutting Tissue: If a provider uses a laser instead of a traditional cutting tool for surgery, it is often more precise. For surgeries such as frenum removal, gum reshaping, and periodontal therapy, the laser cuts through the tissue easily. After cutting, bleeding is minimal and improves healing time.
• Sealing Wounds: Laser therapy can also be used to seal and cauterize surgical cuts. It seals off the blood vessels and capillaries during treatment. This helps reduce swelling after the procedure.
• Eliminating Bacteria: Some soft-tissue laser procedures may involve the eradication of harmful bacteria. In periodontal treatments, the laser acts as a bacteria eliminator and improves the patient’s outcome. The heat generated by the laser and the targeted way it can treat the gums’ diseased pockets removes bacteria that cause periodontal complications.