Laser Gum Surgery Recovery
Patients who undergo laser gum surgery for gum recession or gum disease generally have a quicker, less painful recovery than those who have had gum grafting surgery. Laser gum surgery is a minimally invasive treatment that does not involve the use of a scalpel for incisions or stitches for recovery. In most cases, patients experience only minimal discomfort and swelling during and after surgery.
If your dentist or periodontist diagnoses you with gum recession or gum disease, ask about treatment options using laser gum surgery.
Treatment with Laser Gum Surgery
Periodontists, specialists in treating gum recession and gum disease, typically perform laser gum surgery. General dentists can also provide the procedure if they have completed additional training and obtained certification. Two types of laser gum surgery are commonly available treatments, with each used for distinct dental issues—gum recession and gum disease.
The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is used to treat gum recession, where your gums have pulled away from your teeth, and your tooth roots are exposed. The laser creates a pinhole-sized opening in your gums. The tissue is detached from the underlying bone and repositioned to cover exposed tooth roots.
Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) involves a specialized instrument called a PerioLase used to remove bacteria and infected gum tissue brought on by moderate to severe gum disease. The laser is inserted between your teeth and gumline to remove bacteria, hardened plaque (tartar), and infected tissue. The area is sealed using a different setting on the laser.
What are the Benefits of Laser Gum Surgery Over Gum Grafting?
While it is true that gum grafting is an effective treatment for restoring gum tissue, you will generally experience pain and swelling after the procedure. To perform gum graft surgery, your dentist or periodontist will use tissue from another part of your mouth—typically the roof of your mouth—and attach it to the affected area of your gums.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment areas in your mouth, but because stitches are used, you are likely to have considerable soreness. Also, for one to three days after surgery, you will be limited in what you can eat and drink to protect the incisions and promote healing. You should expect full recovery to take about four weeks.
Laser gum surgery also includes local anesthesia and a brief period of eating and drinking restrictions afterward to promote healing. But the procedure itself typically involves only minimal discomfort, and generally, recovery requires about 10 days due to the absence of stitches.
Quality Care That Fits Your Budget
Your dental professional is committed to providing quality care that fits your budget. Cost for laser gum surgery depends on a variety of factors:
- Your age
- Your location
- The severity of your condition
- Anesthesia
- The treatment plan your dentist or periodontist has developed
Because treatment for gum recession and gum disease is usually considered medically necessary, dental insurance typically provides coverage for laser gum surgery once you meet your deductible. However, laser gum surgery can also be considered elective treatment, depending on your insurance plan. Procedures that are performed only to improve appearance without an underlying issue of gum recession or gum disease are not likely to be covered.
Always check with your dental insurance provider for a list of approved dentists in their network, as an in-network dentist will cost less than an out-of-network dentist. To help cover your overall cost, ask your dentist or periodontist about third-party financing or making monthly payments based on what you can afford.