Is Laser Gum Surgery Painful?

Laser gum surgery is a minimally invasive treatment that does not involve the use of a scalpel for incisions or stitches for recovery. The procedure typically includes less pain and swelling during and after surgery, helps preserve healthy gum tissue, and has a faster recovery time. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area in your mouth. You may experience minimal pain, but most likely you will have only discomfort.

Two types of laser gum surgery are commonly available treatments, with each used for distinct dental issues—gum recession and gum disease:

1. The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is used to treat gum recession, where gums have pulled away from the teeth and tooth roots become exposed.
2. 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.

Because they specialize in treating gum recession and gum disease, periodontists typically perform laser gum surgery, but general dentists can also provide either procedure if they have completed additional training and certification.

What are the Steps for PST?

Gum recession is considered the earliest stage of gum disease. A common condition as you age, gum recession occurs when your gums shrink away from your teeth, exposing the surfaces of your tooth roots. Without enough gum tissue to hold your teeth in place in your jawbone, you are vulnerable to tooth loss.

The PST procedure for gum recession includes the following steps:

1. Applying local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
2. Using the laser to create a pinhole-sized opening in your gum tissue.
3. Inserting specially designed instruments through the pinhole to loosen and detach the gum tissue from the underlying bone.
4. Repositioning the gum tissue so it covers the exposed tooth roots.
5. Adding collagen (naturally occurring body protein) to the gum tissue to promote healing.

What are the Steps for LANAP?

Gum disease is a term that describes an infection that has developed in your gum tissue and surrounding jawbone. It is also a common oral health problem for adults that can cause serious long-term issues if you do not seek timely treatment. Gum disease is reversible when treated early, but if you lose bone around your teeth due to infection, your condition is too advanced to reverse.

The LANAP procedure for gum disease includes the following steps:

1. Mapping gum pockets and infection using X-rays.
2. Applying local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
3. Inserting the laser between your teeth and gumline to remove bacteria, hardened plaque (tartar), and infected tissue.
4. Using the laser on a different setting to seal the surgical site and promote natural tissue and bone regeneration.

What are the Benefits of LANAP and PST Over Traditional Gum Grafting?

Both LANAP and PST are performed without the cutting and stitching required in traditional gum graft surgery. Additionally, using tissue from the roof of your mouth to complete the grafting procedure is avoided. As a result, for most patients, bleeding is minimal, pain and swelling during and after surgery are significantly reduced, and recovery time is generally much quicker.

How can I Prevent Gum Recession and Gum Disease?

The first step in preventing gum recession and gum disease is good oral hygiene at home to avoid buildup of harmful bacteria in plaque. If you are not thoroughly cleaning plaque with daily brushing, flossing, and an antimicrobial mouth rinse, your gums will likely become inflamed and possibly infected.

Signs of gum recession and gum disease include bleeding when you brush or floss, swelling and redness, persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, and teeth that are loose or that have moved in your mouth. If you notice any of these warning signs, see your dentist as soon as possible for evaluation and discussion of your overall gum health.