What is Laser Gum Surgery?
Laser gum surgery is a minimally invasive treatment for moderate to severe gum disease that does not involve the use of a scalpel for incisions or stitches for recovery. The procedure helps preserve healthy gum tissue, typically involves less pain and swelling during and after surgery, and generally has a faster recovery time. Why should you consider laser gum surgery? You are a likely candidate for the procedure if you have gum recession or gum disease.
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.
Treatment with Laser Gum Surgery
Two types of laser gum surgery are commonly available treatments for gum recession and gum disease:
- The Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) is used to treat gum recession. 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. 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.
How Does Gum Recession Differ From Gum Disease?
Both gum recession and gum disease are common problems for adults as part of the natural aging process, but they are also a serious consequence of poor dental hygiene. The plaque that naturally accumulates in your mouth from what you eat and drink every day contains many different types of bacteria that can potentially infect your gums. 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.
Gum recession occurs when your gums are pulling away from the surface of your teeth, exposing the root surfaces. Because gum recession happens slowly over time, most people do not become aware of it until they have significant damage. It is a serious problem because your gums will not grow back.
Gum disease is an infection that has developed in your gum tissue and jawbone:
- Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, develops following excessive plaque build-up on your teeth and around your gumline. It is reversible with regular dental cleaning and good oral hygiene, but left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis.
- Periodontitis results from bacterial infection in your gums and the supporting bone in your mouth. Pockets can develop where plaque and bacteria thrive because you cannot properly clean with your toothbrush and floss. Over time, infection erodes the ligaments, soft tissue, and bone that hold your teeth in place.
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 not necessary. 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.
The specialized tools used for PST were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following their introduction in 2012. (The FDA does not approve or regulate actual surgical techniques or procedures, only the medical instruments used.)
Although the acronym LANAP includes the word “new,” it is not a recent advancement in the treatment of gum disease. The FDA first approved LANAP devices in 2004 for use as an alternative to traditional gum surgery.
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. Gum recession and gum disease worsen if you delay or skip treatment, requiring more drastic measures for successful resolution. Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups, professional cleaning, gum evaluation, and recommended treatment for mild, moderate, or advanced gum recession or gum disease.