Is Laser Gum Disease Treatment Painful?
Traditional gum surgery has a reputation for being painful, and that reputation keeps a lot of people from getting the gum disease treatment they need. If you have been told you need periodontal surgery, it is fair to wonder how much it will hurt and how long recovery will take.
Our Grandville, MI, periodontist offers laser gum disease treatment as an FDA-cleared alternative to conventional periodontal surgery. Many patients report noticeably less pain and a shorter recovery than they expected.
Here’s what to expect from laser treatment for gum disease, and how much discomfort is actually normal.
How LANAP Differs From Traditional Gum Surgery
The LANAP protocol uses a laser fiber about the width of three human hairs to target infected tissue while leaving healthy gum alone. There is no scalpel and no sutures involved.
Traditional osseous surgery cuts and folds back the gum tissue to reach the infection underneath. Dental laser procedures work differently: they remove diseased tissue and bacteria through the laser itself, which is part of why recovery from periodontal laser treatment tends to be easier.
What Happens During Laser Gum Disease Treatment?
Dental laser treatment for an entire mouth is typically completed in two appointments, spaced about a week apart, each lasting around two hours. The laser targets bacteria beneath the gumline while allowing the body's own tissue to reattach and heal.
Because this is a minimally invasive laser treatment for gum disease, most patients get back to their normal routine faster than with conventional surgery. You will be asked to avoid brushing or flossing near the treated area for about a week to 10 days and to stick with softer foods while you heal.
How Much Discomfort Should I Expect?
Ibuprofen manages any soreness for most patients after treatment, and many describe the discomfort as milder than they anticipated. There is no cutting or stitching involved, which is a big part of why recovery feels so different from traditional surgery.
That said, everyone heals a little differently, and it is worth talking with your periodontist about what to expect for your specific case. can range from nonsurgical scaling to surgical procedures, depending on how far the disease has progressed. We’ll let you know all that is needed for your smile and provide healing tips.
When Gum Disease Calls for Laser Treatment
Almost half of adults in the United States have some form of gum disease, and catching it early usually means simpler treatments for gum disease, like a deeper cleaning. Once the disease has progressed, such as LANAP may be the better option to stop further bone and tissue loss.
A gum disease evaluation is the best way to know where you stand. If your general dentist has flagged a concern, seeing a periodontist for a full exam helps confirm whether laser dentistry or another approach is the right fit for you.
Ask About Laser Gum Disease Treatment
Grand River Periodontics accepts new patients through a referral from a general dentist. If your dentist has suggested a periodontal evaluation, ask about a referral to our periodontist in Grandville, MI, and we can talk through your treatment options together. Questions before then? Call Grand River Periodontics today at (616) 531-1554 or contact us online and our team will be happy to help.
