Laser Gum Therapy in Puyallup

Patients are often surprised to learn that gum disease affects adults more than any other dental health concern. Two out of every five individuals over 30 have some form of periodontal disease. This bacterial infection of the gums causes inflammation and pain and eventually destroys the gums and the bones supporting the teeth.

Dr. Johns is proud to offer the latest technology available for periodontal treatment: laser gum therapy. There are numerous advantages to using laser therapy instead of more traditional methods requiring a scalpel and sutures.

Minimally Invasive Laser Therapy for Maximum Comfort

Laser gum therapy is extremely effective in destroying harmful bacteria and promoting rapid healing. It uses finely tuned, specific wavelengths of laser light to target damaged tissue and tartar and stimulate healthy gum tissue, encouraging it to reconnect to the roots of the teeth.

Laser gum therapy does not cut into the soft tissues of the gums, so there is very little bleeding, and healing is much faster than with traditional gum surgery. No sutures are needed because no incisions are required.

Rebuilding Healthy Gum Tissue

Laser therapy stimulates the human body’s natural regenerative properties, encouraging the growth of new gum tissue and bone that has been lost to periodontal disease. Laser gum therapy can often save teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted.

How Does Laser Gum Therapy Work?

Dr. Johns uses a fiber optic laser to clean the periodontal pockets around the base of affected teeth. The fiber optic tip of the laser uses pinpointed laser light to remove inflamed, diseased tissue from the pocket or pockets without disturbing healthy tissue. The laser also destroys harmful bacteria, preventing reinfection.

Dr. Johns then cleans the area and breaks apart any tartar or calculus, which is hardened plaque that can form on the teeth roots. The laser is used again to clean the bottom of the pockets and remove any debris or bacteria overlooked earlier. The laser also sterilizes the area, including bone and tissue, and stimulates the formation of a protective blood clot. This accelerates the healing process and helps the gums to reattach to the tooth roots. There are no incisions made, no sutures needed, and minimal bleeding.

Benefits of Laser Gum Therapy

Comfort

Patients do not have to cope with drills or vibrations, and there is little to no bleeding or swelling with laser therapy, so patients are more relaxed during the procedure and heal quickly with minimal pain.

Minimal Infection Risk

High-intensity laser light naturally sterilizes during treatment. This greatly reduces the risk of bacterial infection because there are no incisions to harbor bacteria. They

No Anesthesia Needed

Because laser therapy is virtually pain-free, patients do not need to be sedated and usually do not need pain injections. Dr. Johns may use an anesthetic numbing spray before beginning treatment, eliminating the cost and risks of anesthesia.

Do You Need Laser Gum Therapy?

Ignoring the symptoms of gum disease is never a good idea. Periodontal disease leads to serious complications, including infections, jawbone loss, tooth loss, and systemic infections via the bloodstream. If you have any of the following symptoms, please get in touch with our office to schedule an evaluation and learn how Dr. Johns can heal your gums with laser therapy.

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing
• Red, inflamed gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Pockets formed around the base of the teeth
• Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums
• Pus in the mouth
• Painful teeth or gums
• Loose teeth

Laser Gum Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to heal after laser gum therapy?

Recovery time is minimal, with most patients returning to work or school the following day. However, the gums may be sensitive for a day or two. Complete healing takes 7-10 days, but minimal pain lasts only a few days. Ibuprofen can help with any discomfort.

Will I be on a special diet after laser therapy?

For the first week, we recommend a soft diet. Stick with foods like mashed potatoes, hummus, yogurt, smoothies, soft pasta, cottage cheese, and scrambled eggs. After the first week, you can gradually add in firmer foods.

How long does laser therapy take?

For most patients, laser gum therapy requires two sessions, each lasting about two hours. This is much less than the multiple procedures typically required for surgical intervention.

My gums changed colors after laser gum therapy. Is this normal?

Yes, but don’t worry—it is only temporary. Many patients report that their gums turn white, grey, blue, or even purple during healing. Once the gums have healed within a week or two, they will return to a healthy, coral-pink color.

Does insurance cover laser gum therapy?

Most insurance plans cover all or part of laser gum treatment for periodontal disease. However, always check with your insurance provider to determine your coverage limits. Our staff will work with you to maximize your benefits.

If you have periodontal disease or suspect it, a consultation with Dr. Johns is the first step toward healing your gums and preventing tooth loss. Contact us at Johns Family and Implant Dentistry Phone Number 253-848-3723 to learn how laser gum therapy can help.