Laser Gum Treatment
The LaserSmile™ Technology from BIOLASE
Laser Gum Contouring
Laser gum contouring is a cosmetic dental procedure that can enhance the appearance of your teeth, making them look longer and more youthful. It is also effective in correcting the visual alignment of crooked teeth caused by an uneven gum line. Our skilled cosmetic dentist will guide you through the process and determine if laser gum contouring is the right option to achieve your desired results.
At DentalDesign, we utilize the advanced LaserSmile soft-tissue Diode laser for this procedure, which offers immediate outcomes and a remarkably fast healing period. The LaserSmile™ enables safe and comfortable reshaping or removal of gum tissue, resulting in a harmonious gum line that complements your smile. If you have a “gummy smile” with teeth that appear too short, the excess gum tissue can be reduced to create a cosmetically lengthened effect.
The use of lasers eliminates the need for sutures, ensuring a quicker recovery for patients. With laser gum contouring, you can achieve improved gum aesthetics and enjoy the benefits of a beautifully enhanced smile.
Gum reshaping is commonly performed for cosmetic purposes. Many patients, especially those who have recently undergone teeth straightening treatments, seek gum reshaping to achieve their desired smile. By adjusting the gum line, they can achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance, complementing their newly aligned teeth.
Gum contouring is primarily performed for cosmetic purposes, aiming to improve the appearance of the gums and enhance the overall smile. However, there are situations where gum contouring may be considered medically necessary. Excessive or uneven gum tissue can pose oral health risks and functional problems. For instance, if the gums cover a significant portion of the teeth, it can impede proper oral hygiene and increase the likelihood of gum disease. An uneven gum line can also affect the stability of dental restorations or interfere with dental treatments such as crown or veneer placement. In such cases, gum contouring may be recommended as part of a comprehensive dental treatment plan to address the underlying oral health issues. Consulting with a qualified dentist will allow for an evaluation of your specific situation and a determination of whether gum contouring is medically necessary for you.
Gum contouring is a generally comfortable and minimally invasive procedure. Most patients report minimal to no pain throughout the process. Before the treatment, a local anesthetic is typically administered to numb the gums, ensuring a pain-free experience.
During gum contouring, specialized dental tools or lasers are used to reshape or remove excess gum tissue. The use of laser technology allows for precise and accurate treatment while minimizing bleeding and promoting faster healing. The procedure is usually quick and efficient. Any discomfort or sensitivity experienced afterward is usually mild and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
To ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery, it is important to follow your dentist’s post-procedure instructions. These instructions may include gentle oral care practices and avoiding certain foods or activities that could irritate the treated area.
However, it is important to note that pain tolerance and sensitivity levels vary from person to person. If you have specific concerns or questions about pain management during gum contouring, it is advisable to consult with your dentist or oral healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and address any individual concerns you may have.
Laser gum contouring is not suitable for everyone, as it depends on individual dental circumstances. Your dentist will assess your specific situation and determine if you are eligible for this procedure. If laser gum contouring is not recommended for you, your dentist will discuss alternative options that may be more suitable.
If you are considered a suitable candidate for laser gum contouring, you will undergo an initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist. During this consultation, the dentist will evaluate your oral condition and develop a personalized treatment plan for your laser gum contouring procedure. This ensures that the treatment is tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Laser gum treatment utilizes a specialized laser known as a Diode laser. This laser is designed to effectively target and eliminate the harmful components responsible for gum disease. The laser fiber used in the procedure is extremely thin, comparable to the width of a couple of human hairs. It is gently inserted between the gum tissue and the tooth, where it painlessly removes the problematic elements causing gum disease.
The Diode laser used in LaserSmile treatments offers several notable clinical advantages. It has a strong affinity for pigmentation and hemoglobin. As the microbes associated with periodontal disease are often pigmented, the diode laser can specifically target and locate them more effectively. Additionally, its affinity for hemoglobin allows for excellent control of bleeding (hemostasis) and a selective approach to vascular structures. The laser’s ability to ablate granulation tissue, which is highly vascular, minimizes impact on underlying tissues.
It is important to note that the use of lasers in periodontal procedures has received FDA approval, indicating their safety and effectiveness in treating gum-related conditions.
Melanocytes are specialized cells located in the basal layer of the gingival epithelium. Their main function is to produce melanin, which is responsible for pigmentation and can lead to discoloration or dark spots in the gums. Laser treatment offers a targeted approach to address this issue by specifically targeting and ablating the melanocytes. By doing so, the production of melanin in the gum tissue is reduced, resulting in a lighter and more even coloration of the gums. This allows for a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
The duration of gum contouring can vary based on the specific treatment requirements and individual patient factors. On average, the procedure typically takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, or up to an hour, to complete. However, the actual time needed may be influenced by various factors, including the number of teeth involved, the complexity of the case, and the inclusion of any concurrent dental procedures.
Yes, it is a permanent dental procedure. Seeking a consultation with an experienced dentist will enable a thorough evaluation of your individual circumstances and help determine the medical necessity of gum contouring in your case. They will assess your oral health.
The procedure begins with an initial consultation with a dentist who specializes in laser gum treatment. The process begins by administering a local anesthetic to ensure numbness in the gums. The dentist will then use a high-powered laser or scalpel to carefully remove any excess gum tissue. If necessary, sutures may be used to close the incision. In cases where gum tissue needs to be added to the gumline, small pieces of tissue from the palate may be harvested and attached along the top of the teeth.