Laser Gum Surgery Recovery
With the continued introduction of innovative technology, laser dental procedures have accelerated in popularity. Laser is an acronym standing for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Your dentist may recommend laser gum surgery as a beneficial treatment following a traditional scaling and root planing procedure. They may recommend laser gum surgery instead of traditional gum surgery, such as gum flap surgery. Laser gum surgery is also used for other dental procedures. This includes performing gum contouring to improve a gummy smile for cosmetic reasons.
This advanced technology is incredibly safe and extremely effective at treating several gum-related issues, and it is essential that you follow the guidelines after your procedure to gain your desired outcome.
Laser gum surgery is not painful, but your gums will still need adequate time to heal. Once your treatment is finished, you will be given detailed instructions to make sure you have a healthy recovery with little discomfort. By adhering to these instructions, you will achieve your desired results.
What is Laser Gum Surgery?
Laser gum surgery is a procedure that uses an extremely tiny laser fiber to eradicate bacteria and infected tissue that exists in the layers of the gum tissue. In addition to its ability to treat moderate to severe gum disease, laser gum surgery is also highly effective at removing excess gum tissue to improve the appearance of short-looking teeth.
Traditional gum surgery includes incisions and sutures, while laser technology is a minimally invasive approach that will not leave any obvious signs of treatment.
What to Expect after Laser Gum Surgery
You can resume your normal activities the day after your surgery. If it were more extensive, it could take a few days to feel back to normal.
You should be prepared for some mild soreness for a few days. Other temporary side effects might include:
- Slight bleeding.
- Very minor swelling.
- A little discoloration of your gum tissue.
Your after-care instructions might include the following. The healing process most often lasts for about a week. During that period, your dentist could recommend that you:
- Do not brush or floss the modified area.
- Eat a diet of soft food.
- Rinse your mouth and let the water fall out gently instead of spitting.
- Abstain from using nicotine products like cigarettes.
In the first couple of days, your dentist may recommend you rinse your mouth every few hours with warm salt water to soothe your mouth. Laser gum surgery will both decrease and eliminate gum disease. Yet, to keep your mouth free from further infection, you need to maintain good oral hygiene habits. These include:
- Brushing twice daily and flossing once.
- Seeing your dentist every six months for a preventive care exam and regular cleaning.
Laser gum surgery is an efficient treatment for multiple issues with your gums. Even though the procedure will deliver some remarkable results, it is still imperative that you contribute during the recovery phase by taking diligent care of your mouth. Eating healthy, maintaining your dental hygiene, keeping your head elevated, resting, and avoiding aggressive activities will help ensure a successful and speedy recovery.