Laser Dentistry
 Dental lasers can provide a precise, efficient way to treat certain areas of the soft tissues in the mouth. At Singing River Dentistry, laser soft-tissue treatment may be used to remove, reshape, or treat excess or unhealthy gum tissue while helping minimize bleeding and discomfort during certain procedures.Unlike dental lasers designed to treat hard tissues such as teeth, soft-tissue lasers are specifically designed for the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth. The focused laser energy allows our dental team to target specific areas while helping control bleeding as tissue is treated. What Is Soft-Tissue Laser Treatment?Soft-tissue laser treatment uses concentrated light energy to remove, reshape, or treat targeted areas of oral soft tissue. Because the laser can be directed precisely, it may allow our dentists to treat excess, overgrown, or unwanted tissue while limiting the impact on surrounding areas. Laser energy can also help coagulate small blood vessels during treatment. Depending on the procedure, this may result in less bleeding and may reduce or eliminate the need for sutures. The appropriate treatment method depends on your oral health, the location and amount of tissue involved, and your specific treatment goals. What Can a Dental Laser Be Used For?Soft-tissue lasers can be used for several types of dental procedures. Depending on your needs, laser treatment may be used to:
One common soft-tissue procedure is a gingivectomy, which involves removing excess gum tissue. It may be recommended for certain gum conditions or to improve the appearance of a smile when excessive gum tissue makes the teeth appear shorter. Removing Excess Gum Tissue With a LaserExcess gum tissue can affect the appearance of your smile and, in some situations, make it more difficult to properly treat or restore a tooth. When appropriate, a laser can be used to carefully remove and reshape the tissue. A laser gingivectomy provides controlled removal of excess gum tissue while helping minimize bleeding during treatment. Depending on the procedure, sutures may not be necessary. For patients with a gummy smile, carefully reshaping the gumline may expose more of the natural tooth structure and create a more balanced relationship between the gums and teeth. Our dental team will evaluate your gumline and overall oral health to determine whether this approach is appropriate. Laser Treatment for the FrenulumA frenulum is a small fold of tissue that connects structures in the mouth, including the tissue beneath the tongue or between the upper lip and gums. If a frenulum is unusually tight or restrictive, a frenectomy may sometimes be recommended. A laser can be used to precisely release or remove the targeted tissue. Laser-assisted frenectomies may offer benefits such as reduced bleeding and postoperative discomfort in some cases, although the appropriate technique depends on each patient's individual anatomy and treatment needs. Benefits of Soft-Tissue Laser TreatmentWhen laser treatment is appropriate, the technology may offer several potential advantages compared with traditional soft-tissue techniques. Precise Tissue RemovalThe laser allows our dentists to target specific areas of soft tissue with a high degree of control. This can be particularly useful when carefully reshaping the gumline or removing a limited amount of excess tissue. Less BleedingLaser energy can help coagulate small blood vessels as tissue is treated. This may reduce bleeding during and immediately after certain soft-tissue procedures and can help provide a clearer treatment area. Fewer Sutures in Some ProceduresBecause laser energy can seal small blood vessels and affect tissue as it works, some soft-tissue procedures may require fewer sutures or no sutures at all. Whether sutures are needed depends on the procedure, the amount of tissue being treated, and its location. Potentially More Comfortable RecoveryLaser treatment can cause less disruption to surrounding tissue during certain procedures, which may contribute to reduced postoperative discomfort and swelling. Recovery varies according to the procedure and each patient's individual circumstances. Is Laser Treatment Right for You?Laser technology is not necessary for every dental procedure and is not automatically the best option for every patient. Our dentists will consider the location and amount of tissue involved, your oral health, and your treatment goals before recommending an appropriate technique. If you have excess gum tissue, an uneven gumline, a restrictive frenulum, or another soft-tissue concern, a consultation can help determine whether laser treatment may be appropriate. In some cases, a traditional treatment method may be more suitable. |
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