In dentistry, doctors use laser therapy to whiten your teeth, so the laser-based procedures are not very new in dental care.
Before getting into the details of laser gum surgery, the first important step is to understand when it is used. Just as the name of the procedure says, you may need this type of surgery when you are suffering from gum diseases.
You should take very good care of your gums, as gum disease can affect the bones that support and surround your teeth.
The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis. The most severe one is advanced periodontitis.
If left untreated, gum diseases can negatively influence your overall health.
Studies show that severe gum diseases can cause heart problems.
You will not get, however, laser gum surgery from a doctor unless he sees you and evaluates the situation.
Now let us get into those details and learn all you need to know about laser gum surgery!
Laser Gum Surgery Procedure
In this type of therapy, your doctor uses a dental laser. The purpose is to access and remove the inflamed gum tissue from around the root of your ill tooth.
Your doctor will work with the laser until he removes the entire inflamed and infected tissue and exposes the tooth root.
The next step of the process involves “root scaling”. Your dentist will scrape off the calculus and plaque built up below the gum line and around the root. He will then smooth your tooth root so it stays safe from future bacteria and infections.
Does Laser Gum Surgery Hurt?
This is one of the most frequent questions patients ask when it comes to this procedure. The answer is no. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic to make sure you will feel no pain during the procedure. You may experience some discomfort, but the laser therapy treatment does not hurt.
What Are the Laser Gum Treatment Side Effects?
While the procedure comes with a handful of benefits all dental experts agree upon, it also comes with some warning. The main issue with laser gum surgery is the laser’s wavelength. If your doctor uses the wrong wavelength for you, the procedure may cause further damage to the periodontal tissues.
So far, evidence suggests that when masterfully employed, the procedure leads to positive results and is safe. However, before jumping at the opportunity, dental associations recommend you to pick your dentist carefully.
A proven expertise in laser surgery, a serious portfolio of success cases, and laser gum surgery before and after photos and case studies should give you a complete picture of your doctor’s skills and experience.
Laser Gum Surgery Recovery
If you went through a complex dental procedure at least once in your lifetime, you know dental recovery can be a slow and painful process. Laser gum surgery recovery and healing are shorter in time.
This is because laser gum surgery is less invasive than traditional therapy (which involves heavy amounts of drilling, bleeding, swelling, and post-op pain).
Since lasers can target the infected tissues with extreme precision, the doctor limits the damage to a small area. This is why recovery is faster and easier to endure.
Laser Gum Surgery Cost
There is no fixed price for this procedure. The costs directly and entirely depend on your needs as a patient. An experienced professional will not commit to a price until he sees you and assesses the situation.
Nevertheless, according to dental professional associations, laser therapy can take less money out of your pocket. This is because it requires fewer visits to the dentist and less post-op medical treatment and interventions.
As insurance is concerned, you should first get confirmation from your insurance company before you undertake the procedure. Insurance companies usually cover laser gum surgery, but it does not hurt to make sure.
FAQs
I’ll admit it: the words laser gum surgery don’t exactly make me want to jump into the dentist’s chair.
When I first hear the word “surgery”, I immediately imagine scalpels, stitches, swelling and several days of eating nothing but soup. So discovering that modern dentistry can use lasers as part of periodontal treatment sounds surprisingly futuristic.
But what exactly is laser gum surgery? Who actually needs it? Does it hurt? How much does it cost? And, perhaps most importantly, is laser treatment really better than traditional gum surgery?
I’ve put together this guide to answer those questions and explain what I think anyone considering laser gum treatment should know before making a decision.
1. What Is Laser Gum Surgery?
Laser gum surgery is a type of periodontal treatment that uses a dental laser to treat diseased or inflamed gum tissue and bacteria around the teeth.
It is generally considered when someone has periodontal disease (gum disease) that has progressed beyond what can be adequately managed with routine cleaning and conventional non-surgical treatment.
One technique you may come across is LANAP, which stands for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure.
The exact procedure varies depending on the laser system and the dentist or periodontist performing it, so I wouldn’t assume that every treatment advertised as “laser gum surgery” is the same thing.
The basic idea is that the dentist uses specialised laser energy to target unhealthy tissue and bacteria around the tooth and then thoroughly cleans the tooth roots.
The goal is to control infection and inflammation and, where possible, help the tissues heal.
2. Why Would Someone Need Laser Gum Surgery?
This is where I think it’s important not to get swept up in the excitement around lasers.
Laser treatment isn’t something I would consider simply because it sounds more modern.
The usual reason for periodontal treatment is gum disease that has become advanced enough to cause deep gum pockets, inflammation and potentially damage to the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
Early gum disease can often be managed with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.
As gum disease progresses, however, treatment may need to become more involved.
A dentist or periodontist may consider periodontal surgery when:
Gum pockets are deep
There is significant tartar below the gumline
Gum inflammation persists despite non-surgical treatment
There is bone loss around the teeth
Periodontal disease is progressing
Conventional deep cleaning hasn’t adequately controlled the disease
Laser treatment may be one option, but it isn’t necessarily the right option for everyone.
3. What Happens During Laser Gum Surgery?
I think knowing what actually happens makes the whole idea considerably less intimidating.
1. Your gums are examined
Before anything is done, the dentist or periodontist should assess your periodontal health.
This may involve measuring the depth of gum pockets, looking for bleeding and inflammation and taking dental X-rays to assess the supporting bone.
2. Your mouth is numbed
Local anaesthetic is normally used.
So although you’re awake, you shouldn’t be feeling the laser working on your gums.
If you’re anxious about dental treatment, it’s worth discussing this beforehand. Depending on the practice and procedure, additional options for managing anxiety may be available.
3. The laser is used beneath the gumline
The dentist uses the specialised laser around the affected teeth.
Depending on the treatment technique, laser energy may be used to target diseased tissue and bacteria while attempting to preserve healthy tissue.
4. The tooth roots are cleaned
This is an incredibly important part of the treatment.
The dentist needs to remove plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth roots and clean the areas beneath the gumline.
In other words, the laser isn’t simply zapping gum disease away.
The teeth still need thorough periodontal cleaning.
5. The gum tissue is allowed to heal
Depending on the technique, the gum tissue may be repositioned against the tooth.
The aim is to allow the tissues to heal and reduce the depth of the periodontal pockets.
6. Follow-up appointments
This is something I wouldn’t overlook.
Laser treatment isn’t the end of your periodontal journey.
You’ll usually need follow-up appointments so your dentist can assess how the gums are healing and whether the periodontal disease is under control.
4. Does Laser Gum Surgery Hurt?
This is probably the question I would ask first!
During treatment, the area should be numbed with local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t experience significant pain.
Afterwards, however, you can expect some degree of tenderness.
You might experience:
Sore gums
Mild swelling
Sensitivity
Tenderness when chewing
Minor bleeding or oozing
Increased tooth sensitivity
A slightly strange sensation around the treated teeth
Everyone reacts differently.
Some people find the recovery surprisingly manageable, while others experience more soreness.
I’d also remember that pain isn’t the only thing to consider. Your gums are healing, so they need to be treated gently.
5. Laser Gum Surgery Recovery
This is where I think realistic expectations are helpful.
The fact that laser treatment may be less invasive than some traditional surgical approaches doesn’t mean you’ll be back to normal immediately.
Your dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions, and I’d follow those rather than relying on generic advice.
The First Day
Your mouth may still be numb for a while after treatment.
Once the anaesthetic wears off, the treated area can feel tender.
Soft foods are usually much easier to manage than crunchy or hard foods.
I’d be tempted to stock up beforehand on things such as:
Yogurt
Scrambled eggs
Mashed potatoes
Soft pasta
Oatmeal
Soft fish
Smooth soups
Soft rice
I’d also avoid extremely hot foods and drinks while the mouth is numb so that I don’t accidentally burn myself.
The First Few Days
Tenderness and mild swelling can occur.
You may also find that chewing around the treated area is uncomfortable.
This is one of those occasions when I would resist the temptation to keep checking the area with my tongue or fingers.
Let your gums heal.
The First Week
The gums should gradually become more comfortable.
Your dentist will tell you when and how to resume normal brushing and flossing around the treated areas.
Don’t assume that scrubbing harder will make the gums healthier.
Gentle, consistent oral hygiene is much more useful.
Longer-Term Healing
One thing worth remembering is that feeling better isn’t the same as being completely healed.
The initial soreness may disappear relatively quickly, while deeper periodontal tissues continue to heal.
Your dentist may want to monitor your gum pockets, inflammation and overall periodontal health over a longer period.
6. How Much Does Laser Gum Surgery Cost?
This is where I wish I could give everyone one simple number!
Unfortunately, laser gum surgery prices vary dramatically.
The cost depends on:
Where you live
The dentist or periodontist
How advanced your gum disease is
How many teeth are affected
How many areas require treatment
Which laser technique is used
Whether bone loss is present
Whether additional procedures are required
Whether sedation is used
Your dental insurance or NHS eligibility
I would always ask for a written, itemised treatment plan before agreeing to anything.
Ask exactly:
What am I paying for?
How many appointments are included?
Does the price include follow-up treatment?
Will I need additional periodontal maintenance?
And, most importantly:
Why is laser treatment being recommended in my particular case?
Laser Gum Surgery Cost in the USA
In the United States, costs can similarly range from hundreds to several thousand dollars.
LANAP and other specialist periodontal procedures can become particularly expensive if multiple areas of the mouth require treatment.
Dental insurance coverage varies considerably, so I’d check with your insurer before committing to treatment.
7. Who Should Have Laser Gum Surgery?
This is the part I’d take particularly seriously.
Laser gum surgery may be considered for people with moderate to advanced periodontal disease, particularly when there are deep periodontal pockets and inflammation that hasn’t been adequately controlled with non-surgical treatment.
You may be referred to a periodontist, who specialises in gum disease and the tissues supporting the teeth.
But not everybody with gum disease needs surgery.
If you have early-stage gum disease, professional cleaning, improved brushing, interdental cleaning and other non-surgical measures may be sufficient.
I’d therefore want a proper periodontal assessment before agreeing to laser treatment.
8. Who Might Not Need It?
If your gums are simply mildly inflamed because you’re not cleaning between your teeth effectively, laser surgery would obviously be a very big leap.
Early gum disease can often be addressed through:
Professional dental cleaning
Improved brushing technique
Daily interdental cleaning
Regular dental check-ups
Better plaque control
Stopping smoking if applicable
The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and severity of your gum problems.
9. Pros of Laser Gum Surgery
There are some appealing potential advantages.
It can target diseased tissue
The laser can be used around the gumline to target unhealthy tissue as part of periodontal treatment.
It may be less invasive in some cases
Depending on the technique and the patient’s condition, laser treatment may involve less surgical disruption than some traditional approaches.
Recovery can be manageable
Some people experience relatively modest postoperative discomfort.
It can treat periodontal disease
When appropriately selected and performed, laser treatment can form part of a comprehensive periodontal treatment plan.
It may help preserve healthy tissue
Certain laser techniques are designed to selectively target diseased tissue while attempting to preserve healthy structures.
No traditional scalpel incision in some techniques
This can sound particularly attractive if the idea of conventional gum surgery makes you nervous.
However, I’d always ask exactly what your proposed treatment involves rather than assuming that all laser procedures are incision-free.
10. Cons of Laser Gum Surgery
And now for the other side of the story.
It can be expensive
Private laser periodontal treatment can cost substantially more than ordinary dental cleaning.
It isn’t suitable for everyone
The severity and pattern of your gum disease matter.
It isn’t a miracle cure
Laser treatment doesn’t mean you can forget about brushing and cleaning between your teeth.
You can still experience discomfort
“Laser” doesn’t mean “completely painless”.
Gum recession can still occur
Periodontal disease itself can cause gum recession, and changes in gum appearance can also occur during periodontal treatment.
Results depend on ongoing care
Even successful periodontal treatment needs maintenance.
It isn’t necessarily superior to conventional treatment
This is perhaps my biggest caution.
I wouldn’t choose a treatment simply because it uses a laser.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the individual case, the dentist’s expertise and the evidence supporting the particular technique.
11. Laser Gum Surgery vs Traditional Gum Surgery
This is an area where marketing can sometimes make things sound more straightforward than they really are.
Traditional periodontal surgery has been used for many years and can provide direct access to diseased areas beneath the gumline.
Laser techniques offer another approach.
Neither should automatically be considered the “better” option for every patient.
I’d ask your periodontist:
Why are you recommending laser treatment for me?
What would you recommend if laser treatment wasn’t available?
Would conventional periodontal surgery achieve a better result in my case?
What are the risks of each approach?
Those questions should give you a much clearer picture than simply asking whether laser treatment is the newest technology.
12. Can Laser Gum Surgery Save Teeth?
Potentially, yes — but I wouldn’t think of it as a guarantee.
Advanced periodontal disease can damage the bone and tissues supporting teeth. Treating the infection and controlling inflammation may help preserve teeth that are otherwise at risk.
The earlier periodontal disease is identified and treated, the better.
If a tooth has already experienced extensive bone loss or has other serious problems, periodontal treatment may not be enough to save it.
That’s why I wouldn’t delay seeing a dentist because I’m hoping a particular treatment will eventually fix everything.
13. Can I Eat Normally After Laser Gum Surgery?
Probably not immediately.
Your dentist will give you individual instructions, but soft foods are generally much more comfortable during the early recovery period.
I’d avoid foods that are:
Very hard
Crunchy
Sharp
Extremely spicy
Very hot
Think soft and easy to chew while the gums are tender.
And I’d definitely avoid biting directly on a freshly treated area if doing so causes discomfort.
14. Can I Brush My Teeth After Laser Gum Surgery?
Usually, yes, but how and where you brush matters.
Your dentist will tell you when to resume brushing directly around treated areas and whether any modifications to your normal routine are needed.
Don’t stop caring for your mouth altogether.
The whole point of periodontal treatment is to get the disease under control, and good plaque control is essential for maintaining the result.
15. How Long Does Laser Gum Surgery Take?
There’s no single answer.
A small treatment area may be relatively quick, while comprehensive periodontal treatment can require multiple appointments.
The duration depends on:
Number of teeth
Number of gum pockets
Severity of disease
Treatment technique
Whether other periodontal procedures are required
Your dentist should be able to give you a much more useful estimate after examining your gums.
16. Is Laser Gum Surgery Safe?
When performed by a properly trained dental professional and used appropriately, laser periodontal treatment can be safe.
However, all procedures have potential risks.
Possible complications include:
Pain
Swelling
Bleeding
Infection
Tooth sensitivity
Gum recession
Changes in gum appearance
Persistent periodontal disease
Further bone loss if the underlying disease isn’t controlled
I’d particularly want to know what laser system is being used and what evidence supports its use for my specific condition.
My Final Thoughts on Laser Gum Surgery
I’ll be honest: if someone told me I needed gum surgery, the word laser would probably make me feel slightly better about the whole thing!
But I wouldn’t let the technology itself make my decision.
What matters most to me is understanding why the treatment is necessary, what problem it is designed to solve and whether there are other appropriate options.
Laser gum surgery can be an effective component of periodontal treatment for carefully selected patients. It may offer a less invasive approach in certain circumstances, and recovery can be relatively manageable.
But it isn’t a magical treatment that makes gum disease disappear forever.
The real long-term work happens afterwards.
Daily brushing, cleaning between the teeth, professional dental care, periodontal maintenance and dealing with factors that contribute to gum disease are all incredibly important.
If I were considering laser gum surgery, I’d want a proper periodontal assessment, an explanation of exactly what procedure was being proposed, a written cost estimate and a clear discussion of the alternatives.
And I’d definitely ask one question before signing up:
“Why is laser gum surgery the best option for my particular gums and teeth?”
That’s a much more useful question than simply asking whether laser treatment is better.
A final reminder
If you have bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, pus around the gums, loose teeth or changes in how your teeth fit together, I’d get checked by a dentist rather than waiting for the problem to become more serious.
And if you develop significant swelling, fever, severe pain, difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing, seek urgent dental or medical attention.
