Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney

Laser Gum Contouring vs Traditional Periodontal Surgery

Jan 3, 2018 @ 01:05 PM — by Dr. Pinnix
Tagged with: Gum Contouring Cosmetic Dentistry Restorative Dentistry

Gum contouring refers to altering the shape of the gumline to improve its appearance and potentially your dental health. At Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney, we used some of the most advanced techniques and technology available to ensure ideal gum contouring results are achieved. For many Charlotte, NC patients, that means laser dentistry for the soft tissues of the mouth.

Let’s take a moment to consider traditional periodontal surgery and then compare it to state-of-the-art techniques that use laser dentistry technology.

How Traditional Periodontal Surgery Was Performed

In the past, oral surgery performed on the gums was done with traditional surgical tools. Scalpels would be used to make incisions, with gauze to help clear away blood and sutures or stitches to close up incision sites. While this was effective for decades, dentistry has made many strides forward. In fact, while some periodontal procedures will require scalpels and traditional surgery techniques, many modern gum procedures are now performed using state-of-the-art soft tissue lasers.

How Laser Gum Contouring Works

Laser gum contouring refers to the use of lasers to make precise cuts to the gumline rather than using scalpels and other surgical instruments of the past. These lasers are able to clear away the unwanted tissue, improving the appearance of the gemlike in the process.

Laser gum contouring has a number of key advantages over traditional periodontal surgery. Let’s cover some of the major benefits below.

Laser Gum Contouring and Less Bleeding During Surgery

Lasers used on soft tissue cauterize incisions while they cut. That means patients will experience far less bleeding and blood loss during a laser surgery.

Laser Gum Contouring and Reduced Infection Risk

Since lasers cauterize as they cut, this also makes laser gum procedures far more sanitary than traditional periodontal surgery. There is a much smaller risk of infection during the gum contouring procedure and during the recovery period.

Laser Gum Contouring and Shorter Healing Time

By reducing bleeding and minimizing the trauma experienced by the gum tissue, patients will typically heal a few days faster after laser surgery. This reduced healing time is excellent for patients since they will be back to normal sooner rather than later.

Laser Gum Contouring and Improved Patient Recovery

As part of the shortened healing time, laser gum contouring patients will typically experience less serious side effects after their procedure has been completed. Pain and discomfort after laser surgery is much easier to manage, and irritation and swelling tends to be minor.

The Choice Is Clear: Laser Gum Contouring Is the Future

Given all of the benefits noted above, it should be clear why laser gum contouring is considered a superior option to traditional periodontal surgery techniques. During a consultation at our practice, we can determine how to best address your needs and improve the appearance and health of your gumline. Chances are that laser surgery will be used rather than a scalpel.

Contact Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney

For more information about laser gum contouring and how it can help improve the appearance of your smile and your periodontal health, be sure to contact our skilled team of cosmetic and restorative dentists today. The team at Advanced Dentistry of Blakeney will help you smile with improved confidence and enhanced dental health.