Gum disease can be a scary but common dental issue that a lot of people face. When the gums become swollen and inflamed, you might need to see a dentist for medical care. While traditional treatments for gum disease typically involve invasive oral procedures like surgery, a more gentle and practical approach, known as laser therapy, has become a popular alternative. Laser therapy is considered a much more minimally invasive procedure that still produces highly effective results for treating gum disease.

For over 15 years, VI Dental Center has been dedicated to providing top-notch dental care to the Virgin Islands community. Our commitment to advanced treatments, such as laser therapy for gum disease, allows us to offer gentle yet highly effective solutions. Whether you’re dealing with mild gum issues or more serious conditions, our experienced team in St. Thomas is here to help you achieve a healthier, happier smile.

How Does Laser Therapy Work to Treat Gum Disease?

Laser therapy uses lasers that are set to specific wavelengths to target bacteria and remove damaged tissue. It provides the precision needed in order to remove only the inflamed tissue so the healthy tissue can heal and reattach the gum to the tooth. You will likely experience the following steps during your laser therapy appointment:

• Anesthesia: Your dentist might use a local anesthetic to numb the area they will be working on. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, might also be an option to help reduce any stress or anxiety you are feeling during the procedure.
• Laser tissue removal: Your dentist will then use a specialized laser to remove the damaged gum tissue and bacteria from around the tooth.
• Tartar & plaque removal: After the inflamed tissue has been removed and a pocket has been created around the tooth, the root of the tooth is cleaned of any plaque or tartar. 
• Healthy tissue reattachment: The laser is used again to help encourage blood clotting so the remaining healthy tissue can heal and reattach to the tooth.

As each patient is unique, your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions tailored to your specific treatment plan. You might experience some mild soreness, sensitivity, bleeding, or swelling after your laser therapy procedure. If these symptoms are severe or persist for more than a few days, it is essential you contact your dentist for follow-up care.  

What Are the Benefits of Laser Therapy Over Traditional Oral Surgery?

During traditional oral surgery, known as gum flap surgery, the dentist will cut a flap in the tissue surrounding the tooth to allow for deep cleaning of the plaque and tartar that has built up around the tooth’s root. The tissue is then sutured back into place to heal. While traditional oral surgery is considered more invasive and requires a longer healing time, laser therapy to treat your gum disease can have a number of benefits. These benefits can include:

• Recovery: Laser therapy has a shorter healing time than traditional oral surgery.
• Local anesthesia: You will likely receive a local anesthetic rather than general anesthesia. This means you are awake and aware during your laser therapy treatment. 
• More accuracy: Laser therapy allows for better precision and accuracy when targeting damaged tissue, leaving behind healthy tissue to heal.
• Less pain & swelling: As laser therapy is designed to target only damaged tissue, you will likely have less pain, swelling, and bleeding. You likely won’t need sutures either, as the laser is less invasive than oral surgery.

If you are experiencing pain and swelling in your gums, it is vital you contact your dentist to discuss your treatment options and how you can create a healthy hygiene routine to help prevent future dental issues.

How Can VI Dental Center Help Treat Your Gum Disease with Laser Therapy?

At VI Dental Center, we take pride in offering advanced, minimally invasive treatments like laser therapy to treat gum disease effectively. Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable, patient-focused experience with personalized care. When you visit us for laser therapy, our knowledgeable dentists will assess your unique needs and develop a treatment plan tailored to you. With over 15 years of experience serving the Virgin Islands community, we combine the latest technology with compassionate care to help you achieve optimal oral health.

If you are ready to explore laser therapy for gum disease or have questions about your treatment options, reach out to us today. We are committed to delivering gentle, effective solutions to restore your smile and ensure long-term gum health. Call us at (340) 776-6056 for our St. Thomas location, at (340) 772-6000 for our St. Croix location, or fill out our contact form. We look forward to being part of your journey toward a healthier smile!