When you hear the word “laser,” you might think of science fiction or eye surgery. You probably don’t think of a trip to the dentist. But at Great Basin Dental in Reno, we use dental lasers regularly; and they’ve changed the way we perform certain gum procedures. If the thought of gum surgery makes you nervous, laser dentistry might be the reason you finally feel at ease.
What Exactly Is Laser Dentistry?
A dental laser is a focused beam of light that can cut or shape gum tissue with incredible precision. Instead of using a scalpel or traditional surgical tools, the laser does the work quickly and cleanly.
We use lasers at Great Basin Dental for soft tissue procedures involving the gums. The laser can remove diseased or excess gum tissue, reshape the gum line, and even treat gum infections, all with minimal discomfort.
Dr. Sievert and Dr. Guillen have incorporated laser dentistry into the practice because it simply makes procedures better for patients. Less pain, less bleeding, and faster healing are good for everyone.
Common Gum Procedures We Do With Lasers
You might need laser dentistry for several reasons. Here are the most common ones we see in our Reno office:
- Gingivectomy (gum tissue removal). Some patients have too much gum tissue covering their teeth, making their smile look uneven or “gummy.” A laser can remove that extra tissue carefully and reshape the gum line for a more balanced, attractive smile.
- Treating gum disease. Lasers can target and remove infected gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue alone. The laser also kills bacteria in the pocket, which helps the gums heal faster.
- Crown lengthening. Sometimes a tooth is broken off too close to the gum line, making it hard to place a crown. A laser can gently remove a small amount of gum tissue to expose more of the tooth so a crown fits properly.
Why Lasers Are Easier on You
Here’s what really matters to patients: the experience. Compared to traditional gum surgery, laser procedures offer some real advantages.
- Less pain. Many laser procedures require little or no anesthesia. You might feel just a mild sensation.
- Little to no bleeding. The laser seals blood vessels as it works. That means no scalpels, no stitches, and much less bleeding during and after the procedure.
- Faster healing. Because lasers are so precise and cause less damage to surrounding tissue, your gums heal more quickly. Most patients are back to normal within a day or two.
- Lower infection risk. The laser naturally sterilizes the area as it works, killing bacteria on contact. That means a lower chance of post-procedure infection.
What a Laser Appointment Feels Like
We want you to know exactly what to expect. We may numb the area first to keep you comfortable. Then Dr. Sievert or Dr. Guillen will use the laser, which makes a very quiet sound. You might notice a slight smell, kind of like burnt popcorn, but that’s normal and harmless.
The procedure itself is often very fast. A gum reshaping that might take 45 minutes with traditional tools can take just 15 or 20 minutes with a laser.
Afterward, there’s usually little to no downtime. You may have some mild soreness, similar to after a deep cleaning. Most people take over-the-counter pain medication and go right back to their normal day.
Is Laser Dentistry Right for You?
Not every gum procedure requires a laser, and not every patient is a candidate. But for many common gum issues, lasers offer a gentler, faster path to a healthier smile.
If you’ve been putting off gum treatment because you’re worried about pain or recovery, ask us about laser options. At Great Basin Dental, we’re always looking for ways to make dentistry more comfortable. Because your health shouldn’t come at the cost of your peace of mind.