Gum Disease Laser Therapy

Dr. Grenier is proud to offer the latest technology available for periodontal therapy: laser treatment. There are numerous advantages to using laser therapy for treatment of gum disease as opposed to the traditional methods requiring a scalpel and sutures.

Gum Disease Laser Therapy Benefits:

Comfort:

With laser treatment, there is reduced or no bleeding, minimized swelling, no charring, and no drill noise or vibration. The stress and anxiety often associated with dental work is therefore eliminated when you experience quick, effective, and essentially pain-free laser procedures. Also, postoperative sensitivity is greatly limited by laser dentistry, and recovery time is much quicker than with traditional methods. In fact, due to the less-invasive nature of the laser technique, the mouth begins to heal immediately after work is completed!

Reduced Risk of Infection:

The laser’s high-energy light beam acts as a sterilizer on the area it is working, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial infections and relapses.  Due to the ability of the laser to target and remove only diseased tissue, Dr. Grenier is able to help restore you to health with no post-operative pain and fewer side effects and risks than traditional surgery. This is in conjunction with a detailed homecare program that is described below.

Post-Operative Instructions

• Anti-microbial rinses and antibiotic medications may be prescribed for you. Take any prescribed medications according to directions and continue taking until all meds are gone.
• Reduce physical activity for several hours following surgery.
• Periodontal laser procedures usually result in little or no discomfort following surgery.
• For the first 24-hour period immediately following surgery, take two (2) Advil or Motrin (Ibuprofen) every 4-6 hours even if you do not have any pain.
• For the first 24-hour period immediately following surgery, stay on a liquid diet only. For the following 3-7 days after surgery, a soft diet is recommended. Try to eat soft but nutritious foods such as eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, malts, ice cream, etc. Stay away from spicy and “chippy” foods. It is also important to maintain good fluid intake during this period.
• Carefully avoid chewing food in the areas of the mouth where the laser has been used for at least one week following surgery. One of the most important results of laser surgery is the blood clots that form following surgery. It is extremely important not to dislodge the tiny clots that form in and around the gums.
• Do not be alarmed with any color changes or appearance of tissues following laser therapy. Tissues can be gray, yellow, red, blue, purple, “stringy” and reflect normal response to laser treatments.
• It is OK to spit, rinse, and wash your mouth today. Rinse as directed with Peridex morning and night. In between, it is OK to rinse gently every three (3) hours with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8oz. glass of warm water). Do not brush or floss your teeth until instructed to do so (see Treatment and Home Care sequence sheet).
• Try to keep your mouth as clean as possible in order to help the healing process. Brush, floss, and follow other home care measures in all the areas of your mouth except for the surgery area.
• Do not apply excessive tongue or cheek pressure to the surgery area.

Do not be alarmed if one of the following occurs:

• Light bleeding
• Slight swelling
• Some soreness, tenderness, or tooth sensitivity
• Medicinal taste, from Peridex

Please call the office at Plantation Florida Office Phone Number (954) 473-1806 if you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Prolonged or severe pain
• Prolonged or excessive bleeding
• Considerably elevated or persistent temperature

Do not be alarmed that beginning within two weeks after therapy and extending as long as one year or more, the teeth may become sore, tender, or sensitive as the bone and ligaments around the teeth regenerate and become more firm. This is a sign of healing, but may also indicate the presence of a bite imbalance that may need to be adjusted.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us.