Long gone are the days of invasive gum surgery for periodontal disease. With improvements in laser technology, your dentist can effectively combat the bacteria that cause gum disease without incisions or sutures. Learn how laser bacterial reduction works and if it’s an option for you here!

How Does Laser Bacterial Reduction Work?

Laser Bacterial Reduction is just as it sounds. Your dentist or dental hygienist will use a laser calibrated explicitly for soft tissues (your gums) to zap the bacteria causing inflammation. Using lasers might seem like overkill, but they can eliminate bacteria that are too small to be removed by traditional methods.

Doubly, this method also makes it difficult for bacteria to recolonize. It creates a healthy environment for your gums to repair themselves.

Does Laser Treatment Work for Periodontal Disease?

Yes! Laser treatment works wonders on moderate to severe cases of periodontitis. Using the lasers with conventional methods, like scaling and root planing, can effectively treat gum disease. Contact our Alexandria dentist to find out what combination of treatments will work for you.

Laser Bacterial Reduction Benefits

The soft tissue laser is a very fine, potent tool. In the right hands, it’s effective at combating gum disease and has other benefits that aren’t available for other methods.

These benefits include:

• Minimized pain, discomfort, and swelling
• Minimal bleeding
• Shorter healing time
• No incisions
• No stitches
• Longer lasting results

 
Beyond gum disease, laser bacterial reduction also provides overall benefits such as:

• Less risk of cross-contamination within your mouth during treatments
• A general improvement in oral health
• A boost to the immune system
• The procedure only takes 10 minutes max

How Long Does Laser Bacterial Reduction Last?

To reiterate, the procedure itself only takes 5 – 10 minutes. The benefits can last for months as many harmful bacteria are destroyed. It takes a long time (with daily flossing and brushing) for the bacteria to become problematic.

Laser Bacterial Reduction FAQs

Can I Eat After Laser Bacterial Reduction?

For the first 24 hours, you may want to stay away from solid foods. Stick to liquids and soft foods that won’t irritate the laser site for 72 hours. Avoid chips, pretzels, and popcorn because they have a higher chance of upsetting your gums after your surgery.

No matter what, don’t use straws during this time. The suction is very likely to bother the laser site.

Who Is a Candidate for Laser Bacterial Reduction?

The short answer is anyone can benefit from it! Dr. Mullaney may recommend laser bacterial reduction during your routine cleaning, especially if you have gingivitis or gum disease.

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Contact Our Alexandria Dentists Today!

Contact Dr. Kathleen Mullaney, DDS, today if you have any concerns about laser bacterial reduction and if it’s an option for you. Our Alexandria dental experts are professional and willing to answer questions you may have about your oral health.
 
Author Bio: Dr. Kathleen Mullaney offers general and cosmetic dentistry services in Alexandria, VA. She earned her doctorate in dental surgery from the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) and proudly served as a United States Navy dentist before opening her practice. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Mullaney is delighted to be one of Old Town’s most respected and sought-after dentists! Call 240-532-3335 to schedule an appointment.