If you are having a serious problem with your gums your dentist may recommend you see a periodontist (gum specialist).

Regular gum treatment can be quite extensive involving cutting and sewing the gums. An alternative to this, which can sometimes be done is called periodontal laser therapy.

What happens during laser therapy is that a highly concentrated laser or beam of intense energy is directed at the infected area of the gum. The pinpointed accuracy of the laser enables the dentist to target a section of the gum where the tooth and gum meet, and this critical area is so small that it can hardly be seen with the naked eye. By zapping it with the laser, the infection is destroyed and the harmful bacteria are destroyed before they can spread to other parts of the gum tissue.

With periodontal laser therapy there is no cutting. Since no incisions have to be made to get past the gum and to the infected area, there are no stitches to heal, there is no bleeding to worry about, and there is only minor discomfort instead of serious pain associated with conventional gum surgery. The process puts the patient at less risk, it happens very fast, and then the wounded part – where the laser has essentially burned away the infection – is sealed.

If you are concerned about the surgery involved in conventional periodontal treatments ask you dentist to recommend a periodontist who is familiar with the latest procedures.