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Using Lasers for Gingivoplasty Surgery
Gingivoplasty surgery is a procedure to reshape the gums, and is something that may be done for purely cosmetic reasons, or for medical reasons. It involves removing excess gum tissue and is often carried out by a periodontist to improve gum health. This is because excess gum tissue can help promote periodontal disease by leading to the formation of gaps and pockets around the teeth that can easily trap food and bacteria. In addition excess gum tissue can lead to a patient having a ‘gummy smile,’ something that is considered to be unattractive, but which can also present health issues as it makes it more difficult to keep the teeth and gums clean. Extreme cases can even interfere with speech. A gingivoplasty can also be carried out to reshape the gum tissue to give better aesthetic results before fitting new crowns, bridges or veneers.
In the past gingivoplasty surgery would have been carried out using a scalpel, and would likely have led to substantial bleeding during the procedure, and the need to stitch up the gums post-surgery. But nowadays the use of lasers in dentistry is becoming far more widespread. The potential advantage of using a dentist’s laser for this procedure is easy to see. Dental lasers are quicker to use, so less operating time is required. Unlike a scalpel, the dentists laser effectively seal small blood vessels during treatment through thermal coagulation, and as tissues are vaporised rather than being scraped away there is far less bleeding, both during and after the procedure. Patients are unlikely to require a periodontal dressing after laser surgery.
All these factors are beneficial to both the dentist and the patient, especially as the patient is likely to experience faster healing, less postoperative pain, and less swelling. This will help increase patient satisfaction as there are fewer chances of complications or infections. However this does depend on the patient adhering to strict instructions on how to care for their gums following the procedure. Optimal plaque control is vital to limiting the risk of infection, especially if the gingivoplasty has been carried out to improve gum health.
Many patients still have a fear of the dentist, and laser therapy can be a useful tool in helping to alleviate their concerns over treatment, given the improved comfort during and post-surgery. Ultimately using a laser to improve gum health could help encourage such patients to visit their dentist more frequently.
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