Soft Tissue Laser
A diode laser is commonly used in our office to painlessly remove gum tissue. It is used to uncover teeth that are partially or fully covered by gum tissue, thus allowing a bracket or band to be placed and treatment to be expedited (Fig. A). We also use the laser to remove excess tissue around the front teeth after treatment. In these cases the gumline is moved to a natural level, exposing the crown of the tooth and making the smile look much more attractive (Fig. B).
The laser works by emitting concentrated energy in the form of a light beam. This beam vaporizes matter. The dental laser delivers a narrow beam which vaporizes only a specific number of cell layers that are contacted by the laser beam. This gives the operator precise control over the laser. The dental laser has the advantage of not creating unwanted surgical effects. The laser stops bleeding, seals lymphatic and nerve endings, and greatly reduces the post-operative inflammation and associated discomfort.
The procedure consists of placing a topical anesthetic (numbing gel), rinsing and drying the tissue, and then painlessly removing the unwanted gum tissue. The edges of the treated tissue return to a normal appearance in a couple of days. The advantages of the laser are: fast, precise removal of tissue; painless; bloodless; more sterile (the laser tip sterilizes itself during use); quicker and more comfortable post-operative healing.