Pain? Same-day care.
callEmergencyarrow_forward
Dental Nation
Dental technology

Laser Gum Therapy

Short-term results may improve when laser treatment accompanies gum care, while long-term benefit remains uncertain.

[2]

The short answer

Laser gum therapy adds a laser to non-surgical gum treatment, with possible short-term benefit but uncertain long-term effects.

[2]
Laser Gum Therapy dental educational illustration

What is laser gum therapy?

What current findings show about laser gum therapy
QuestionAnswer
How is the laser used?As an addition to non-surgical periodontal treatment[2]
What is known about duration?Possible short-term benefit, with long-term effects still uncertain[2]

[2]

How is it used?

The laser is used alongside conventional non-surgical periodontal treatment. Scaling and root planing clean below the gumline and smooth root surfaces; laser treatment is assessed as an added method, rather than a substitute for that care.

[2][3]

What are the limits of the evidence?

Laser treatment can produce results similar to certain other non-surgical options, including scaling and root planing alone. Reviews found possible short-term benefit from an added laser, but do not establish lasting effects.

[1][2]

What other approach may be discussed?

Scaling and root planing removes plaque and bacterial toxins from periodontal pockets and smooths the root surface. Gum surgery may be used when non-surgical treatment does not achieve periodontal health.

[2][3]
Non-surgical gum-treatment options named in the clinical material
ApproachWhat it does
Scaling and root planingRemoves plaque and toxins below the gumline and smooths root surfaces[2][3]
Laser treatmentCan be used for periodontal disease alongside non-surgical care[2][3]

[2][3]

What does this mean for a patient?

Laser therapy is one part of gum-disease treatment, not the whole course of care. Ongoing maintenance therapy is needed for many people after scaling and root planing to help sustain periodontal health.

[2]

What should you ask about safety?

Laser wavelength and power level matter during a periodontal procedure. An inappropriate wavelength or power level can damage periodontal tissues, so the device settings must suit the procedure being performed.

[1][2]

Frequently asked questions

Can a laser replace scaling and root planing?

Laser treatment is evaluated as an addition to non-surgical periodontal care. Scaling and root planing removes plaque and bacterial toxins beneath the gumline.

[2][3]

Keep reading

symptomGum PainconditionRoot Infection (Apical Periodontitis)