In the wake of skyrocketing advancements in dentistry, more and more dentists offer laser dental service in Las Vegas. You may be interested in dental fillings without anesthesia, using the Solea laser technology we have here at Dee For Dentist.
If you’re having laser gum surgery, you’ll want to take the proper steps toward healing and ensure a smooth and speedy recovery following your procedure.
What Is Laser Gum Surgery?
Laser gum surgery refers to using a small laser fiber, as wide as three human hairs, to access and eliminate bacteria and infected tissue in the deep pockets along the gum line. Besides treating moderate to severe gum disease, dentists also use lasers to remove overgrown gum tissue to lengthen the appearance of short teeth.
Unlike traditional gum surgery that requires incisions and sutures, laser technology is a minimally invasive option that doesn’t leave visible scarring and typically involves a shorter recovery period.
Dos and Don’ts of Laser Gum Surgery Aftercare
Activity
DO take it easy after your surgery. Since your body needs to recover, you’ll want to take it easy after your appointment. For this reason, be sure to spend the rest of the day resting.
DON’T do anything that requires physical exertion. After leaving the dental office, be sure to avoid exercise or heavy lifting. Any strenuous physical activity increases the risk of post-operative bleeding that may interfere with proper healing.
Eating and Drinking
DO opt for smart food choices. Your gums will have tiny clots or scabs over the treated areas. Since these clots are essential to the healing process, make sure that they’re not dislodged by excessive chewing. For this reason, it’s best to maintain a liquid or soft diet during the first week after laser gum surgery so that you can recover much more quickly. Cold liquid foods such as smoothies, yogurt, and soups are generally well tolerated.
DON’T eat hard, crunchy, or chewy foods. You should avoid biting off or biting into hard, crunchy, or chewy foods such as popcorn, apples, hard bread, chips, nuts, and gum candy. Be sure to steer clear of foods such as raw vegetables, salads, and meats that can lodge between your teeth.
Oral Hygiene
DO maintain good oral hygiene habits. During the first day following your procedure, you can rinse your mouth every few hours with warm saltwater. Mix one teaspoon of salt in half a cup of warm water and swirl this solution in your mouth for about 15 to 30 seconds. Besides soothing the treated area, rinsing with a saltwater solution also removes food debris from your mouth. Be careful not to spit forcefully so you don’t dislodge the clot. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle around the treated area.
DON’T brush and floss directly over the treated area. Avoid sticking the bristles where the laser gum surgery was performed to avoid dislodging the tiny clots forming on your gums. You may resume regular brushing and flossing after the area has begun to heal.
Bleeding
DO keep your head slightly elevated. Although your dentist controls any potential bleeding before you leave their office, you might still experience minor oozing for a few hours after laser gum surgery. You may also notice some blood in your saliva when the numbness wears off. One of the best ways to minimize bleeding is to keep your head slightly elevated when you’re lying down. Be sure to sleep with two pillows the night of the surgery.
DON’T put pressure and movement on your lips and cheeks. Since you’ll want to reduce your risk of post-operative bleeding during the first seven to ten days after surgery, avoid activities that put pressure and movement on your lips and cheeks. These activities include forceful coughing, using tobacco products, drinking through a straw, blowing up balloons, and playing wind instruments.
Are You Looking for the Best Laser Dental Service in Las Vegas?
The team of experienced dental professionals at Dee For Dentist believes in providing the absolute best experience possible for each patient. If you have more questions about how laser dentistry works in general, our laser dentistry FAQ guide covers the basics in more detail. If you’re ready to achieve a brighter, healthier, and more beautiful smile, we encourage you to visit us for your next appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Gum Surgery Recovery
How long does recovery from laser gum surgery take?
Most patients follow a soft-food diet for about a week, with the most sensitive period, avoiding pressure on the lips and cheeks, extending to seven to ten days after surgery.
Is laser gum surgery less painful than traditional gum surgery?
Laser gum surgery is generally minimally invasive and often involves less discomfort and a shorter recovery than traditional incision-and-suture gum surgery.
Is some bleeding normal after laser gum surgery?
Minor oozing or slight blood in your saliva for a few hours after the procedure is normal. Keeping your head elevated while resting can help minimize it.
Can I brush my teeth normally after laser gum surgery?
You can brush other areas normally, but avoid the treated area directly with your toothbrush or floss until it has begun to heal, to prevent dislodging the healing clot.
Why should I avoid drinking through a straw after surgery?
The suction from a straw creates pressure changes in the mouth that can dislodge the healing clot over the treated area, increasing the risk of bleeding or delayed healing.
