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Gum care

Laser-assisted periodontal therapy in Lehi

If you have moderate or advanced gum disease, the idea of gum surgery can feel like a lot. Laser-assisted therapy is one option that may let your dentist treat deep pockets with less cutting.

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What is laser-assisted periodontal therapy?

Laser-assisted periodontal therapy, or LAPT, treats gum disease with a dental laser. Inside each pocket, the laser goes after diseased tissue and bacteria. Most of the time your dentist also cleans the root surfaces, so the gums have a better chance to heal and hug the teeth again.

  • Used for moderate to advanced gum disease
  • Often involves less cutting than traditional gum surgery
  • The area is numbed before treatment starts

Who laser therapy may help

Your dentist may suggest LAPT if:

  • You have deep pockets between your teeth and gums
  • Your gums are still infected after a deep cleaning
  • You have bleeding, swelling or pus around certain teeth
  • You would like to talk about options besides traditional gum surgery

Not everyone with gum disease needs laser care. Early gum disease often responds to a cleaning and better home care. For many people, scaling and root planing is the first step. Your dentist will measure your pockets, review x-rays and talk through each option, including pocket reduction, so you can choose with care.

What to expect

  1. Get comfortable. Your dentist numbs the area so you can relax during treatment.
  2. Measure the pockets. A small probe checks how deep each pocket is so treatment can be aimed where it is needed.
  3. Clear the infection. The thin laser tip is placed into the pocket to remove infected tissue and germs along the root.
  4. Clean the root. Tartar is removed from the tooth root so the surface is clean and smooth.
  5. Help the gum close. The laser may be used again to help the gum seal against the tooth while it heals.

A session often takes one to two hours, based on how many teeth are treated. Your dentist will schedule follow-up visits to check your healing.

Healing after laser therapy

Your gums may be sore or a little swollen for a few days. Choose soft foods like eggs, yogurt and pasta while they heal, and pass on chips, hot sauce and steaming drinks for now. Brush and floss your other teeth as usual, but follow your dentist's advice on when to clean the treated area. Rest when you can. The deeper healing under the gums goes on for months, which is why the check-ups we book with you matter. If bleeding, pain or swelling grows instead of easing, phone our office.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Common questions

Does a laser replace a deep cleaning?
Not always. Laser therapy is often used with root cleaning, not in place of it. Your dentist will explain how the two fit together for you.
Is laser treatment uncomfortable?
Your dentist numbs the teeth being treated before the laser is used, and many patients notice very little while it happens. Mild tenderness for a few days afterward is common.
How soon can I get back to my normal routine?
Many people return to their normal day the next day. Your dentist can give advice based on how much was treated.
Will my gums grow back?
Laser therapy aims to help the gums reattach to the tooth and stop more loss. How much tissue returns differs for each person. Your dentist will track your progress at follow-up visits.

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Questions?

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Our Lehi team will answer your questions and find a time that works for you.

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