Laser periodontal therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive way to treat gum disease, remove bacteria, and support natural gum and bone healing for a healthier smile.
What Is Laser Periodontal Therapy?
Laser-assisted periodontal therapy is a method for treating moderate to advanced periodontal disease. The laser energy precisely removes diseased gum tissue and sterilizes deep periodontal pockets without harming healthy tissue.
At Periodontal Associates, we use two types of dental lasers for the highest level of precision and control:
- Nd:YAG laser: targets the bacteria responsible for gum disease and bone loss as well as inflamed unhealthy tissue deep within periodontal pockets, helping to sterilize and reduce their size without cutting.
- Er:YAG laser: Allows for precise cleaning of root surfaces as well as stimulating supporting bone and soft tissue to heal, thus promoting regeneration of periodontal support to teeth.
During combined therapy, we use the Nd:YAG laser first to remove infected tissue and bacteria from the periodontal pocket. The Er:YAG laser then gently cleans and disinfects the root surface to encourage gum reattachment and regeneration. Finally, the Nd:YAG laser seals the area and stimulates wound healing, supporting faster, more comfortable healing.
Comparison of Dental Lasers
To better understand their unique roles, here’s how they compare:
| Laser Type | Primary Use | Tissue Type | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nd:YAG Laser | Removes diseased pocket lining, coagulates blood vessels, and disinfects deep areas | Soft tissue | Excellent for bacterial reduction, gentle on healthy tissue, supports coagulation, and healing |
| Er:YAG Laser | Cleans and decontaminates root surfaces, prepares bone and enamel | Hard and soft tissue | Precise surface cleaning, promotes regeneration, reduces thermal damage |
What to Expect During Laser Therapy
Traditional gum surgery requires cutting and suturing, while laser therapy uses focused light energy to target only the diseased areas.
Here’s what happens during treatment:
- Assessment: We measure pocket depth and identify areas of infection.
- Laser decontamination: The Nd:YAG laser removes infected tissue and kills bacteria deep within the pocket.The Er:YAG laser is used to clean root or implant surfaces and support healing of the soft tissue and bone.
- Root cleaning: Ultrasonic or manual instruments smooth the tooth roots (root planing) to remove remaining plaque and tartar.
- Bite adjustment: The teeth need to be stable when healing so modifications of the bite is needed to prevent traumatic occlusion and promote regeneration
- Regeneration: The Nd:yag laser creates a fibrin clot that helps regeneration bone support around teeth and implants.
- Healing: The laser seals the treated area, reducing bleeding, swelling, and healing time.
Because the laser sterilizes as it works, the risk of reinfection is significantly reduced.
Benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser dentistry offers a modern, gentle alternative to conventional periodontal surgery. It is used for a variety of treatments, including peri-implantitis treatment, crown lengthening, and gummy smile correction.
The benefits include:
- Minimally invasive care: No cutting or sutures are required.
- Precision treatment: Lasers selectively remove diseased tissue while protecting healthy gum tissue.
- Reduced discomfort: Most patients experience mild postoperative soreness.
- Faster healing: Laser energy promotes tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation.
- Improved outcomes: Decreased pocket depth and stronger attachment between teeth and gums.
- Patient comfort: Local anesthetic is often all that’s needed but sedation is available for those who prefer it.
When Laser Therapy Is Recommended
Laser periodontal therapy may be recommended if you have:
- Persistent gum inflammation or bleeding
- Deep periodontal pockets or bone loss
- Loose teeth or receding gums
- Gum or bone inflammation around dental implants
By precisely targeting bacteria and inflamed tissue, laser treatment supports the body’s natural healing and helps protect against further bone loss.
Did You Know?
Laser technology has transformed modern periodontal care. Compared to traditional gum surgery, laser therapy can reduce recovery time by up to 50%. Patients often return to normal activities within a day, with minimal swelling or sensitivity.
How to Maintain Your Results
After laser periodontal therapy, consistent home care and professional maintenance are key to keeping gums healthy. To maintain your results:
- Brush twice daily and floss or use interdental cleaners
- Use an antimicrobial rinse as recommended
- Avoid smoking to support gum healing
- Schedule periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months
- Maintain regular periodontal exams to monitor pocket depth and oral health
Ongoing care helps prevent gum disease recurrence and protects your long-term results.
Why Patients Choose Periodontal Associates
For over 50 years, Periodontal Associates has provided advanced periodontal treatment in Centennial and Aurora, CO. Our team combines experience, technology, and compassion to deliver the highest standard of periodontal care.
Patients choose us because we:
- Provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your oral health and goals
- Offer collaborative, patient-centered care for long-term stability
- Treat complex periodontal and implant cases with confidence and compassion
Insurance and Financing
Periodontal Associates accepts most major dental insurance plans and will verify your benefits before your treatment to minimize surprises. Our team provides estimates in advance and helps you understand your coverage.
For any costs not covered by insurance, we offer financing options through CareCredit and Alpheon, making it easier to move forward with the treatment you need.
Learn MoreSchedule a Consultation
Experience advanced, minimally invasive care for gum disease. To book an appointment at our Centennial location, call (303) 795-5700. To book an appointment at our Aurora location, call (303) 755-4500.
FAQs
Is laser periodontal therapy painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. The treatment is performed with local anesthetic, and because there are no stitches or incisions, healing is faster and more comfortable than traditional gum surgery.
How long does it take to heal after laser therapy?
Recovery time is typically much shorter than with conventional surgery. Most patients return to normal routines within 24 hours.
Can laser therapy replace scaling and root planing?
Laser therapy complements, rather than replaces, deep cleanings. Many patients benefit most when both are used together for optimal bacterial removal and tissue healing.
Is laser periodontal therapy safe?
Yes, dental lasers are FDA-approved and precisely controlled to target infected tissue while preserving healthy gum tissue.
Where can I find laser periodontal therapy near me?
Periodontal Associates has two convenient locations to serve patients across the Denver area. Our Aurora office is located at 2900 South Peoria Street, Building D, Aurora, CO 80014, and our Centennial office is at 2101 E. Arapahoe Rd., Suite 101, Centennial, CO 80122. We provide expert, compassionate periodontal care at both locations.
