Dental lasers are changing the way dentists help their patients achieve optimal oral health, offering a more comfortable way to get the care you deserve. In our Dunedin clinic, we use dental lasers for several procedures, and because of this revolutionary soft-tissue laser, you can expect less bleeding and more precise results.
Let’s take a look at what your recovery looks like after laser gum treatment.
Laser Treatment for Gum Disease: Your Recovery Timeline
Our laser treatment for gum disease is minimally invasive, so most patients are ready to go back to work or school in 24 to 48 hours.
Here’s what your day-to-day recovery looks like:
- Day 1 — On the day of your procedure, your mouth will be numb for several hours after treatment. Once it wears off, you may experience some soreness. It’s best to stick to soft foods and avoid drinking from a straw.
- Days 2-3 — The swelling and gum tenderness will likely be at their worst during the 48 to 72 hours following your procedure. Continue to take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate any discomfort, and begin rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to keep your mouth clean.
- Days 4-7 — You should feel much better at this point, and it’s ok to begin eating more substantial foods, but you should still avoid hard foods that could injure your gums.
- Weeks 2-4 — Your gums are actively reattaching to your tooth’s roots during this phase, and they should look noticeably healthier.
Tips for a Successful Recovery
There are some things you can do to ensure a faster recovery, including the following:
- Avoid inspecting the treatment area or touching your gums.
- Avoid tobacco products, as they can delay tissue healing.
- Take any prescribed medications as directed by your dentist.
- Follow the recovery guidelines carefully, and contact our clinic if you have any concerns or questions.
Laser Gum Treatment Dunedin, Otago
To learn more about how we use laser dentistry for gum disease and other treatments, please feel free to reach out to our experienced team! At Bell Hill Dental, we want every patient to love what they see when they look in the mirror, and a healthy smile is a big part of that.