Here's What to Expect After Your Laser Gum Surgery

Laser gum surgery is one of the most revolutionary treatments to hit the dentistry scene. This technology gives us the ability to safely and accurately address gum disease and other potentially harmful oral health issues with a simple, minimally invasive procedure. 

However, we understand that with any new treatment, questions inevitably follow. 

Dr. Mohsena Ahmad and our team want you to feel completely informed when it comes to your oral health. Here, we take an inside look at what you can expect after you’ve had laser gum surgery.

Your gums after treatment

Have you ever noticed that if you bite your tongue or accidentally scrape your gums that the bleeding stops after a few moments and you heal almost immediately? That’s not a coincidence. 

Your gums and the other skin tissue in your mouth are uniquely constructed to heal much faster than virtually any other area of your body. 

That said, your body will likely adjust and begin healing quickly after your procedure. However, everyone heals at different rates, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t bounce back as soon as you’d like to. 

Managing side effects and basic care instructions

No matter how quickly you heal, there’s always a small chance that you may encounter some minor side effects. Most of our patients report mild soreness, bleeding, and/or swelling at the treatment site for a few days. 

Fortunately, you can manage these side effects easily with conservative care. For example, you can rinse your mouth with warm (not hot) salt water to soothe any discomfort.

The healing process generally takes a week from start to finish. To help your gums along we recommend following these basic aftercare instructions:

• Temporarily avoid brushing and flossing the treatment area
• Gently rinse your mouth with water
• Avoid spitting
• Eat soft, easy-to-chew foods
• Take all prescribed medications

It’s also a good idea to avoid smoking cigarettes. The toxins in cigarette smoke restrict blood flow and can interfere with how quickly and effectively your gums heal. 

Making the most of your treatment

Laser gum surgery is an effective way to stop gum disease and other oral health problems in their tracks, but it’s not a guaranteed way to prevent problems from cropping up in the future. 

To fully guard your mouth against the threat of disease and decay, you must maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine. That means brushing and flossing twice daily and seeing Dr. Ahmad for regular check-ups and cleanings. 

Still have more questions about what to expect from laser gum surgery? We’d love to talk with you. Call or click to schedule an appointment online or over the phone at our San Jose, California, office today.