Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Laser Dentistry in London, Ontario
A dental laser uses a focused beam of light energy to work on soft tissue, mainly the gums, with great precision. In many procedures it can replace a scalpel or a traditional instrument. Because the laser seals small blood vessels and nerve endings as it works, there’s usually less bleeding, less swelling and quicker healing.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry we use laser technology where it gives you a gentler or cleaner result than the traditional method, and we’ll explain when it does and doesn’t apply to your treatment.
How lasers are used in dentistry
Common uses include:
- Gum contouring: reshaping uneven gums or a “gummy” smile, or uncovering more of a short tooth before a crown or veneer
- Gum disease treatment: helping reduce bacteria and remove infected tissue in deep gum pockets, alongside scaling and root planing
- Releasing a tight lip or tongue tie (frenectomy) in some cases
- Uncovering an implant before its crown is placed
- Treating mouth ulcers and cold sores, which can ease pain and speed healing
- Removing small areas of overgrown gum tissue, for example around a crown or after certain medications
Whether a laser is right for your treatment depends on the procedure and your mouth. Many treatments are still best done the traditional way.
Benefits of laser treatment
- Precision: the laser targets a very small area, leaving surrounding tissue largely untouched
- Less bleeding: the laser seals small blood vessels as it works, which also gives us a clearer view
- Less swelling and discomfort afterwards for many soft-tissue procedures
- Often fewer or no stitches
- Lower risk of infection, because the laser sterilizes the area it touches
- Quicker healing for many patients
Some small laser procedures can be done with only a little numbing gel; others still need local freezing. We’ll tell you what to expect before we start.
What a laser visit is like
- Everyone wears protective glasses, including you, because the laser light is bright.
- We numb the area if needed. For anxious patients, we can also use our gentle computer-controlled freezing.
- The laser does the work. You may hear a light snapping or popping sound and notice a slight smell as the tissue is treated. It’s normal.
- Aftercare. Treated gums are usually a little tender for a few days. We’ll give you simple instructions, such as rinsing with warm salt water and eating soft foods for a day or two.
Is laser dentistry safe?
Yes, when used by a trained dental team with the right settings and eye protection. Lasers have been used in dentistry for many years and are well established for soft-tissue procedures. As with any treatment, we’ll go through your medical history first and explain any risks for your situation.
Who can benefit?
- patients with gum disease who need extra help reducing infection
- people who’d like a more even gum line before cosmetic work
- patients who are nervous about scalpels and stitches
- children and adults with a lip or tongue tie, where a laser release is suitable
- people with painful mouth ulcers
Cost and coverage
The cost depends on the procedure, not on whether a laser is used. Treatment for gum disease is usually covered at least in part by insurance and may be covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan; purely cosmetic gum contouring is usually not. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, and we give you the cost before treatment.
Ask us about laser treatment
Wondering whether a laser could help with your gums or an upcoming procedure? Book online or call 226-884-2573. We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays.