When most people hear dental procedure, they think needles, numbness, and days of sore gums afterward. What if there was a way to treat certain dental issues with no shots, no bleeding, and a fraction of the recovery time? That’s what laser dentistry offers.
At Thompson Advanced Dentistry, we use advanced laser technology to treat gum disease, reshape gum tissue, and even help with things like cold sores. Dr. Thompson brought this technology into our Greeley office because it simply makes dental care easier on patients. And in our experience, patients who’ve tried laser dentistry don’t want to go back to the old way.
What Actually Happens During Laser Dentistry?
Here’s the short version: a focused beam of light energy targets exactly what needs treatment; whether that’s infected gum tissue, bacteria deep in a gum pocket, or excess tissue hiding too much of your tooth. The light removes the problem tissue while leaving healthy tissue alone. It seals blood vessels and nerve endings as it works. That’s why patients often experience less bleeding and less discomfort afterward.
No scalpel. No sutures. Often, no anesthetic at all.
What Can Laser Dentistry Treat?
We use lasers for several common issues:
- Gum disease (periodontitis): Traditional gum treatment sometimes requires cutting and stitching. Laser therapy removes infected tissue and kills bacteria deep in the pockets around your teeth. Your body can then heal naturally. Patients tolerate it much better than older methods.
- “Gummy smile:” Some people have healthy teeth that just look short because too much gum tissue covers them. A laser could reshape the gum line in one appointment. Results are often immediate. Healing takes days instead of weeks.
- Cold sores and canker sores: Lasers can treat these sores when they first appear, sometimes stopping them from fully developing. At minimum, they heal faster and hurt less. For patients who get frequent cold sores, this is a game changer.
- Crown lengthening: Before placing a crown on a tooth that’s broken off near the gum line, we sometimes need to expose more of the tooth. Lasers do this precisely with minimal bleeding.
The Patient Experience: What to Expect
Most laser procedures go like this. You sit in the chair like a normal appointment. Depending on what we’re treating, you might need numbing or you might not. The laser itself makes a quiet tapping or clicking sound. Some patients describe a mild warm sensation.
The actual treatment time varies. Gum reshaping might take 30 minutes; laser gum disease treatment might take a bit longer across multiple visits.
Afterward, you drive yourself home (no sedation needed for most laser procedures). You might have mild soreness for a day or two. Many patients take over-the-counter pain relievers and return to normal activities the same day.
Is Laser Dentistry Right for You?
Not every dental problem can be treated with a laser. We still use traditional methods for many procedures, and that’s fine. But for gum issues and certain soft tissue concerns, laser dentistry offers a gentler path.
One of our patients wrote in a review that she “REALLY hate(s) dental visits” but found her experience with us “actually quite pleasant.” She wasn’t talking about laser specifically, but she was talking about how we approach treatment, thorough, gentle, and tailored to what each patient needs.
Laser dentistry fits perfectly into that approach. It’s another tool we have to make your visit easier.
Wondering if Laser Dentistry Could Help You?
If you’ve been avoiding gum treatment because you’re worried about pain or recovery, call our Greeley office at 970-205-9614. Dr. Thompson can take a look and let you know whether laser dentistry is an option for your situation.
No judgment. Just honest answers about what will work best for you.