Laser Gum Disease Treatment: What To Expect and How It Works [Video]

“When I was in dental school, I thought I was going to become a periodontist,” a type of dentist who focuses on treating gum disease, “because I believe in the foundation of the health of the mouth,” says Dr. Gloria Stingley. She has been practicing dentistry in Norcross for over 30 years, bringing those values to every patient evaluation. When gum disease advances beyond what a standard cleaning can address, Dr. Stingley provides laser gum disease treatment using the Waterlase® dental laser.

Nearly half of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and many go years without knowing it. Dr. Stingley’s goal is to treat it thoroughly to support better oral health in the long run.

What Gum Disease Actually Does to Your Mouth

Healthy gums are firm and fit snugly around each tooth. Normal gums, or gingiva, are neither inflamed nor irritated. Gum disease, formally called periodontal disease, starts with plaque.

Over time, the bacteria in plaque sitting at the gumline release toxins that irritate the gum tissue. This triggers an inflammatory response, causing the body to send red blood cells and immune cells to the area to fight the infection. Inflammation causes the gums to become swollen and red, and to bleed easily when you brush or floss.

As plaque remains undisturbed, harmful bacteria accumulate beneath the gumline and trigger inflammation. Dr. Stingley describes what happens next: the bacteria find a home in your gums and “start building a community.” They release bacterial toxins that keep the gums inflamed.

Over time, that inflammation breaks down the gum tissue and the bone. Pockets form between the teeth and gums, and you might find that your teeth begin to loosen. Without prompt treatment, you’ll be at risk of tooth loss. And once gum disease progresses from gingivitis to periodontitis, it will not resolve on its own.

“Sometimes when the case is really bad, your cleaning is not going to be enough,” explains Dr. Stingley. At that point, we can use laser treatment with the Waterlase to remove that bacteria, which is an essential step before a patient can move forward with other procedures like dental implants.

What To Expect From Laser Gum Disease Treatment

Traditional treatment for advanced gum disease often involves surgery and stitches. Laser gum disease treatment with the Waterlase® offers a different path. The Waterlase combines an infrared laser with a steady stream of water and air. The water protects the tissue from heat and flushes debris from the treated area. The laser removes only the infected tissue, leaving healthy gum tissue intact.

Patients typically feel a light tapping sensation and the cool mist of the water spray. Many require little to no local anesthesia. The procedure produces far less bleeding and swelling than conventional gum surgery, and recovery is significantly shorter.

Dr. Stingley’s practice offers the Waterlase because it allows her to treat infection precisely while keeping the experience as gentle as possible.

Waterlase® Gum Disease Treatment Process

When a patient’s gum disease has advanced to periodontitis, Dr. Stingley uses the Waterlase® REPAIR Perio™ protocol. The gentle laser clears infection from diseased gum pockets without large incisions.

Before using the laser, Dr. Stingley performs a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove plaque and buildup above and below the gumline. This step prepares the area and provides the laser treatment with the best conditions to achieve a deeper clean of the gums.

Next, Dr. Stingley uses the Waterlase to remove diseased tissue and bacteria from inside the infected gum pockets. This process, called degranulation, eliminates the bacteria driving the damage. The laser kills up to 99% of bacteria in the treated area and sterilizes as it works. This helps reduce the risk of reinfection without the need for large incisions.

After removing the infected tissue, Dr. Stingley recontours any bone defects and applies a compress to the treatment site. Most patients complete periodontitis treatment in one to two visits, and the REPAIR protocol runs about 20% shorter than traditional surgical approaches.

This approach allows Dr. Stingley to treat advanced gum disease quickly and comfortably, setting you on a path for long-term oral health.

Learn About Laser Gum Disease Treatment at a Free Screening

Laser gum disease treatment with the Waterlase is a minimally invasive, comfortable way to treat periodontal disease. Knowing gentle treatment is an option makes it easier for patients to move forward with treatment when their gum disease advances beyond gingivitis. If your gums bleed when you brush or if your gums look red and feel tender, you should take these warning signs seriously.

Schedule a free screening today to find out whether laser gum disease treatment is right for you.