What Can I Expect After Laser Gum Therapy?
Whether you’re getting laser gum therapy to reshape your gums or treat gum disease, it’s important to know how to take care of your mouth and what kind of recovery to expect. Although recovery time tends to be quicker and less painful than traditional surgeries since there are no incisions or sutures involved, proper care must still be taken to support healing and avoid infection after your procedure.
In addition to following Dr. Andrew McCormick’s post-operative instructions, you should allow yourself the proper amount of rest and adjust the types of foods you eat as your mouth is healing.
Post-Op Care for Laser Gum Therapy
After your laser gum therapy, your body will immediately start the healing process, and the use of a laser vs traditional surgical instruments also helps stimulate regrowth within the bone and gums. Just as a flesh injury has noticeable changes as it heals, you will observe changes in color and sensation of the treated tissue.
For the first three days after your therapy, an all-liquid diet is typically recommended as the treated gums are particularly sensitive during this time. After that, stick to soft foods such as:
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Avocados
- Ice cream
Many patients stick to soft foods for up to two weeks post-therapy to allow the treated gums ample time to heal. Some light bleeding, slight swelling and a little soreness can be expected in the days following laser gum therapy. This is normal and is a sign that the body is increasing blood flow to the treated area. Dr. McCormick may also prescribe medication to help relieve any post-op pain.
Recovery Time for Laser Gum Therapy
While laser gum therapy requires minimal downtime after the procedure, it’s often recommended to avoid exercise for 48 hours afterward. Dr. McCormick may also advise you to not brush or floss the treated area for up to 10 days. The teeth around the treated area may begin to feel sore and tender for about the first two weeks – this is normal as the tissues heal and regenerate.
Dr. McCormick will set up a follow-up appointment to check the progress of your healing and make sure the tissue in the treated area looks healthy without any infection. It may take a few months for tooth sensitivity to subside, andfull healing of the gums and surrounding teeth can take up to a year in some cases. You will have regular follow-ups scheduled to monitor the progress of the treated area and address any continued issues. Teeth desensitizers are available if needed.
Get in Touch to Learn More
Do you have questions about the benefits of laser gum therapy in Santa Rosa? Dr. McCormick is highly experienced in laser dentistry for the past 20 years and can address all of your questions and concerns. If you’re looking for a solution to improve your gummy smile, gum disease, or inflamed gums without extensive pain or downtime, contact Dr. McCormick today to set up a consultation and find out if laser gum therapy is right for you.
