Soft-Tissue Laser Dentistry Austin, TX
Soft tissue laser dentistry allows us to target infection and remove precancerous lesions. Soft tissues like the gums are vulnerable to injury and infection. Fortunately, laser dentistry procedures can help heal diseased tissue and speed up recovery.
Laser dentistry is available at Austin Lifetime Dental in Austin and the surrounding area. Our team uses high-tech dental lasers for added precision. We offer comprehensive treatment for many dental concerns, including gum disease. Call us at (512) 387-9049 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Pros and Cons of Soft Tissue Laser Dentistry
The soft tissues include the gums, lips, inner cheeks, and palate. Dental providers also consider the pulp inside teeth as soft tissue. Dentists often use metal instruments to resolve the issue when soft-tissue dental problems develop, like drills and scalpels. Unfortunately, these tools can also result in discomfort and bleeding. As a result, patients with dental anxiety may feel uneasy about undergoing treatment.
Fortunately, soft tissue laser dentistry provides an alternative. With the help of laser technology, dentists can gently clean and reshape soft tissues. Laser energy disinfects tissue to clear up infection without medication. Soft tissue laser dentistry is minimally invasive and may result in a short recovery period. Patients also report less pain and bleeding after a laser procedure. However, laser dentistry may not be right for everyone. Some dental concerns require traditional procedures or complex reconstructive work. Our dental team can determine whether each patient is a candidate for laser dentistry.
“Soft tissue laser dentistry is minimally invasive and may result in a short recovery period.”
Laser Dentistry and Orthodontics
Soft tissue lasers have many applications in the field of orthodontics. For example, dentists often use lasers to perform cosmetic gum recontouring. These procedures can enhance the patient's appearance by removing excess tissue. Laser recontouring procedures allow dental providers to position braces with greater accuracy. Soft tissue lasers can remove or reshape oral tissues that may interfere with a patient's braces. Removing or reshaping the soft tissue can improve access to the patient's teeth. These procedures can prevent difficulties and delays during orthodontic treatment.
Soft-tissue laser treatments can also improve oral hygiene. Many patients with braces have trouble keeping their mouths clean. If the patient struggles with poor oral hygiene, gum tissue may grow over brackets or wires. Laser procedures can remove this tissue and improve oral hygiene.
“Laser recontouring procedures allows dental providers to position braces with greater accuracy.”
Post-Treatment Care and Tips
After a soft-tissue laser dentistry treatment, patients must follow the post-op care from Austin Lifetime Dental. As stated in Mouth Healthy, it may be necessary to stick to a mild or liquid diet for a few days after the surgery. Then, patients may be asked to transition to a soft food diet for a week or two until the mouth or gums are healed.
The areas treated by the laser may feel tender, so it is normal to experience a little soreness. The surgical site may appear grey, red, purple, or other unusual colors while healing. It may also be necessary to avoid brushing and flossing the surgical spot and use a warm saltwater rinse to clean it instead.
“The areas treated by the laser may feel tender, so it is normal to experience a little soreness.”
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The Right Candidate for Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry carries few risks, and it is suitable for a wide range of patients. But patients with bleeding disorders might not be good candidates for these procedures. Patients with complex dental needs may also do better with traditional procedures. A dental provider can offer personalized treatment recommendations.
Patients may be a candidate for soft-tissue laser dentistry if they have the following:
- Deep-tissue infections
- Gum inflammation
- Gum recession
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Mouth sores
- Overgrown gums
- Tongue-tie
Soft-tissue laser dentistry can also help treat sleep apnea. This potentially life-threatening condition can interfere with nighttime breathing. Removing tissue from the patient's mouth and throat could ease sleep apnea symptoms.
“Laser dentistry carries few risks, and it is suitable for a wide range of patients.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What should I do after my soft-tissue laser dentistry treatment?
Q. What can soft-tissue laser therapy be used for?
Q. What are the pros and cons of soft-tissue laser dentistry?
Q. How is soft-tissue laser dentistry used in orthodontics?
Q. Who is the right candidate for laser dentistry?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of getting a gum contouring procedure?
Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of laser dentistry?
Different Types of Soft-Tissue Laser Dentistry
According to WebMD, there are different types of surgeries that use soft-tissue lasers. Before the surgery, your dental provider will explain the steps of your specific procedure. The most common type of laser used in soft-tissue procedures by dental providers is the diode laser. Here are some examples of what may happen during a soft-tissue laser surgery:
- Cutting Tissue: If a provider uses a laser instead of a traditional cutting tool for surgery, it is often more precise. For surgeries such as frenum removal, gum reshaping, and periodontal therapy, the laser cuts through the tissue easily. After cutting, bleeding is minimal and improves healing time.
- Sealing Wounds: Laser therapy can also be used to seal and cauterize surgical cuts. It seals off the blood vessels and capillaries during treatment. This helps reduce swelling after the procedure.
- Eliminating Bacteria: Some soft-tissue laser procedures may involve the eradication of harmful bacteria. In periodontal treatments, the laser acts as a bacteria eliminator and improves the patient’s outcome. The heat generated by the laser and the targeted way it can treat the gums’ diseased pockets removes bacteria that cause periodontal complications.
“The most common type of laser used in soft-tissue procedures by dental providers is the diode laser.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is laser dentistry?
A. In the past, dentists often used drills and sharp tools to perform procedures. These tools sometimes result in significant pain, swelling, or bleeding. Modern lasers streamline the treatment process. Laser technology might make procedures more comfortable for patients.
Q. What are the benefits of laser dentistry?
A. Laser dentistry offers added precision and control. Dentists can use lasers to target diseased tissue and tooth decay. Dental lasers can also sculpt tissues to provide cosmetic enhancement.
Q. Will I need pain medication during my procedure?
A. Many patients do not need anesthetic during laser dentistry procedures. However, if necessary, the dentist may provide a mild numbing cream. This medication eases discomfort without leaving the patient groggy or disoriented.
Q. Is there a risk of infection?
A. Every dental procedure carries some risk of infection. However, laser dentistry has a low risk of complications. The laser destroys bacteria around the target tissue to reduce the patient's risk of infection.
Q. Am I a candidate for laser dentistry?
A. Most patients can receive laser dentistry. But traditional procedures might be a better fit for some patients. Our team can determine whether laser dentistry is right for you.
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Dental Terminology
Contact Us To Learn More
If you are interested in finding out whether you are a candidate for laser treatment, contact us. Call us at 512-387-9049 to schedule a consultation. We are proud to provide our Austin patients with the most effective tools in dental care.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Austin Lifetime Dental was established in 2022.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Austin, West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, Rollingwood, Lost Creek, Tarrytown, Hyde Park, Oak Hill, Austin Lake Hills and Bee Cave
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