Dental treatment does not always have to rely solely on traditional surgical instruments. For certain procedures involving the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth, laser dentistry allows your dentist to work with high precision while helping to control bleeding at the treatment site.
At Hampton Dental Associates, Dr. Richard Winter uses the LightScalpel CO2 laser at a 10,600 nm wavelength for appropriate soft-tissue procedures in adults. Dr. Winter has achieved Diplomate status with the American Board of Laser Surgery and has completed extensive continuing education throughout his career, giving patients access to advanced dental care backed by decades of experience.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry uses concentrated light energy to cut, reshape, or remove oral tissue during certain dental procedures.
At Hampton Dental Associates, the LightScalpel CO2 laser is used for procedures involving the gums and other soft tissues of the mouth.
Dr. Winter uses the CO2 laser only for adult patients. Although CO2 lasers may sometimes be used elsewhere for infant or pediatric lip- and tongue-tie procedures, Hampton Dental Associates does not provide those treatments with this laser.
What Conditions Can Laser Dentistry Address?
Laser dentistry may be recommended for several conditions involving the gums or other oral soft tissues. Depending on your needs, the LightScalpel CO2 laser may be used for:
- Periodontal disease: Removing or reshaping diseased or inflamed gum tissue as part of appropriate periodontal treatment
- Excess or uneven gum tissue: Reshaping the gumline to improve its appearance or provide better access to the tooth
- Gum overgrowth: Removing excessive soft tissue that may interfere with oral health, function, or appearance
- Oral lesions: Removing or obtaining a biopsy of certain soft tissue lesions
- Fibromas and soft tissue growths: Excising selected benign growths inside the mouth
- Adult frenectomy: Releasing restrictive soft tissue when an abnormal frenum affects function in an adult patient
- Soft tissue problems around dental implants: Treating selected areas of unhealthy tissue around an ailing or failing implant when clinically appropriate
The use of lasers around dental implants is limited and not the primary focus of implant treatment at Hampton Dental Associates. Dr. Winter will determine whether the laser offers an advantage for your particular procedure.
Benefits of CO2 Laser Dentistry
The LightScalpel CO2 laser gives Dr. Winter another precise tool for performing certain soft tissue procedures. Depending on the treatment, potential benefits may include:
- Precise removal or reshaping of soft tissue
- Improved control of bleeding during treatment
- Clear visibility of the treatment area
- Targeted treatment of a specific area
- Efficient performance of certain gum and soft tissue procedures
Laser treatment is not automatically the best choice for every dental condition. Dr. Winter will evaluate the area and recommend the technique that best fits your dental health and treatment goals.
What Happens During a Laser Dentistry Procedure?
Your procedure will depend on the condition being treated. Before treatment begins, Dr. Winter will examine the area, discuss the planned procedure, and make sure you understand what to expect.
The treatment area is anesthetized before surgery. Dr. Winter then uses the CO2 laser to make precise incisions, remove unwanted tissue, or reshape the soft tissue as needed. Because the laser also helps control bleeding during the procedure, the treatment site may remain easier to visualize.
Afterward, you will receive instructions specific to your treatment.
Does Laser Dentistry Hurt?
Laser dentistry is performed with your comfort in mind, but the laser does not eliminate the need for anesthetic. We anesthetize patients for surgical procedures so that the treatment area is numb before the laser is used.
The LightScalpel CO2 laser allows the dentist to make precise incisions in soft tissue while simultaneously helping control bleeding at the treatment site. During the procedure, you should primarily feel pressure or movement rather than sharp pain, as the area has been properly anesthetized.
Some tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity can occur afterward depending on the type and extent of the procedure. Dr. Winter and his team will explain what to expect during recovery and provide instructions for caring for the treated area.
What Is Recovery Like After Laser Dentistry?
Recovery depends more on the procedure being performed than on the fact that a laser was used. For example, a small area of gum recontouring or lesion removal may have a different recovery period than a more extensive soft tissue procedure.
You may experience some temporary tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity while the area heals. Follow Dr. Winter's instructions regarding oral hygiene, eating, medications, and activities that could irritate the treatment site. Contact the office if you develop unusual symptoms or have questions while healing.
Will My Dental Insurance Cover Laser Dentistry?
Insurance coverage for laser dentistry varies by dental plan and the procedure being performed. In many cases, dental insurance does not reimburse separately for laser use. Instead, coverage is based on the underlying dental or soft tissue procedure being performed.
For example, if you use a laser as part of a medically or dentally necessary soft-tissue procedure, your insurance company may cover the procedure according to your plan's benefits, deductibles, and limitations. Using a CO2 laser does not necessarily change how much your insurance will cover.
The team at Hampton Dental Associates can help you understand your benefits and estimate your expected costs before treatment. Because every plan is different, your dental insurance provider determines final coverage and reimbursement.
Why Choose Hampton Dental Associates for Laser Dentistry
With Hampton Dental Associates, you're choosing a dental practice that puts patient comfort and exceptional treatment results at the forefront. Our advanced laser dentistry technology allows us to provide efficient, minimally invasive treatments. This innovative approach reduces recovery times and increases the precision of various dental procedures, ranging from simple cosmetic enhancements to complex reconstructions.
We see our patients as family members, ensuring personalized, high-quality dental care tailored to your individual needs. Becoming a part of our dental family means embracing a tradition of excellence coupled with a progressive outlook. Dr. Richard Winter's commitment to ongoing education highlights our expertise and dedication to providing the best possible care.
Improve Your Oral Health With Laser Dentistry in Milwaukee, WI
When a dental problem involves the gums or other oral soft tissues, the LightScalpel CO2 laser may offer a precise treatment option. Dr. Winter can examine your condition, explain whether laser dentistry is appropriate, and recommend a treatment plan based on your individual needs.
To learn more about laser dentistry in Milwaukee, call Hampton Dental Associates at 414-464-9021 to schedule a consultation.
