In recent years, laser dental treatments have exploded in popularity. While this technology is incredibly safe and effective at treating various dental and gum-related issues, it is vital that patients follow certain guidelines after the procedure to attain the desired outcome.
While laser dental procedures are not typically painful, the gums still need time to heal following the procedure. After the procedure is complete, patients will be provided with detailed instructions to ensure a positive recovery with little discomfort. The better patients follow these instructions, the more likely they are to achieve their desired results.
What Is Laser Gum Surgery?
Laser gum surgery is a procedure that involves using a minuscule laser fiber to eradicate bacteria and infected tissue lying in the deeper layers of the gum line. Beyond its ability to treat moderate to severe gum disease, laser treatments are also effective at removing excess gum tissue to improve the appearance of short-looking teeth.
While traditional gum surgery involves incisions and sutures, laser technology is a minimally invasive approach that doesn’t leave any obvious signs of having work done.
Take it easy
Just as with any procedure, the body will need time to rest after undergoing a dental laser treatment. As such, patients should prioritize rest and relaxation for the first day following laser gum treatment.
Patients should make sure to avoid any strenuous activity (such as heavy lifting) for a period of time, which will be dictated by the practitioner. Physical overexertion can increase the risk of post-procedural bleeding, which may prevent the patient from healing properly.
Eat Healthy
Following the procedure, the patient’s gums will develop small clots or scabs on the treated areas. These scabs play a vital role in the healing process and must be protected from the effects of overly hard chewing. As such, it is highly recommended that patients eat a mostly soft or liquid diet for the first week following the procedure.
Some foods that are recommended in order to help avoid chewing include milkshakes, juices, Jell-O, pudding, and ice cream. This diet should be followed for at least the first three days following the procedure. Patients should refrain from using straws.
By the fourth day, patients can expand their options a bit. Foods such as scrambled eggs, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and anything that can be processed in a blender are the best options for the fourth to seventh days. Towards the end of this period, patients can gradually start incorporating chicken, fish, and pasta.
It goes without saying that hard, crunchy, chewy foods such as popcorn, apples, hard bread, chips, nuts, and candy should be avoided at all costs throughout the healing process. Raw vegetables, salads, and meats should also be avoided or eaten with great care, as they can get lodged between the teeth.
Take Good Care of Your Teeth
For the first day following the procedure, patients should rinse their mouths every few hours with warm salt water. One can simply take a teaspoon of salt and add it to about half a cup of water and then swish it. Beyond soothing the treated area, rinsing with saltwater will also remove any excess food particles from the mouth. That said, patients should make sure not to spit too strongly, as this can cause the clots and scabs to come loose.
Patients should use only soft-bristled toothbrushes when brushing their teeth, carefully rolling the bristles toward the teeth’s surface. However, they must make sure to avoid getting the bristles close to where the laser gum surgery was carried out (until the area has properly healed).
Keep Your Head Slightly Elevated
While any and all potential bleeding will be prevented while the patient is in the office, it is possible that some bleeding will occur after going home. Blood in one’s saliva is also a very common occurrence.
The best way to keep bleeding at a minimum is to keep the head elevated throughout the day and at night. Using two pillows when going to sleep is a good idea.
Keep Pressure Off of Your Lips and Cheeks
Patients should avoid any and all activities and movements that may put unnecessary pressure on the mouth. This is simply to keep any bleeding, and dislodging of blood clots, from happening. Activities such as heavy coughing, tobacco use, drinking beverages through a straw, blowing up balloons, and playing wind instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, etc).
What is the Takeaway?
Laser gum treatment is a powerful treatment that can address multiple issues in the gums. While the procedure can achieve some remarkable results, it is still imperative that patients do their part during the recovery phase to take care of their mouths. Resting, eating healthy, keeping up dental hygiene, keeping the head elevated, and avoiding potentially aggravating activities will help ensure a positive and speedy recovery for all patients.
As with any procedure, it is highly recommended that patients consult with an experienced dental hygienist before going forward with any treatments.