If you’ve had gum surgery without a laser, you’ll likely find your post-operative experience with laser dentistry much smoother. Lasers cause significantly less bleeding than scalpels, so you won’t have an open, bleeding wound when you get home.

Although you should still follow all cleaning and care instructions, the risk of infection is lower, and you typically experience less pain and discomfort.

Lasers use light wavelengths that are easily absorbed by hemoglobin (a molecule in blood) and water, making them ideal for gum work. Soft tissue lasers, such as diode lasers, are particularly effective. They cut into soft tissue while simultaneously sealing exposed blood vessels, resulting in minimal bleeding and faster healing. These lasers are also excellent for cosmetic procedures, as you can often see results immediately.