When we hear the word "laser", the first thing we think of is the technology of the future. But in dentistry today, laser is already part of gentle, advanced and precise treatment. It is used primarily for soft tissue work - that is, the gums, mucosa and buccal pockets.
What is a soft tissue laser?
It is a device that emits a directed beam of light. It acts selectively on soft tissue and allows treatment without physically touching or cutting with sharp instruments. It works very precisely - and only where it is needed.
What can the laser do in the mouth?
The soft tissue laser for aphthae and herpes works through photobiomodulation - light energy penetrates the cells and stimulates the mitochondria to produce more ATP (cellular energy). This speeds up tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation and activates the local immune response. The laser also inhibits nerve stimuli, leading to a rapid reduction in pain. In the case of herpes, it additionally acts antivirally and can prevent or shorten the outbreak in the initial phase. The effects are greatest when the laser is used early - at the first signs of problems.
For inflamed gums, the soft tissue laser has a triple action: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and biostimulating. The light energy penetrates the gum pocket, kills bacteria (including anaerobic bacteria) and removes inflamed tissue without damaging healthy tissue. At the same time, the laser stimulates the cells to produce ATP, which speeds up the regeneration of the buccal tissues. Pocket depth, bleeding and swelling are reduced and recovery is faster and with less discomfort than with conventional methods.
A gingivectomy is a gum reshaping procedure in which excess or thickened gum tissue is removed to improve health or aesthetics. It can be performed with a laser or a scalpel. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, the gum is shaped to the desired line, bleeding is minimal and sutures are usually not necessary. Hygiene instructions follow the procedure and healing takes a few days.
In laser treatment of tooth sensitivity, a low-energy beam is directed at the exposed areas. The light penetrates the dentin tubules, causing them to close and reducing the conduction of pain stimuli. The laser also stimulates tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation, if present. The procedure is painless, takes only a few minutes and is suitable for individual teeth or entire sensitive areas.
In the treatment of peri-implantitis, the laser is used to precisely and gently remove bacterial biofilm from the implant surface and inflamed tissue. The light energy penetrates deep into the periodontal pocket, destroying pathogenic bacteria, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. The laser allows disinfection without mechanical damage to the implant and significantly reduces bleeding and pain. It is often part of a combined cleansing and regeneration therapy.
Laser frenulotomy is a procedure to remove the mucosal fold (frenulum) between the lip and the gum. The laser allows a precise cut without bleeding, often without the need for stitches. The procedure takes only a few minutes, is performed under local anaesthesia and allows fast healing with minimal discomfort. It is used in children (e.g. breastfeeding problems) and adults (e.g. limited tongue mobility or gum pulling, diastema).
Benefits of laser treatment
For which patients is laser the right choice?
The soft tissue laser is not only advanced - it is also extremely patient-friendly. No noise, no sharp blades and often no pain. If you are looking for a modern, gentle and effective treatment for the gums or soft tissues in the mouth, laser is the right solution.
In our practice, we use laser as part of a modern approach to treatment - individual, precise and friendly.
