A laser is an instrument that uses light energy to perform procedures. A highly focused laser beam vaporizes the soft tissue with the high water content. Laser can make very small incisions when the beam is focused on the tissue. When the beam is defocused, the intensity of the laser light on the tissue diminishes, and it can be used for cauterization of small blood vessels and lymphatics, therefore decreases post-operative swellings.
A laser beam has a natural sterilization effect—it evaporates bacteria, viruses and fungi, which leads to a decrease in local infections. Probably most important, the laser decreases post-operative pain by sealing nerve endings.
Procedures that use Soft Tissue Laser Surgery include:
- Removing or reshaping gum tissue (gingivectomy);
- Clipping muscle attachments (frenectomy);
- Removing soft tissue growths (Fibroma removals);
- Removing swollen tissues (gingivoplasty);
- Treating gum disease.