What we use the laser for
- Gum disease. After deep cleaning removes tartar from the roots, the laser can treat the inflamed lining of deep gum pockets.
- Gummy smile and uneven gums. Extra gum over the teeth is reshaped so the teeth look their proper length. See gum contouring.
- Dark gums. The pigmented top layer of gum is removed so lighter pink gum heals in its place. See gum depigmentation.
- Gum overgrowth. Gums that have grown over the teeth, sometimes with certain medicines or braces, can be trimmed back.
- Before crowns and fillings. Gum covering a broken edge can be moved so the tooth can be restored properly.
Laser or blade
| Laser | Conventional (blade) | |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding | Very little | More, controlled with pressure or stitches |
| Stitches | Often none | Often needed |
| Comfort afterwards | Usually mild | Varies with the procedure |
| Best for | Soft-tissue reshaping, depigmentation, small surgeries | Bone surgery, gum grafts, larger flap surgery |
For bone reshaping and gum grafts, conventional techniques remain the standard, and our periodontist uses whichever gives the better result.
What happens
- Gum examination. Our periodontist measures the pockets around each tooth, checks for bleeding and bone loss on X-rays, and explains what’s needed.
- Plan and estimate. You get a written plan and fee. Gum disease is always treated with cleaning first.
- Treatment. The area is numbed, and the laser is used to remove or reshape the tissue. Protective glasses are worn by everyone in the room.
- Aftercare and review. You’ll be given a soft-food plan and cleaning instructions, and reviewed to check healing.
Aftercare
Avoid very hot, spicy and crunchy food for a few days. Brush the rest of your mouth normally and the treated area gently, or as advised. Use the mouthwash prescribed. Don’t smoke, as it slows healing and, after depigmentation, brings the colour back faster.
Risks
Temporary tenderness and slight swelling are normal. Less commonly, healing is slower than expected or the gum line settles slightly differently from the plan. After depigmentation, some colour can return over the years. Your periodontist explains the risks for your procedure before you start.
What affects the fee
Which procedure you need, how many teeth or how much of the gum is treated, and whether deep cleaning is needed first. You get a written estimate after the examination.
Questions patients ask us
What is laser gum treatment?
It's gum treatment done with a dental laser, a concentrated beam of light that removes or reshapes soft tissue and seals small blood vessels as it works. That usually means less bleeding and often no stitches.
Is laser gum treatment better than deep cleaning?
It doesn't replace deep cleaning. Removing tartar and bacteria from the roots is still the core treatment for gum disease. The laser can be used alongside it to treat the inflamed pocket lining. Research on how much extra benefit a laser adds is still limited, so we use it where it helps your case.
Is laser gum treatment painful?
Most people find it comfortable. The area is numbed first, and because there's less bleeding and often no cut to stitch, soreness afterwards tends to be mild.
What does laser gum treatment cost?
It depends on the procedure and how many teeth are involved. After the gum examination you get a written estimate, before anything starts.
How long does healing take?
A few days for small reshaping, and one to two weeks for larger areas such as gum depigmentation. You'll be told what to eat and how to clean the area.
Can a laser fix receding gums?
A laser can't grow gum back. Receding gums that need covering are treated with a gum graft. See our page on receding gums.
Sources
Mills et al., AAP best evidence consensus statement on laser therapy for periodontitis, Journal of Periodontology, 2018 ↗NHS: gum disease ↗ADA MouthHealthy: gum disease ↗Last updated 14 October 2026. This page explains options in general terms; your own plan comes from an examination.