Laser Surgery

Laser surgery has become a modern and safe technique with benefits that both patients and surgeons enjoy. Dr. Ruprecht uses a Gemini™ diode laser, a precision instrument that uses light wave energy to remove or reshape soft tissue. This laser technology seals exposed blood vessels as it removes tissue, providing faster healing and less pain.

For cosmetic surgery, lasers allow the precise control needed for shaping gum contours. For infection control, diode lasers remove aggressive bacteria such as porphyromonas, gingivalis and actinomycetemcomitans, which are difficult to access with traditional scaling and root planing alone. These pathogens are not only destructive to the oral tissues but they also travel from the oral cavity to key organs and may compromise our general health.

Periodontal disease control

Laser surgery is used to augment traditional scaling and root planing for the most thorough

removal of disease-causing bacteria. Our laser-certified hygienists provide this service.

Gingivectomy 

During a gingivectomy, Dr. Ruprecht uses laser surgery to improve a “gummy smile.” The laser removes excess gum tissue and reshapes the gumline to balance your teeth so they match the design of your smile. This procedure exposes more of your natural teeth hidden beneath your gums. Crown lengthening may be needed with gingivectomy.

Frenectomy

With a frenectomy, Dr. Ruprecht uses a laser to release muscle attachments that anchor the lips or tongue to the gum tissue. In many cases, a frenectomy is needed to remove a thick labial frenum that separates the two upper front teeth, making it difficult for an orthodontist to bring them together. In other cases, trimming a labial frenum keeps it from pulling on the gumline and causing recession.

A frenectomy also corrects ”tongue-tie,” a condition where the tip of the tongue is anchored to the floor of the mouth. This compromise impairs eating, speech, oral hygiene, and other functions, like musicians and singers being able to create beautiful sounds in music.

Mouth sores and ulcers

For mouth sores and ulcers, such as cold sores and canker sores, laser surgery speeds up the healing process and reduces pain.

The advantages of laser surgery include:

• Bleeding control
• No need for sutures
• Reduced pain after surgery
• Bactericidal (bacteria killing) effects
• Better oxygenation and enzyme activity
• Increased circulation for faster healing