Laser Gum Treatment vs. Traditional Deep Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile—and just like the foundation of your home, they need consistent care to stay strong. When gum disease develops, catching and treating it early can protect not just your smile but your overall health. At Franklin County Laser Dentistry, we offer both traditional deep cleaning and laser gum treatment to help restore gum health. While both methods are effective, they work a little differently. Here’s what you need to know before deciding which might be right for you.

Understanding Traditional Deep Cleaning

Traditional deep cleaning—also called scaling and root planing—is the go-to method for treating mild to moderate gum disease. It’s a hands-on, non-surgical process that removes the bacteria, plaque, and tartar that have built up below your gumline.

It happens in two main steps:

• Scaling: We remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and underneath the gums where your toothbrush can’t reach.
  
• Root Planing: We smooth the roots of your teeth so bacteria have fewer places to hide, which helps your gums reattach more securely.
  
  

This tried-and-true method has been used for decades because it works. It may take more than one visit and can cause some temporary soreness, but it’s one of the most reliable ways to get gum disease under control.

The Advantages of Laser Gum Treatment

Laser gum treatment takes a more modern approach. Using precise laser technology, we can target and remove diseased gum tissue while leaving healthy tissue untouched. The laser also helps disinfect the area and encourages your gums to heal more quickly.

Some key benefits include:

• Less discomfort: Most patients report less swelling and soreness afterward compared to traditional methods.
  
• Faster recovery: The laser stimulates healing, so you’re back to normal sooner.
  
• Extra precision: Because the laser targets only infected areas, there’s less impact on the surrounding healthy tissue.
  
  

While laser treatment may have a higher upfront cost and isn’t always fully covered by insurance, many patients find the added comfort and quicker healing worth the investment.

How Do the Results Compare?

Both treatments can be very effective when paired with good home care and regular check-ins. The choice often comes down to your specific case:

• Traditional Deep Cleaning: Often ideal for early to moderate gum disease and for patients who don’t need surgical precision.
  
• Laser Gum Treatment: A great option for more advanced cases or for patients who want a minimally invasive approach with faster healing.
  
  

Your results also depend on how well you follow your at-home care plan after treatment—regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings are key for keeping gum disease from coming back.

Choosing the Right Option for You

When deciding between the two, think about:

• Severity of gum disease: Advanced cases may benefit more from laser precision.
  
• Your comfort preferences: If you’re concerned about pain or downtime, laser therapy might be the better fit.
  
• Insurance coverage and budget: We’ll walk you through the costs for both options so you can make an informed choice.
  
  

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you treat gum disease promptly. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and impact your overall health.

Experience Advanced Gum Care in Washington, MO

Whether you’re leaning toward traditional deep cleaning or exploring the benefits of laser gum treatment in Washington, our team at Franklin County Laser Dentistry is here to guide you every step of the way. Dr. Schuyler combines small-town care with modern technology to make sure you get the treatment that’s right for you.

Call us today at (636) 239-2273 to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward healthier gums and a healthier smile.