Myth: Gum disease only matters if your teeth hurt.
Fact: Gum disease usually causes no pain in its early stages, yet it quietly damages the bone and tissue that hold the teeth. Bleeding gums are the early warning, and early treatment is simpler.
Periodontal Care · Merrick, NY
Laser gum treatment in Merrick, NY
Healthy gums hold your teeth in place. At Modern Dental Hub our dentists use a dental laser to treat gum disease and reshape uneven gum tissue with precision, removing bacteria and inflamed tissue while leaving healthy gum untouched. For most patients that means less bleeding, no stitches and a quicker return to normal than traditional gum surgery.
- Digital X-rays and 3D imagingModern diagnostics for precise, conservative treatment plans
- Same-day emergency visitsWhen possible, we see dental emergencies the same day
- Most major PPO plans acceptedOur office verifies your benefits before treatment
- Evening hours Tue–ThuOpen until 7 PM three days a week, 10–5 on Mondays and Fridays
Who laser gum treatment can help
Laser treatment may be right for you if you notice:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gum pockets that measure deeper than normal at your check-up
- Gums that are pulling away from the teeth, so teeth look longer
- Persistent bad breath that cleaning does not fix
- A "gummy" smile or an uneven gumline you would like reshaped
Early gum disease (gingivitis) often responds to a professional cleaning and better home care alone, and we will tell you if that is all you need. Laser treatment is for established periodontitis, where bacteria have moved below the gumline and formed pockets, and for cosmetic contouring of excess tissue. Very advanced disease with severe bone loss may need a periodontal specialist, and we refer when that is the better path. A dentist decides after a gum evaluation and X-rays.
What laser gum treatment is
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that collect below the gumline. The gums become inflamed, pull away from the teeth and form pockets where more bacteria hide. Left untreated, the infection breaks down the bone that supports the teeth, and teeth loosen. Traditional treatment opens the gum with a scalpel to clean the roots and then stitches it closed.
Laser gum treatment uses a focused beam of light instead. The laser removes diseased tissue and bacteria from inside the pocket and, because it seals small blood vessels as it works, bleeding is minimal and no stitches are needed. Healthy tissue is left intact, so the gum can heal and reattach to the clean root surface. The same precision lets us use the laser cosmetically: gum contouring removes a small amount of excess tissue to reveal more of the tooth and balance an uneven gumline.
Laser dentistry is one of three technologies the practice uses, alongside digital X-rays and 3D imaging (CBCT). Laser treatment is often combined with a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) so the roots below the gumline are smooth and free of tartar.
What to expect
After treatment, most patients notice gums that are firmer, bleed less and fit more snugly around the teeth, along with less swelling and a cleaner feeling. For contouring, the new gumline is visible right away and settles over the following weeks. Because the laser is precise, healing is usually quicker and more comfortable than with traditional surgery.
Mild soreness or sensitivity for a day or two is normal. Your gums may look slightly different as they heal. Significant bleeding and swelling are uncommon. Laser treatment is effective at controlling gum disease, but it is not a cure that lasts on its own; keeping the disease away depends on daily home care and regular professional cleanings. Results vary from person to person and depend on how advanced the disease was when treatment began.
How it works, step by step
Gum evaluation. A dentist examines your gums, measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth and takes digital X-rays to check the bone. We review your health history and explain which areas need treatment and whether contouring is appropriate.
Numbing. We numb the areas to be treated as needed. Most patients feel pressure and warmth rather than pain, and many describe the laser as gentler than they expected.
Laser treatment. The laser tip is guided into each pocket to remove diseased tissue and bacteria, then the root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed. For contouring, the laser shapes the gumline tooth by tooth. The laser seals as it works, so there are no stitches.
Review and maintenance plan. We check the treated areas, give you written aftercare and schedule a follow-up to measure the pockets again. Depending on severity, treatment is completed in one visit or spread over a few.
Aftercare and recovery
- Eat soft, cool foods for a day or two and avoid spicy, crunchy or very hot items that could irritate the gums.
- Brush and floss gently around the treated areas as directed, then return gradually to your normal routine.
- Rinse with warm salt water or a prescribed mouthwash as recommended to soothe the gums and keep the area clean.
- Avoid smoking, which slows gum healing and raises the risk of the disease returning.
- Maintain regular professional cleanings at the interval your dentist recommends; after gum treatment this is usually more often than twice a year.
- Call us if pain or swelling increases rather than improves after the first few days.
Cost, insurance and payment
The cost of laser gum treatment depends on how many areas need care, whether a deep cleaning is included and how many visits are planned. We explain the fee after the gum evaluation. Many dental insurance plans cover periodontal treatment in part; cosmetic contouring is usually not covered.
Modern Dental Hub accepts 24 dental insurance plans; benefits and coverage should be verified with the office before treatment. Flexible payment options are available for patients without insurance. Contact the office to discuss available arrangements. See insurance we accept and payment options.
Current offer
New Patient Special
Exam, consultation and 3 X-rays. Contact the office to confirm eligibility and offer terms.
Frequently asked questions
Is laser gum treatment painful?
Most patients find it comfortable. We numb the area as needed, and the laser's precision means less trauma to the gums. Mild tenderness for a day or two afterwards is normal.
How is it different from traditional gum surgery?
Laser treatment usually means less bleeding, less swelling, no stitches and faster healing, because it targets only the diseased tissue and leaves healthy gum intact.
How many visits will I need?
That depends on how advanced the gum disease is. Some patients are treated in a single session; more involved cases are spread over a few visits. We set out the plan after your evaluation.
Will my gum disease come back?
Laser treatment controls the disease, but keeping it away depends on daily brushing and flossing and regular professional cleanings. We help you build a maintenance schedule.
Can the laser fix a gummy smile?
Yes. Gum contouring removes a small amount of excess tissue to reveal more of the teeth and even out the gumline. The result is visible right away.
Myths and facts
Myth: Laser gum treatment is experimental.
Fact: Dental lasers have been used in gum treatment for many years and are a well-established, widely used technology.
Myth: If my gums stop bleeding, the disease is gone.
Fact: Less bleeding is a good sign, but pockets below the gumline can still harbor bacteria. Follow-up measurements and regular cleanings confirm that the gums are truly healthy.
Have a question about laser gum treatment? Our team will explain your options after an examination.
Our dentists
The dentists who provide this care
-
Dr. Margarita Kaus
Education and training
New York University, Doctor of Dental Surgery; Northwell Health (Residency)
Read more about Dr. Margarita Kaus -
Dr. Isaak Rubinov
Education and training
New York University, Doctor of Dental Surgery; Kings County Hospital Center, Residency in General Practice
Read more about Dr. Isaak Rubinov -
Dr. Jonathan Zaika
Education and training
New York University College of Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Surgery
Read more about Dr. Jonathan Zaika -
Dr. Stanley Faynblut
Education and training
Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, Doctor of Dental Surgery (Summa Cum Laude); NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health, General Practice Residency
Read more about Dr. Stanley Faynblut
Visit us
Talk with us about laser gum treatment.
Book online or call the office. A booking request is confirmed by our front desk; our team will contact you to confirm the time.
Get in touch
Have questions or need directions? We are here to help. Reach out or visit our office.
- Merrick, Long Island
- 235 Sunrise Highway
Merrick, NY 11566 - Hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday – Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday
- Closed
- Phone
- (516) 855-6855