What to Eat After Laser Gum Surgery | The Expert Says

Laser gum surgery, while minimally invasive, still requires careful attention to diet to ensure optimal healing and comfort.  We’ve arranged a selection of foods and beverages tailored to meet your needs, Whether you’re experiencing delicacy and swelling or just searching for nourishing options to support your body’s healing mechanisms.

You will be empowered with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about your post-surgery diet. To understand what to eat after laser gum removal, let’s first discuss what laser gum removal is.

What is Laser Gum Removal 

Laser gum removal or surgery is also called laser periodontal therapy. It is a dental procedure for treating gum disease. It uses laser technology to precisely remove diseased gum tissue without cutting or stitching. 

This results in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional surgery. The laser also seals blood vessels and nerve endings which promotes faster healing and reduces infection risk. 

Laser Gum Removal Procedure   

Here are the steps involved in the laser gum removal procedure:

Assessment and Preparation: 

The process starts with a thorough examination by a dentist to assess the extent of gum disease and determine if laser gum removal is the appropriate treatment. 

The patient’s mouth is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure comfort during the treatment before the procedure begins. The area to be treated is also thoroughly cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection.

Laser Application: 

In this step, the dentist uses a specialized dental laser to target and remove the diseased gum tissue. The laser energy precisely targets the affected areas by gently vaporizing the bacteria and infected tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact.

Scaling and Root Planing : 

In some cases, the dentist performs scaling and root planning during the same appointment. This includes eliminating plaque buildup from the tooth roots and smoothing the root surfaces to prevent bacteria from reattaching.

Gum Tissue Recontouring: 

The dental laser can also be used to reshape and recontour the gum line for aesthetic purposes or to improve access for thorough cleaning.

Sealing Blood Vessels and Nerve Endings: 

As the laser removes the diseased tissue, it simultaneously seals blood vessels and nerve endings which minimizes bleeding and discomfort during and after the procedure.

 

 

What to Eat After Laser Gum Surgery 

Following are the food options to eat after laser gum surgery:

Soft Foods: 

Opt for soft, easy-to-chew foods that won’t irritate the surgical site. Examples include mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and pureed soups. These foods are gentle on the gums and provide essential nutrients without any extensive chewing.

Cool and Smooth Foods: 

Cold and smooth foods can help you alleviate to calm any discomfort. Consider items like chilled yogurt, pudding, ice cream, or frozen fruit smoothies into your diet. Avoid hot or spicy foods as they irritate the treated area.

Along with that stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Adequate hydration will support you in overall healing and help flush out toxins from the body. 

Protein-Rich Foods: 

Protein is important for tissue repair and wound healing. Incorporate lean sources of protein into your meals, such as grilled chicken, fish, tofu, beans, lentils, and Greek yogurt. These foods provide the building blocks necessary for the recovery of gum tissue.

Vitamins and Minerals Enriched Food: 

Consume foods rich in vitamins and minerals that promote gum health and immune function. Include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet, particularly those high in vitamin C like oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and vitamin A like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

How Long After Laser Gum Surgery Can I Eat 

After laser gum surgery, you should wait at least two to four hours before eating anything to allow the anesthesia to wear off and minimize the risk of accidental injury to the surgical site. 

During this initial period, stick to clear liquids like water or diluted fruit juices. After this initial waiting period, you can gradually start eating soft, gentle foods into your diet as tolerated. 

Gum Laser Surgery Recovery Tips  

• Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes, as they can cause dryness and irritation to the surgical site. Instead, use a prescribed mouthwash by your dentist.
• Elevate your head with extra pillows while sleeping to minimize swelling and promote better circulation.
• Avoid brushing or flossing directly over the surgical site.
• Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol during the recovery period.
• Continue to practice good oral hygiene during the recovery period, but be gentle around the surgical area. 
• Do not consume sugary foods and beverages, as they can contribute to bacterial growth and hinder healing.
• Use a straw when drinking liquids to avoid direct contact with the surgical site.
• After the initial healing time, gently apply vitamin E oil to the surgical area to help minimize scarring and promote tissue regeneration.
• Apply ice packs to the outside of your face for short breaks.
• Limit talking, especially in the first few days as aftercare to reduce movement around the surgical site and promote healing.    

 

How Long It Takes to Recover After LANAP Surgery     

The recovery time after LANAP surgery takes 6 to 8 weeks. Complete healing takes some weeks and it depends on individual factors such as overall health and the extent of the periodontal disease. 

FAQs

Can I drink coffee after LANAP surgery?  

No, you cannot drink coffee immediately after LANAP surgery. Coffee can irritate the surgical site and hurdle in the healing process. Caffeine interferes with the body’s ability to heal effectively.

Instead of coffee, 

• Opt for cool or lukewarm beverages that are gentle on the surgical site. 
• Consider having water, and herbal teas that must be non-caffeinated.
• Try chilled fruit juices that will surely help to keep you hydrated without compromising your recovery. 

It’s important to prioritize hydration to support the healing process and prevent complications like dry mouth, which can delay recovery.

Can I drink soda after LANAP surgery?    

No, you must avoid drinking soda immediately after LANAP surgery. Acidic drinks like soda always cause discomfort and delay recovery. It’s best to stick to recommended post-operative guidelines, which often include consuming only cool beverages and avoiding anything that could negatively impact healing.

Does laser gum surgery hurt? 

Laser gum surgery does not involve discomfort during the procedure. The laser used in this type of surgery is precise and causes less trauma to the gums compared to traditional methods. It results in reduced pain during and after the surgery. 

What do gums look like after laser treatment?  

After laser treatment, the gums can look gray, red, blue, white, yellow, and purple and can appear slightly swollen and possibly slightly irritated. This is normal and temporary for a few days as the healing process progresses.