7630 W 111th St., Palos Hills, IL 60465 ☎ (708) 974-1319

Services · Palos Hills, IL

Laser Dentistry

Dental lasers give us a more precise tool for certain soft-tissue procedures — treating gum disease, reshaping gum tissue, or handling small soft-tissue biopsies — often with less bleeding and a smoother recovery than traditional methods.

Laser treatment isn't a fit for every procedure, but where it applies, patients often notice less discomfort afterward and a shorter healing window.

We'll always tell you plainly whether a laser approach is available and appropriate for what you need — this page describes the option, not a guarantee it's the right call for your specific case, which we'll confirm at your visit.

If you're curious whether a procedure you need could be done with laser treatment, ask at your next appointment or give us a call.

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What a Dental Laser Actually Does

A dental laser delivers a concentrated beam of light energy that removes or reshapes tissue very precisely. The practical benefit is selectivity: it treats the tissue it's aimed at and leaves what's around it alone, which usually means less bleeding, less swelling, and faster healing than the equivalent done with a blade.

Different lasers suit different tissue. Soft-tissue lasers work on gum and mucosa; hard-tissue lasers are used on enamel and bone. Which is appropriate depends entirely on the procedure, and we'll explain what we're using and why before we start.

Where It Helps

Laser treatment is a tool for particular jobs rather than a replacement for everything else. The situations where it earns its place:

  • Gum disease treatment — removing infected tissue from periodontal pockets and disinfecting the site
  • Gum reshaping — evening out a gum line, or exposing more tooth structure before a crown is fitted
  • Cold sores and mouth ulcers — shortening healing time and easing discomfort
  • Frenectomy — releasing a tight lip or tongue tie, often with no stitches needed
  • Biopsy — taking a small tissue sample cleanly for examination

Is It Safe, and Does It Hurt Less?

Dental lasers have been in clinical use for decades and are approved for the procedures they're used in. You'll wear protective eyewear during treatment, and so will we — that's standard practice, not a sign of risk.

On comfort: soft-tissue laser procedures frequently need less anaesthetic than the conventional equivalent, seal small blood vessels as they work so there's less bleeding, and tend to heal faster with less post-operative swelling. That's a genuine advantage, not a marketing claim — but it varies by procedure, and we'll tell you honestly what to expect for yours rather than promising a painless appointment.

Cost and Insurance

Insurance coverage follows the procedure, not the instrument. A gum treatment your plan covers is generally covered whether we perform it with a laser or conventionally, and billed under the same code. There isn't usually a separate charge for the laser itself. Call (708) 974-1319 with your plan details and we'll check the specific procedure before you come in.

Common Questions

Laser Dentistry — Questions Patients Ask

What is a dental laser used for?

Depending on the type, lasers are used for gum treatment and reshaping, removing diseased tissue, treating cold sores and ulcers, and in some cases preparing a tooth. The common thread is precision — a laser can target the tissue that needs treating and leave the rest alone.

Is laser treatment less painful than a drill?

Often, yes. Laser procedures on soft tissue frequently need less anesthetic, cause less bleeding, and heal faster than the equivalent with a scalpel. That varies by procedure, and we'll tell you what to expect for yours specifically.

Is it safe?

Dental lasers have been in clinical use for decades and are approved for the procedures they're used in. You'll wear protective eyewear during treatment, as will we.

Does insurance cover laser procedures?

Coverage depends on the procedure being performed rather than the instrument used — a covered gum treatment is generally covered whether it's done with a laser or conventionally. Call (708) 974-1319 with your plan and we'll check.

Still have a question? Call (708) 974-1319 or send us a message.