At Smileworks, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of dental innovation to deliver care that’s more comfortable, precise, and effective. One of the most exciting advancements in dentistry today is laser technology, which allows us to perform many soft tissue procedures with greater ease and minimal discomfort.

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry uses highly focused light energy to perform dental procedures, particularly those involving soft tissues, without the need for scalpels or stitches. The laser energy interacts with oral tissues in a controlled and precise manner, making treatment both efficient and minimally invasive.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry:

• Reduced bleeding and swelling
• Less discomfort during and after treatment
• No need for sutures in most cases
• Faster healing and recovery
• Minimal risk of infection
• Greater precision, especially in delicate areas

This technology is especially valuable in pediatric and cosmetic dentistry, where comfort and aesthetics are essential.

Services We Use Laser Dentistry For

At Smileworks, we use advanced dental lasers to improve the patient experience and outcomes for a variety of procedures. Two key services that benefit significantly from laser technology are:

• Laser Frenectomy – used to treat tongue-tie and lip-tie conditions in children and adults.

• Laser Gingivoplasty – performed to reshape or contour the gumline for improved aesthetics and oral health.

These procedures are safer, faster, and more comfortable when performed with a laser, making them ideal choices for patients who value minimally invasive care.

Laser Frenectomy: Releasing Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Gently and Precisely

A frenectomy is a procedure that removes or modifies the frenum—a small fold of tissue located under the tongue (lingual frenum) or between the upper lip and gums (labial frenum). If this tissue is too tight or restrictive, it can cause various issues related to speech, feeding, oral hygiene, and development.

Conditions Treated:

• Tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia): Can interfere with breastfeeding, speech, and oral mobility.

• Lip-tie: May cause difficulty in latching for infants or contribute to spacing between the front teeth and gum recession.

Why Use a Laser?

Using a laser instead of a scalpel provides a gentler and more precise solution:

• Minimal to no bleeding due to laser cauterization
• No stitches required
• Reduced discomfort for infants, children, and adults
• Shorter procedure time (often under 10 minutes)
• Faster recovery—many children resume normal feeding or speech use within hours

At Smileworks, we often perform laser frenectomies on infants, children, and even adults who have struggled with these issues for years. The improvement is often immediate, especially in breastfeeding outcomes and speech articulation.

Laser Gingivoplasty: Sculpting the Ideal Gumline

Gingivoplasty is the surgical reshaping of gum tissue to improve the appearance of the gums or support better oral hygiene. This procedure is often recommended for patients with excessive, uneven, or misshapen gum tissue.

When Is Gingivoplasty Recommended?

• To correct a “gummy smile” (excess gum tissue covering the teeth)
• After orthodontic treatment when gum overgrowth occurs
• To even out an asymmetrical gumline
• To improve access for brushing and flossing, reducing the risk of gum disease

Why Use a Laser?

Traditional gingivoplasty involves cutting tissue with a scalpel, which can lead to bleeding, swelling, and longer healing times. With a dental laser:

• Tissue is gently vaporized and contoured with high precision
• There is minimal discomfort during the procedure
• Bleeding is significantly reduced
• No stitches are needed
• Recovery is faster, with less swelling and discomfort

Patients love the improved appearance and functionality of their smile—and with laser treatment, the entire process is smoother from start to finish.

Why Smileworks Chooses Laser Dentistry

At Smileworks, patient comfort and quality of care are our top priorities. By integrating laser technology into our soft tissue procedures, we’re able to offer:

• Minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgeries
• Faster, more comfortable healing
• Exceptional results in both pediatric and cosmetic dental care

Our dentists are trained and experienced in the use of soft-tissue lasers, and we ensure every procedure is performed with precision, care, and attention to your individual needs.

Ready to Experience the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?

Whether your child needs a frenectomy or you're interested in reshaping your gums for a healthier, more attractive smile, Smileworks is here to help. Laser dentistry allows us to offer effective treatment without the anxiety or downtime associated with traditional procedures.