Laser Periodontal Therapy in Oregon

The Definitive Guide to Fotona TwinLight® Gum Disease Treatment

CARE | Smiles + Skin — Dr. Andy Burton

What Is Laser Periodontal Therapy?

Laser periodontal therapy is a minimally invasive treatment for gum disease that uses focused light energy to remove infected tissue, disinfect periodontal pockets, and stimulate healing — often without traditional surgery.

At CARE | Smiles + Skin, we use Fotona’s TwinLight® Periodontal Treatment, a dual-wavelength laser protocol combining:

  • Nd:YAG laser technology

  • Er:YAG laser technology

This approach maximizes bacterial elimination, precision tissue removal, and clot stabilization for improved healing outcomes.



Why Periodontal Disease Requires Advanced Treatment

Periodontitis is not simply “bleeding gums.” It is a chronic inflammatory disease involving:

  • Pathogenic biofilm below the gumline

  • Loss of connective tissue attachment

  • Progressive bone loss

  • Systemic inflammatory burden

Untreated periodontal disease is associated in the literature with:

  • Cardiovascular disease

  • Cognitive decline

  • Metabolic dysregulation

  • Chronic inflammatory load

Effective treatment must address:

  1. Bacterial elimination

  2. Biofilm disruption

  3. Infected epithelial lining removal

  4. Root surface detoxification

  5. Clot stabilization

  6. Tissue regeneration

This is precisely what TwinLight® therapy accomplishes.

Why TwinLight® Technology Is Different

Most laser systems use a single wavelength. TwinLight® therapy integrates two optimized wavelengths in one coordinated procedure:

Wavelength Primary Function Clinical Benefit


Nd:YAG Deep disinfection + coagulation. Reduces bacteria and stabilizes clot formation

Er:YAG Biofilm + calculus removal Precise root detoxification with minimal trauma

The synergy of both wavelengths enhances safety, precision, and biological response.

The TwinLight® 3-Step Clinical Protocol

Step 1: Nd:YAG – Diseased Pocket Epithelium Removal

Selective photothermolysis removes the infected epithelial lining and reduces bacterial load within the pocket.

Step 2: Er:YAG – Root Surface Detoxification

The Er:YAG laser removes biofilm and calculus while minimizing thermal damage and preserving healthy tissue.

Step 3: Nd:YAG – Coagulation & Clot Stabilization

Laser energy promotes a stable fibrin clot — critical for tissue reattachment and pocket depth reduction.

This three-step protocol creates a biologically favorable healing environment.


Conditions Treated with Laser Periodontal Therapy

Laser therapy can be used for:

  • Gingivitis

  • Moderate to severe periodontitis

  • Deep periodontal pockets

  • Infected gum tissue

  • Gum contouring

  • Crown lengthening

  • Gingival depigmentation

  • Soft tissue bacterial decontamination

The Biological Science Behind Laser Gum Treatment

Laser periodontal therapy works through:

1. Selective Photothermolysis

Targets diseased epithelial tissue while preserving healthy gum structures.

2. Bacterial Reduction

Laser energy penetrates periodontal pockets, reducing pathogenic bacterial load.

3. Biofilm Disruption

Er:YAG energy efficiently removes calculus and biofilm from root surfaces.

4. Coagulation & Fibrin Stabilization

Nd:YAG promotes clot formation, creating a stable environment for tissue reattachment.

5. Collagen Stimulation

Laser interaction can stimulate tissue remodeling and healing response.


Advantages Over Traditional Gum Surgery

Compared to conventional flap surgery, laser therapy often provides:

  • Reduced bleeding

  • Minimal swelling

  • No sutures in most cases

  • Faster recovery

  • Lower post-operative discomfort

  • Preservation of healthy tissue

  • High patient acceptance


Who Is a Candidate?

You may be a candidate if you:

  • Have periodontal pocket depths greater than 4mm

  • Experience bleeding gums

  • Have bone loss around teeth

  • Prefer minimally invasive options

  • Want advanced technology guided by experienced care

Why Choose CARE | Smiles + Skin?

Dr. Andy Burton integrates:

  • Advanced dual-wavelength laser systems

  • Digital periodontal diagnostics

  • Comprehensive treatment planning

  • Evidence-based protocols

  • Whole-health awareness

Located on the waterfront in Hood River, Oregon, CARE | Smiles + Skin blends advanced implant dentistry, periodontal care, and regenerative philosophy in one integrated practice.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is laser gum treatment painful?
Most patients report significantly less discomfort than traditional surgery.

Does laser periodontal therapy replace scaling and root planing?
Laser therapy enhances and optimizes root detoxification and bacterial reduction beyond mechanical methods alone.

How long does recovery take?
Healing is typically faster than traditional surgical approaches.

Is it safe?
When performed by trained clinicians using wavelength-specific protocols, it is both safe and precise.

The Future of Periodontal Therapy

Laser dentistry represents a shift from mechanical removal alone to biologically optimized treatment. By combining deep disinfection, precision tissue removal, and clot stabilization, TwinLight® therapy supports both immediate results and long-term periodontal stability.

Schedule a Laser Periodontal Evaluation in Hood River

If you are searching for:

  • Laser gum surgery Oregon or Washington

  • Fotona periodontal treatment

  • Minimally invasive gum disease care

  • Advanced periodontal therapy

CARE | Smiles + Skin offers one of the most advanced dual-wavelength laser systems available today.

Healthy gums are the foundation of a stable, confident smile.
Let’s protect them the modern way.

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