What Is Laser Bacterial Reduction?
Preventive laser bacterial reduction is an advanced treatment that uses focused laser energy to target and eliminate harmful bacteria below the gumline before they can cause infection, inflammation, or periodontal disease. At Bensonhurst Dental Care, this service is provided by Dr. Alex Rubinshtein, a member of the Academy of Laser Dentistry with over 22 years of experience deploying the latest advances in dental technology. Laser bacterial reduction represents a proactive approach to gum health, addressing bacterial threats at their source rather than waiting for disease to develop.
Preventive Laser Bacterial Reduction: Quick Facts
Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
Number of visits | Part of a cleaning visit |
Time needed | 5 to 10 minutes |
Anesthesia | None |
Recovery time | None |
How often | At each cleaning or as recommended |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Who Benefits from Laser Bacterial Reduction
Laser bacterial reduction is particularly beneficial for patients who are at elevated risk of gum disease, including those with a family history of periodontal issues, patients with deeper pocket measurements, and those whose immune or systemic health conditions make them more susceptible to oral infections. It also serves as an effective complement to periodontal maintenance cleanings and deep cleanings provided by Dr. Geoffrey Rubinshtein, giving patients with existing periodontal conditions an additional tool in their ongoing care plan.
Laser bacterial reduction is an add-on to a cleaning. Light energy is passed around the gum pockets to reduce the bacteria that cause gum inflammation.
Gums that bleed at cleanings
A history of gum disease
Diabetes or another condition that slows healing
Braces, implants or crowns that trap plaque
A family history of gum problems
Preventive Laser Bacterial Reduction at Bensonhurst Dental Care
The procedure is performed during a preventive visit and is quick, comfortable, and non-invasive. The laser is gently directed along the gumline and into the periodontal pockets, where it reduces bacterial colonies without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. Patients typically experience no discomfort and require no anesthesia. The treatment can be completed in the same appointment as a routine cleaning, adding a powerful layer of protection to the standard preventive protocol.
What to Expect, Step by Step
Gum check. Pocket depths and bleeding are recorded.
Laser pass. A thin fiber is moved along the gumline of each tooth for a few seconds.
Cleaning. Your routine or maintenance cleaning follows.
Review. Bleeding points are compared at your next visit.
Laser bacterial reduction compared with other gum treatments
Treatment | Purpose | Anesthesia | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
Laser bacterial reduction | Lower bacteria before a cleaning | None | About 5 to 10 minutes |
Deep cleaning | Remove tartar from roots and treat gum disease | Local | 1 to 2 visits |
LANAP | Treat moderate to advanced gum disease | Local | Usually 2 visits |
Prevention is easiest when gums are still healthy. The aim of this treatment is to keep them that way.
Before and After Your Visit
Getting the most from your appointment
Before your visit
No preparation is needed
Brush and floss as usual
Tell us about any medications that increase sensitivity to light
After your visit
Eat and drink normally
Continue daily cleaning between your teeth
Repeat the treatment at the interval we suggest
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
Your gums are sore for more than a day
Bleeding increases
You notice a gum swelling
How It Supports Long-Term Gum Health
By reducing bacterial load before it triggers an inflammatory response, laser bacterial reduction helps maintain healthier gum tissue, supports the longevity of routine cleanings, and contributes to overall oral health in a way that traditional methods alone cannot achieve. It is one of several ways Bensonhurst Dental Care integrates advanced technology into everyday preventive care.
Cost and Insurance
Laser bacterial reduction is an optional step added to a cleaning visit, so its cost over a year depends on how many of your cleanings you pair it with. Because it goes beyond the standard cleaning, many dental plans do not include it, and those that do may pay only part of the fee, depending on your plan.
What affects the cost
Whether X-rays are due
The type of cleaning your gums need
Add-on services such as fluoride, sealants or laser bacterial reduction
Custom appliances such as nightguards and sports guards, which include a laboratory fee
Most dental plans cover exams, cleanings and X-rays at a high rate, often twice a year. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
