Pass 01
Near-infrared light
Reducing bacteria
A thin fibre goes into the pocket. The light acts on bacteria and inflamed lining and can help limit bleeding for the rest of the visit.
Point Cook · Gum disease treatment
Laser periodontal
therapy in Point Cook
Dual-wavelength laser periodontal therapy treats gum disease by using two kinds of laser light inside the gum pocket: one aimed at bacteria and inflamed tissue, one at hardened deposits on the root. At Magical Smiles Point Cook it is one option your dentist may suggest after measuring your gums, alongside deep cleaning and regular reviews.
Where to start
Has anyone really explained what is happening under your gums?
Gum disease news often arrives as a list of numbers, "four millimetres here, six there", and a recommendation that can feel overwhelming. No wonder people put the next step off.
Dual-wavelength laser periodontal therapy is a minimally invasive way to treat gum pockets, using two laser wavelengths one after another in the same appointment. It is recommended only where it suits your gums, and usually sits alongside deep cleaning and regular reviews. Either way, your plan is explained before anything starts.
Gum disease becomes more common with age. The national adult oral health study of 2017–18 found moderate or severe periodontitis in 12% of adults aged 15–34, 33% of those aged 35–54, 51% of those aged 55–74 and 69% of people aged 75 and over (AIHW, page updated 6 August 2026). As healthdirect puts it (last reviewed February 2025), periodontitis can't be cured, but it can be controlled.
You don't need any science background to follow this page. We explain it simply, so you can take part in decisions about your gums.
Why two wavelengths
Two kinds of laser light, each with adifferent job.
A diseased gum pocket holds several problems at once: bacteria, inflamed lining and hardened tartar on the root. Different kinds of light are absorbed by different materials, so using two wavelengths lets each part of the pocket be treated by the light best suited to it.
Wavelength 1 ·
Near-infrared
Absorbed by pigment · reaches deeper
This kind of light is taken up by dark pigments, such as those in inflamed tissue and in many gum disease bacteria. It has less effect on healthy tissue, so it acts mainly where the problem is.
- Targets bacteria in the pocket
- Reaches down into deep pockets
- May help limit bleeding
- Used either side of the second wavelength
Wavelength 2 ·
Mid-infrared
Absorbed by water · very fine control
This kind of light is taken up by water, which makes it useful for loosening tartar and cleaning the root surface inside the pocket. It works in very thin layers, giving your dentist close control.
- Helps remove tartar from the root
- Works in thin, controlled layers
- Used in the middle step
- Works together with the first wavelength
In simple terms: a single wavelength suits only some of the jobs inside a gum pocket. Using two lets your dentist address the bacteria and the root surface in the same visit, where this approach suits your case.
The treatment steps
Three steps, usually inone visit.
Treatment usually follows a set order: first wavelength, second wavelength, then the first again. Your dentist explains each step as it happens and pauses whenever you have a question.
Pass 02
Mid-infrared light
Cleaning the root
The second wavelength helps remove tartar from the root inside the pocket, in very thin layers. Hand instruments may be used as well.
Pass 03
Near-infrared light
Helping it settle
A last pass with the first wavelength helps a stable clot form in the pocket, which supports healing over the following days.
Possible benefits
Why your dentist may suggest it,when it suits you.
01 · Match
The right light foreach job
Bacteria, gum lining and tartar absorb light differently, so two wavelengths cover more of the work.
02 · Less
Less bleeding
The laser can help limit bleeding during and after treatment, and many people find recovery easier than expected.
03 · Conserve
No cutting open
Treatment happens inside the existing pocket, without the cut-and-stitch flap surgery used in some gum treatment.
04 · One visit
Often one sitting
All three steps are usually completed in a single appointment for each area treated.
Your options
Laser therapy and gum surgery compared.
Illustration of gum pocket depth. The first red bar shows depth at the start; the shorter bar shows depth at review, with green marking the difference. This is not a patient result, and outcomes vary.
Compare
Dual-wavelength laser therapy
Gum flap surgery
Access to pocket
Inside the pocket with a thin fibre
Gum is lifted to reach the root
Stitches
Usually not needed
Usually needed
Bleeding
Often less
More, as the gum is opened
Recovery
Often easier than people expect
More aftercare and a longer settling time
Visits
Usually one per area, then reviews
Surgery, stitch removal and reviews
Suitability
Decided after assessment; not for every case
Considered when laser therapy won't suit
What to expect
From first call to follow-up review.
People often tell us they didn't know what to expect. Here is what the next few months usually look like.
If your gums have been flagged more than once, you are not alone, and the next step is usually simpler than people fear.
Stage 01 · Assessment
Measure, then plan
Your dentist measures every gum pocket, takes x-rays if needed and reviews earlier records, then explains the findings simply. Treatment is booked only when the plan makes sense to you.
Stage 02 · Treatment visit
Numbing, then three steps
The area is numbed if needed. The first wavelength, then the second, then the first again are used in each pocket, and we stop whenever you ask.
Stage 03 · The first days
Back to normal, usually
Most people get back to normal activities the same day. You'll get aftercare advice on eating and brushing, and you can call us if anything feels wrong.
Stage 04 · Reviews and maintenance
Measure, then measure again
At review visits, often around six weeks and three months, we measure the pockets again. Maintenance cleans are then planned around how your gums respond.
Could it suit you?
Should you book an assessment?
Whether laser therapy suits you depends on your pocket depths, bone levels, medical history and how advanced the gum disease is. These lists can help you decide whether to book an assessment; they are not a diagnosis.
Worth booking if
- You've been told you have gum pockets and a deep clean has been suggested before.
- Your gums have bled when brushing or flossing for more than a few weeks.
- You've had gum treatment before and want to know about less invasive options.
- You are wary of gum surgery and want to understand laser therapy.
- You like to read up first and call once you understand the options.
Probably not for you if
- You want a cosmetic gum change; see our laser gum lift page instead.
- You just need a routine check-up and clean, which we can also help with.
- You want treatment without an assessment; gum care always starts with a diagnosis.
About the names. You may have searched for LANAP, a trademarked US laser protocol linked to one system, which we don't perform. Our laser gum treatment (LAPT) page explains the laser-assisted gum care we offer. Your assessment decides whether a laser-based or conventional approach suits you. For decay rather than gums, see laser cavity treatment.
About the laser
Two wavelengths,explained simply.
Dual-wavelength therapy pairs a near-infrared laser, absorbed by pigment, with a mid-infrared laser, absorbed by water. Your dentist will explain the laser approach planned for your gums before treatment.
- Wavelength 01
- Near-infraredBacteria and inflamed gum lining
- Wavelength 02
- Mid-infraredTartar and the root surface
- Sequence
- Three stepsFirst, second, then first wavelength again.
- More
- Other treatmentsSee all laser dentistry.
FAQs
Laser gum therapy questions.
It is a gum disease treatment that uses two laser wavelengths in a set order in one appointment. Dual-wavelength approaches usually pair a near-infrared laser, such as Nd:YAG, with a water-absorbed mid-infrared laser, such as Er:YAG, to treat different parts of the gum pocket. It is offered as a minimally invasive option where an assessment shows it suits you.
A scale and clean removes deposits at and just under the gumline as routine care. Laser therapy is considered when gum disease has created deeper pockets containing inflamed tissue, tartar on the root and active bacteria. An assessment decides whether it is appropriate.
Different materials absorb different light. One wavelength is absorbed by pigmented bacteria and inflamed tissue; the other by water, which suits tartar and root cleaning. Using both covers more of the pocket.
Local anaesthetic is used if needed, and we talk about comfort before starting. Most people feel pressure rather than pain, though experiences vary.
Usually one or two treatment sessions followed by reviews. It depends on how advanced the disease is, how many pockets are involved and how your gums respond.
Most people return to normal activities the same day. You'll get advice on eating, brushing and what to watch for, and a review to re-measure your pockets.
No. Both use laser energy to treat gum disease, but they are different protocols. LANAP is a trademarked US protocol tied to a specific laser system, and we do not perform it. An assessment will show whether laser therapy suits your gums.
Ask about laser periodontal therapy at Magical Smiles Point Cook, 220 Point Cook Road, Point Cook VIC 3030, open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. An assessment decides whether it suits you. Call (03) 8338 1515.
It depends on how many teeth and pockets are treated and how advanced the disease is. Costs and item numbers are explained before treatment. We accept most health funds with on-the-spot HICAPS claims, and Afterpay, Zip Pay, Humm and SuperCare are available to eligible patients.
Visit us
Gum care inPoint Cook. Six days a week.
01
Magical Smiles Point Cook
220 Point Cook Road, Point Cook VIC 3030
Phone(03) 8338 1515
HoursMon–Sat 9am–5pm
Next step
Stop "keeping an eye on it" and get a clear plan.
A gum assessment at Magical Smiles Point Cook will show whether laser therapy suits you. If it doesn't, you'll leave knowing what will.
Laser periodontal therapy is provided only where clinically appropriate, after a full gum assessment. Suitability, plans and outcomes differ between people. This page is general information, not clinical advice. Dr Rachna Yadav and Dr Amolak Deep are registered with AHPRA.