Most people hear “dental treatment” and picture drills, stitches, and a recovery that stretches into the weekend. Dental lasers offer a different approach for many procedures. Think of a laser as a pen made of light, one that treats a very small area with a high level of control, often with less bleeding and less trauma to the tissue around it.
At All Smiles Dentistry in Lake Stevens, Dr. Jason Steinhubel and our team use laser technology as part of a broader commitment to modern, comfortable care. Since opening in 2004, we have made it a priority to keep up with advances that help our patients, and laser dentistry is one of the tools that reflects that. As part of our cosmetic dentistry and periodontal care services, lasers give us a minimally invasive option for concerns ranging from gum reshaping to targeted treatment of gum disease.
Dental lasers use concentrated light energy to treat soft tissue and, in some applications, hard tissue. Instead of cutting with a scalpel, a laser removes or reshapes targeted tissue with a high degree of control. For many procedures, that can mean less bleeding, less trauma to nearby tissue, and in some cases no need for sutures. Lasers do not replace every dental tool, and your dentist will tell you when a traditional instrument is the better choice.
One of the most important uses of lasers in dentistry today is LANAP, short for Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure, a laser protocol designed to treat periodontal (gum) disease. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, gum disease affects a significant share of adults and, when left untreated, can contribute to tooth loss and other health concerns. LANAP aims to address the disease at its source while supporting healthy tissue and bone. You can read more in our post on what LANAP is and how it treats gum disease.
During a LANAP procedure, a thin laser fiber is gently placed in the gum pocket alongside the tooth. The steps below give you a general picture, and your periodontist will explain how they apply to your mouth.
Many patients feel less discomfort and swelling than they would after traditional gum surgery, and recovery is often shorter. The procedure is far less intimidating than it sounds, and for some patients it is the treatment that finally makes addressing gum health feel manageable.
Laser technology at All Smiles Dentistry goes beyond LANAP. Here are some of the areas where our team uses dental lasers.
Each of these uses the same principle, effective treatment with as little disruption to nearby tissue as possible. If you are curious about reshaping your gumline, see our page on laser gum recontouring.
Many patients researching gum disease treatment want to know how a laser approach compares with traditional surgery. Every case is different, and your dentist can explain what applies to you, but laser periodontal therapy, including LANAP, is generally associated with several potential advantages.
| Comparison | Laser Periodontal Therapy | Traditional Gum Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions and sutures | Typically none | Gum tissue is cut and stitched |
| Bleeding | Often less, since the laser can help seal small vessels | Often more during and after treatment |
| Effect on healthy tissue | Targets diseased tissue with more precision | Greater trauma to surrounding tissue |
| Recovery | Shorter for many patients, often with less swelling | Often longer, with more swelling and discomfort |
| Goal | Remove infection and support reattachment | Access and clean roots, then reposition tissue |
To learn how periodontal therapy fits into a broader plan, see our gum disease treatment page.
Laser periodontal therapy may be an option if you have bleeding or swollen gums, deep pockets between your teeth and gums, receding gums, persistent bad breath, or you have been told you need gum surgery. Candidacy depends on the stage of your disease and your overall health, so an exam comes first. Dr. Izoh Ashour, our Board Certified Periodontist, will evaluate your gums and explain which option fits.
Not every practice invests in the training and technology that laser dentistry requires. Dr. Jason has built All Smiles Dentistry around the idea that quality comes before volume, which means choosing tools that improve patient outcomes rather than simply adding impressive names to a service list. We also work alongside Dr. Izoh Ashour, DDS, MS, a Board Certified Periodontist who focuses on gum disease and advanced periodontal care.
If dental visits make you anxious, we also offer sedation dentistry to help you feel relaxed. And if gum disease has already cost you a tooth, treating the underlying condition first creates a stronger foundation for dental implants later.
The cost of laser dentistry depends on the procedure. A simple laser procedure usually costs less than a full gum treatment, and your plan may cover part of it. All Smiles Dentistry is in network with Delta Dental, Regents, and Premera, and we accept out-of-network benefits from many other carriers. See our insurance page and payment plans page, and we will give you a clear estimate at your consultation.
Laser dentistry is not only about comfort in the moment. It is about setting the stage for better healing and lasting oral health. When gum tissue is treated with precision rather than force, it can respond better and hold the gains of treatment over time. The goal is not only to treat today’s infection but to create conditions where the gums can stabilize and stay healthy.
Dr. Jason Steinhubel and our team approach every patient as an individual and take the time to explain your options clearly. If you are ready to explore what laser dentistry could do for your smile and your health, contact our office or call 425-335-1111 to schedule your consultation.
Our hygienists receive additional training in laser therapy and help patients with procedures such as gum contouring and bacterial reduction.
I have more than 5 years of experience in the dental field, and I am deeply passionate about promoting oral health. I am specially trained in laser therapy, using advanced technology to provide gentle and effective treatments for procedures like gum contouring and bacterial reduction. I enjoy educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices and take pride in creating a comfortable and positive experience.
Jericha Jensen’s career in dental hygiene was sparked during her four years as a dental assistant at a pediatric office, which inspired her to pursue her degree in the field. She went on to earn her bachelor of applied science in dental hygiene from Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Her advanced education included specialized training in laser therapy, allowing her to perform precise, minimally invasive procedures that enhance patient comfort and improve clinical outcomes.
A dental laser is an instrument that delivers a focused beam of light to treat a small, targeted area. The word “laser” stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Dentists use lasers for select procedures, including treating gum disease, reshaping gum tissue, and some cavity work, to support efficiency and patient comfort.
Many patients find laser treatments comfortable, but how a procedure feels depends on the treatment. Some procedures still use local anesthesia, and you may notice mild soreness or sensitivity afterward. Tell our team if you feel anxious, and we can discuss options, including sedation dentistry, to keep you comfortable.
Not entirely. Lasers can handle certain soft tissue procedures and some cavity preparation, but many treatments still need traditional instruments. Dr. Jason will explain which tool is best for your situation.
Laser assisted periodontal therapy is a general term for using dental lasers, including the LANAP protocol, to treat gum disease with a targeted approach that is often less invasive than traditional gum surgery. Many patients appreciate that it often involves less bleeding, less trauma to nearby tissue, and a shorter recovery window.
Cost depends on the procedure. A simple laser treatment may cost less than a full gum therapy, and your dental plan may cover part of it. Our team can review your benefits, and we offer Cherry financing, CareCredit, and in-house payment plans.
Many patients return to normal activities quickly, but the gum tissue takes longer to heal fully. Your periodontist will give you aftercare instructions and a follow-up schedule specific to your treatment.
Our team always listens to your concerns and gets to know you before customizing your experience to your needs. We want to ensure your comfort while bringing you the best treatments modern family dentistry has to offer.
Feel relaxed at your Lake Stevens dentist as our team takes great care of you. If you’re feeling nervous, our nitrous oxide or conscious sedation options can put you at ease. We’re in good hands here. Feel relaxed at your Lake Stevens dentist
Each time you visit, expect the same level of high-quality care with modern technology and your own dedicated provider. Discover more effective and gentle dentistry with digital imaging, lasers, same-day crowns, and more.
Dr. Jason Steinhubel opened All Smiles Dentistry in Lake Stevens in 2004 to give the community he loves a better dental experience. A member of the American Dental Association, he brings a background in forensics, dental assisting, and dental lab work to a technology-forward, family-focused practice built on prevention, education, and comprehensive care under one roof.
View Dr. Steinhubel's full profile