The laser is used with numbing (anesthetic) for procedures such as, contouring of gum tissue, removal of soft tissue lesions, to gain access to cavities below the gumline, and to control bleeding. In some patients that take certain medications that cause excessive growth of gums, the laser is used to remove the overgrown tissue. This leads to healthier gums due to ease of cleaning and a more esthetic smile. For some patients in braces with poor oral hygiene leading to swollen and inflamed gums, the laser is used trim excess gum tissue to aid in cleaning. Laser surgery is faster, less invasive, and healing time is greatly reduced for many dental procedures.