Laser Dentistry in Hillsboro — Diode and CO2 Lasers for Soft-Tissue Procedures

audit_keyword: laser dentistry hillsboro
dateModified: “2026-05-13”

Laser Dentistry in Hillsboro — Diode and CO2 Lasers for Soft-Tissue Procedures

Dental lasers use a focused beam of light to cut, vaporize, or sterilize tissue with more precision and less collateral damage than a scalpel or rotary instrument. At East Wind Dental Care, Dr. Merat Ostovar uses diode and CO2 laser systems for soft-tissue procedures: gum contouring, frenectomies, laser-assisted scaling and root planing, and treatment of certain oral lesions. For most patients, that means less local anesthesia, less bleeding, and faster healing than the traditional approach to the same procedure. Lasers do not replace the drill for cavities, and they do not replace the scaler for routine cleanings — but for the right procedure, they are a meaningfully better tool. Call (503) 614-0198 to ask whether a laser approach makes sense for your specific procedure.

What Is Laser Dentistry?

The term “laser” stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A dental laser produces a narrow, high-energy beam of light at a specific wavelength. Different wavelengths interact with different tissues — that is why several types of lasers exist in dentistry, each suited to a specific job.

The American Dental Association's MouthHealthy resource on laser dentistry describes it as a precise way to remove or reshape tissue, with applications in both hard tissue (teeth and bone) and soft tissue (gums, frenum, lesions). The ADA notes that lasers do not replace traditional dentistry — they are an additional tool for specific procedures where they offer real advantages.

Which Lasers Does Your Office Use?

At East Wind, the active laser systems are:

• Diode laser — a soft-tissue laser used for gum contouring, frenectomies, treatment of canker sores and cold sores, and decontamination during periodontal therapy. The diode laser is the workhorse soft-tissue laser in general dentistry.
• CO2 laser — a soft-tissue laser with a longer wavelength than the diode, useful for broader soft-tissue cuts, lesion removal, and biopsies. The CO2 laser cauterizes as it cuts, so bleeding is minimal.

We do not currently use a hard-tissue laser (such as Er:YAG or Er,Cr:YSGG / Waterlase) for cavity preparation. Cavity preparation in our office is still done with the high-speed handpiece, which is faster and more controlled for that specific job.

What Procedures Benefit Most from Laser Dentistry?

Gum Contouring (Gingival Reshaping)

If your gum line is uneven or your front teeth look short because too much gum tissue covers them (“gummy smile”), the diode laser can reshape the gum line in a single visit. The laser cauterizes as it cuts, so there is minimal bleeding and most patients do not need sutures. Healing is typically 1–2 weeks. See gummy smile treatment for the full procedure write-up.

Frenectomy (Lip-Tie or Tongue-Tie Release)

A frenum is the small fold of tissue connecting the lip to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth. When it is too tight or attached too low, it can cause speech issues, breastfeeding problems in infants, gum recession, or a midline gap between the front teeth. A laser frenectomy is faster than a scalpel approach, has less bleeding, often requires no sutures, and heals in a few days.

Laser-Assisted Scaling and Root Planing

For patients with periodontal disease, the diode laser is used after traditional scaling and root planing to decontaminate the periodontal pockets. The laser destroys bacteria deep in the pocket and helps the gum tissue reattach to the tooth root. It does not replace the scaler — the mechanical removal of tartar still has to happen first — but it improves outcomes for moderate to advanced cases.

Lesion Treatment and Biopsy

Suspicious oral lesions sometimes need to be removed for biopsy. The CO2 laser removes lesions cleanly with minimal bleeding and a small surgical site that heals quickly. For benign lesions like fibromas or papillomas, the laser is often the preferred removal method.

Cold Sore and Canker Sore Treatment

Low-level diode laser exposure to a developing cold sore (when caught early, in the tingling stage) can shorten the outbreak duration and reduce pain. For canker sores, a brief laser pass relieves pain almost immediately and accelerates healing.

Cavity Detection (Not Cavity Removal)

A separate fluorescence-based detection device can find early decay in pits and fissures that traditional explorers might miss. This is not the same as a cutting laser — it is a diagnostic tool. Use of this device is included in your routine exam at no additional charge.

What Does Laser Dentistry NOT Replace?

Honest answer: a lot. Lasers are a precision tool for specific procedures, not a replacement for the rest of dentistry. Specifically:

• Cavity removal — the high-speed handpiece is still faster and more controlled for removing decay and shaping a tooth for a filling or crown
• Routine cleanings — ultrasonic and hand scalers remove tartar; the laser does not replace this
• Implant surgery — implants are placed with surgical drills, not lasers
• Extractions — surgical and forceps extractions still require traditional instruments
• Crown preparation — the rotary handpiece is the right tool for shaping a tooth for a crown

If a clinician tells you a laser does everything, ask which specific brand and wavelength of laser, and which specific procedure they are referring to. The honest answer is that lasers are excellent for some things and unnecessary for others.

What Are the Patient Benefits of Laser Treatment?

For the procedures where laser is the right tool:

• Less local anesthesia. Many soft-tissue laser procedures (especially gum contouring on small areas) can be done with topical anesthetic only.
• Less bleeding. The laser cauterizes as it cuts, so the surgical site is dry and easier to see.
• Fewer sutures. Many procedures heal without stitches.
• Faster soft-tissue healing. Most patients report feeling normal within a few days.
• Lower infection risk. The laser sterilizes the surgical site as it works.
• Less anxiety for some patients. No drill noise during the procedure can help patients with dental anxiety tolerate treatment.

For pediatric patients, the reduced need for anesthesia and the absence of the drill sound make laser frenectomies and small soft-tissue procedures meaningfully easier. See our pediatric dentistry page for more on care for children.

How Much Does Laser Dentistry Cost in Hillsboro?

Cost varies by procedure. Most laser treatments are billed similarly to their traditional equivalents — sometimes slightly higher to reflect the equipment cost, sometimes comparable.

| Procedure | Typical Cost |
|—|—|
| Laser gum contouring (gingival reshaping, per arch) | $300 – $600 |
| Laser frenectomy (lip-tie or tongue-tie release) | $400 – $600 |
| Laser-assisted periodontal therapy (per quadrant, in addition to scaling and root planing) | $400 – $800 |
| Laser lesion removal / biopsy | $250 – $600 |
| Laser cold sore / canker sore treatment | $50 – $150 per spot |
| Laser cavity detection (diagnostic) | included with exam |

Most dental insurance plans cover laser treatment at the same rate as the equivalent traditional procedure. If your plan covers periodontal therapy or a frenectomy, that coverage applies whether the procedure is done with a laser or traditional instruments.

How Patients Pay for It

• VIP Membership Plan — $299/year for adults, $199/year for children. Includes 15% off all treatment, no annual maximum, no waiting periods. 100% of payments accumulate as credits toward future treatment if not used.
• Dental insurance — most plans cover laser-assisted periodontal therapy and frenectomies under the same codes as the traditional procedure.
• CareCredit, Cherry, Sunbit — financing for larger combined treatment plans.

We provide a written estimate before any treatment.

Where Do Your Patients Travel From?

Laser-procedure patients come to East Wind from across Washington County: Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, Orenco Station, Tanasbourne, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Rock Creek, South Hillsboro, and Reedville. Many are referred by colleagues at Intel Ronler Acres, Intel Jones Farm, or Nike WHQ for laser frenectomies, gum contouring before veneer cases, or laser-assisted periodontal therapy.

Right Tool for the Right Procedure

If your situation is a good fit for a laser approach, we will tell you. If it is not, we will recommend the better option. Call (503) 614-0198.

Book Your Consultation

Related Services at East Wind Dental Care

• Periodontal Therapy — Laser treatment for gum disease
• Gum Disease Treatment — Gum disease care options
• Gummy Smile Treatment — Laser gum contouring
• Cosmetic Dentistry — Cosmetic procedures at East Wind
• Pediatric Dentistry — Less invasive procedures for children
• Preventive Care — Comprehensive preventive program

Areas We Serve

East Wind Dental Care welcomes patients from across Washington County and the west Portland metro area: Hillsboro, Orenco Station, Tanasbourne, Aloha, Beaverton, South Hillsboro, Rock Creek, AmberGlen, Cornelius, Forest Grove, North Plains, and Banks.

Frequently Asked Questions — Laser Dentistry Hillsboro

Is laser dentistry safe?

Yes, when performed by a trained clinician. Dental lasers are FDA-approved devices and have been in clinical use for several decades. The main safety concern is eye protection — both the patient and the clinical team wear protective eyewear during any laser procedure. The wavelengths used in dentistry do not cause radiation exposure (these are light lasers, not ionizing radiation like X-rays).

Does laser dentistry hurt?

For most soft-tissue laser procedures, the discomfort is significantly less than the equivalent procedure done with a scalpel. Many patients describe gum contouring as a brief warm sensation rather than pain. Topical anesthetic is often enough for small areas; larger procedures still use local anesthesia. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and resolves within a few days.

Can a laser drill a cavity?

A specific type of hard-tissue laser (Er:YAG or Er,Cr:YSGG, sometimes branded as Waterlase) can prepare cavities, but our office does not currently use one. For cavity preparation, the high-speed handpiece remains faster and more controlled. If you specifically want laser cavity preparation, ask at the consultation — we can discuss whether a referral is appropriate or whether the conventional approach makes sense for your specific tooth.

Will my insurance cover laser dentistry?

Most dental insurance plans cover laser-treated procedures at the same rate as traditional treatment for the same procedure. For example, if your plan covers periodontal therapy at 80%, that coverage usually applies whether the therapy is done with a laser, traditional instruments, or both. We verify your specific coverage before treatment and give you a written estimate of the patient portion.

Is laser dentistry good for kids?

Yes, for the right procedures. Laser frenectomies for tongue-tie or lip-tie release in infants and children are particularly well-suited to the laser approach — minimal bleeding, no sutures, fast healing, and often no need for full sedation. The absence of the drill sound also helps anxious children. See our pediatric dentistry page for the broader context on children’s care.

How long do laser procedures take?

Most soft-tissue laser procedures take 15 to 45 minutes in the chair. Gum contouring on a few teeth: 15–30 minutes. Frenectomy: 10–20 minutes. Laser-assisted periodontal therapy on one quadrant: 45–60 minutes (most of which is the scaling and root planing; the laser pass adds a few minutes per pocket).

What is recovery like after a laser procedure?

For most soft-tissue laser procedures, recovery is faster than the traditional equivalent. Mild soreness for 1–3 days, soft diet for the first day or two, and a saltwater rinse a few times a day. Most patients return to normal activities the same day. We give you specific written post-op instructions for your particular procedure before you leave the appointment.

Schedule Your Laser Dentistry Consultation

Office Location: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 614-0198

Less Anesthesia. Faster Healing. The Right Tool for the Job.

Call (503) 614-0198 to ask whether a laser approach is the right fit for your specific procedure. Honest assessment, written estimate, no upsell.

Request Your Consultation

From Our Dental Library

• Complete Guide to Laser Dentistry: What It Is and How It Works
• Gum Disease Stages and Treatment Options
• Why Gums Bleed: Causes, Treatment, and When to See a Dentist
• LANAP Laser Gum Treatment: Step-by-Step Walkthrough — How LANAP targets diseased tissue while preserving healthy gum structure

Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD, FAGD | East Wind Dental Care, Hillsboro, OR | Last medically reviewed: 2026-05-05 | Book a consultation

> Dr. Ostovar leads East Wind Dental Care in Hillsboro, which has served the community since 2006. He holds Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a credential held by fewer than 7% of general dentists in the U.S.

Written by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD

Doctor of Dental Medicine | 15+ Years Experience

Last updated: May 14, 2026