Your periodontist will place the fiber optic tip of the laser at the top of the periodontal pocket. The laser is about the size of three human hairs. The laser will use pinpointed light to remove diseased and inflamed gum tissue from the pocket. (The laser is designed to only remove diseased tissue. It does not remove or damage healthy gum tissue. The laser also removes disease-causing germs and bacteria from the periodontal pocket.)Once the pocket is cleaned of damaged tissue and bacteria, the laser is set aside. Your periodontist then uses an ultrasonic cleaning tool to break apart and remove tartar and calcifications with sound waves. The laser is reintroduced into the pocket to deep clean the bottom and eliminate telltale debris. The laser also sterilizes tissue and bone, and stimulates formation of a blood clot. The blood clot speeds healing and helps gum tissue reattach to the tooth. This eliminates the need for stitches.