Laser Gum Treatment
Lasers have been used in the medical field, including general dentistry. This type of treatment involves the use of concentrated light beams that can be used to modify or get rid of tissues in insignificant amounts. Lasers can be used by dentists for various practices in the mouth such as removal of overgrown tissues, remodeling of gums, and whitening of teeth.
The use of laser technology in periodontal disease treatment
Periodontal disease, commonly referred to as gum disease, is an infection that affects bones and tissues that support and anchor teeth. It is most common in adults who are in their 30s and 40s.
Common causes of periodontal diseases
- Poor dental health
- Prolonged illnesses such as diabetes
- Particular medications
- Smoking
- Genetic vulnerability
Standard treatment for periodontal disease is scaling and root planning (SRP). This type of therapy involves cleaning of teeth roots and surfaces that may be visible due to gum decline. This type of treatment does not require any form of surgery.
Laser treatment is a reformative, tissue-preserving, and bone-building procedure. In general dentistry practice, lasers are used by dentists to access infected pockets and destroy the affected bacteria and tissue. After the elimination of infected tissues and the root is visible, an ultrasonic root cleaner is used to remove the calculus. This technique is more effective than the traditional scraping with hand tools. Laser energy heats the stem cells whose pockets contain blood, thus separating tissue and tooth root.
This type of treatment technique guarantees that no tissue is detracted or gum tissue is lowered to a lesser level on purpose. In addition, laser treatment stimulates stem cells in the muscles to develop new collagen, connective tissues, and bones. With this treatment, the body’s healing process can redevelop the lost bones and ligaments around the tooth.
Advantages of Laser Gum Treatment for Gum Disease
Healing time is faster
Since laser treatment does not require surgery, the healing time is significantly reduced. This is an advantage compared to the traditional surgery that requires patients to spend more time in hospital before they fully recover. It also causes minimal trauma to the tooth, gum, and surrounding areas.
Controls bleeding
With several gingivitis patients suffering from bone and severe gum bleeding, it is crucial to eliminate bacteria from the gingival pockets and teeth. Laser treatment will not only remove the bacteria but will kill them, and this will help reduce swelling of gums and bleeding. In addition, this will reduce the need for additional gum disease treatment like gum surgery.
Reduces the risk of bacterial infection
Lasers reduce the risk of bacterial infections by sterilizing the area being worked on and does not involve the use of many tools for the procedure. Likewise, laser therapy provides more accurate results within shorter periods while at the same time, helps reduce the need for intrusive treatment and discomfort. It can be done either as a stand-alone procedure or with traditional surgeries. In other words, it will be based on the extent and type of periodontal disease a patient is suffering from.
Safeguards healthy parts of the teeth
Lasers provide exceptionally accurate treatments that can be used to preserve the non-affected teeth while eliminating cavities. This can prove to be useful to patients with bacterial infections as it will help maintain healthy teeth ensuring stronger outcomes in the long run.
Can be enhanced for patients
With laser treatments, the power levels and the wavelengths of the laser beams can be adjusted based on the standards of the periodontal disease. Overall, the dentists have the ultimate control over the procedure, giving them the power to design a unique dental treatment plan for each of the patients.
Learn more
Contact any one of our offices to learn about laser gum treatment and periodontal disease. We have offices in Massachusetts and Connecticut! New patients are welcome and most insurances are accepted.
