Is Laser Treatment Effective for Gum Disease?
Santa Teresa Dental is committed to providing our valued patients with the highest level of care and service. We’re pleased to offer treatment using our 810nm AMD diode laser. Our dental practice uses this exciting technology to safely and effectively treat periodontal (gum) disease with dramatic results.
What Is the Laser Dentistry Advantage?
LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The unique technology treats targeted tissue while leaving the surrounding tissues unharmed. The benefits of laser dentistry are numerous. It allows us to perform many procedures without anesthesia, bleeding, or the need for stitches. Laser treatments minimize the risk of bacterial infection after treatment and promote faster healing.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a destructive bacterial infection that affects the gum and bone tissues supporting the teeth. While preventable, it continues to be the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, more so than tooth decay.
Gum disease usually develops due to poor oral hygiene. If plaque is not removed by daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings, the gum tissues become inflamed, often leading to redness, puffiness, and bleeding. Risk factors for gum disease include smoking, defective dental work, poor nutrition, genetics, and hormonal changes such as those related to pregnancy.
How Does Gum Disease Progress?
The earlier you start gum disease treatment, the better the outcomes. The first stage of this destructive condition is known as gingivitis. It is usually reversible with periodontal treatment and thorough oral hygiene practices at home.
If not treated, the condition will progress to early periodontitis. Here, the gums will start pulling away from the teeth, leaving pockets that trap plaque and debris. A slight loss of bone and tissues supporting the teeth will also begin to occur. The next stage is moderate periodontitis, during which the damage increases, and the teeth may shift or loosen.
The most severe and destructive stage of periodontal disease is advanced periodontitis. The pockets will deepen, chewing will become painful, and tooth loss may occur. In some cases, we may need to extract the affected teeth to safeguard your oral health.
Laser-Assisted Gum Disease Treatment
Treatment for gum disease starts with a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. The minimally-invasive procedure is highly effective at halting the progression of gum disease.
Scaling is similar to what happens during routine dental cleaning. Our dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and just below your gum line with a dental instrument called a scaler. Next is root planing, which helps smooth out the rough areas on the tooth roots to provide a clean surface, encouraging the gums to heal and reattach.
At Santa Teresa Dental, we use our cutting-edge laser technology to enhance periodontal therapy outcomes. Our dental laser attacks the periodontal inflammation at the microscopic level of infection. The power of the focused light destroys the otherwise inaccessible bacterial colonies while providing an ideal environment for healing.
What Happens After Treatment?
After treatment, we typically recommend recall visits every three to four months rather than the standard twice-a-year dental visits. We will clean your teeth, measure the depth of the periodontal pockets, and evaluate your gum health. If needed, we will use our laser to decontaminate the gingival pockets and promote healing.
Aside from treatment, one of the most important things you can do to combat gum disease is maintain meticulous oral hygiene practices. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash as directed.
Laser-Assisted Gum Treatment Near Me
Contact Santa Teresa Dental in Morgan Hill, CA, to learn more about our cutting-edge periodontal therapy for the best possible outcomes. Our team is committed to maintaining healthy gums and beautiful smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!