If you’ve visited a dentist’s office, you’ve probably heard a bit about gum disease and the importance of preventing it. There is one key treatment option that is especially effective for severe cases. Today, Accent Smile Center will tell you about how lasers can help treat gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease, a common condition affecting the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It is usually caused by bacterial plaque buildup along and under the gumline. There are two primary stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: This early stage of gum disease causes the gums to grow inflamed due to excess plaque buildup. Common symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding during brushing and flossing. This stage is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone can pull away from the teeth, which forms pockets that become infected. Over time, as your body’s immune system fights the bacteria and the toxins produced by these pockets, bone and connective tissue are slowly broken down. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if not treated promptly.
When it comes to this condition, there are a variety of common risk factors:
- Poor oral hygiene, first and foremost
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Diet choices
- Certain medications
- Genetic predisposition
- Immune or systemic diseases
How Lasers Treat Periodontitis
Thankfully, Accent Smile Center offers a treatment option even for advanced versions of periodontitis. Laser treatment involves specialized lasers that our team of doctors use to treat and target the infected gum tissue and bacteria. Let’s take a look at how it works:
- Bacterial Reduction: Our lasers can selectively target and eliminate bacteria in periodontal pockets that are difficult or impossible to clean with traditional methods. This helps to reduce infection and promote healing.
- Gum Tissue Removal and Reshaping: The handheld laser can also precisely remove diseased gum tissue and, therefore, reshape the gyms. This will facilitate better access for thorough cleaning post-treatment and reduce pocket depths where bacteria thrive. This reshaping is also excellent for aesthetic purposes to improve the appearance of your smile.
- Gum Regeneration: Some types of lasers are able to stimulate gum tissue and bone regeneration by promoting growth of new gum tissues, collagen fibers, and bone. This will help to regenerate and restore healthy gum attachment to the teeth.
- Minimally Invasive: One alternative method to laser treatment is traditional surgical treatment, which can be comparatively invasive. This modern method results in less discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Patients will typically experience faster healing types and reduced recovery periods.
- Accuracy and Precision: Dental lasers are able to treat areas of infection without affecting surrounding healthy tissue, which helps with positive treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of complications.
One important thing to note is that laser treatment is usually used alongside traditional scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) processes. Effectiveness varies based on the extent of infection—but we will work with you to ensure your treatment is completely restorative, which may mean employing further treatment options.
FAQs
Here are some additional answers you might be looking for on this topic before seeking laser treatment:
Q: Am I a good candidate for laser treatment?
Our doctors will complete a thorough evaluation to determine your candidacy. If you have gingival inflammation, mild to moderate gum disease, and periodontal pockets, we might determine it necessary.
Q: Is laser treatment for periodontal disease painful?
Laser treatment is considerably less painful than traditional surgery since it inflicts minimal cutting and trauma to the tissue. Patients could experience some discomfort during and after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. If you find you’re experiencing unusual or excessive pain after treatment, contact our office for further advice.
Q: How long does this treatment take to complete?
Again, that depends on the condition of the patient and the severity of gum disease. But it will generally range from one to two hours for a full-mouth treatment session.
Q: What can I expect after my treatment?
Mild discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity in the treated area is not unusual. We might recommend antimicrobial mouthwash or additional specific oral hygiene instructions to aid in your healing process, and to prevent infection.
Right on Target
It’s important to attend your regular dental cleanings to have discussions about your dental health with Dr. Gatgens, Dr. Densmore, or Dr. Noble so that treatment like this one isn’t delayed. Our Dickson and Belle Meade offices are proud to serve you in all aspects of oral health, including periodontal concerns.