Lasers are the worst enemy of gum disease
When you think of lasers, a scene from any generic alien invasion movie might come to mind. It’s likely that you never thought that lasers would be used to treat gum disease. However, lasers are invading the field of dentistry and taking gum disease by storm. Gingivitis, which is a form of non-destructive periodontal disease (gum disease), is when your gums become inflamed and bleed due to excess plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky, filmy bacterium that forms along the gum line. If left untreated, gingivitis can grow into full-blown periodontitis, which leads to the deterioration of your gums and your mouth’s bone structure. Your teeth can separate from your gums and neighboring bone through infected tartar-filled pockets. When porous, crusty tartar sets up shop along your gum line, and it cannot be brushed away.
This is where lasers come into play
When you visit us for gum disease management, each infected tooth will treated. We will eliminate all debris and calcified deposits that are sticking to your teeth. Through this process (referred to as scaling and root planing), we will rid your teeth and gums of most of the harmful periodontal bacteria. Once this process is complete, we will use a laser to remove the remaining infected tissues that are in the pockets that surround your teeth. The laser will kill the bacteria that causes gum disease, and help your gums heal.
Besides treating gum disease, lasers can prepare your teeth for other procedures like fillings or crowns, because they remove infected gum tissue and reshape it. Moreover, by using lasers in dentistry, we are not only able to kill harmful bacteria, but also save teeth that may have otherwise been lost to gum disease. Lasers are beneficial because they cap deep periodontal pockets without causing immediate bleeding. Additionally, lasers help regenerate bone and ligament tissue, and are less painful than traditional dental drills. By using lasers on your teeth, we are offering a safe alternative to surgery that leaves your gums healthier with less swelling. You will experience little to no discomfort after your laser therapy because blood vessels and nerve endings can be sealed, creating an analgesic-like effect.
Lasers are precise and can perform more than one function at a time. This technology is changing gum disease for the better and is quickly becoming a preferred method of treatment for dentists and patients alike.