Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in the U.S. Fortunately, laser dentistry can help restore the gums to good health. The use of lasers to treat gum disease boasts incredibly successful results. Read on for everything to know about how laser dentistry can be used to treat gum disease.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is incredibly prevalent, affecting millions of people in the U.S. Gum disease is an infection of the soft tissues that are responsible for holding your teeth in place. Gum disease may be caused by any combination of the following:
- Poor dental hygiene habits
- Lack of professional dental care
- Smoking and smokeless tobacco use
- Certain prescription medications
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Family history of gum disease
- Nutritional deficiencies
Symptoms of gum disease often include:
- Bleeding gums after brushing or flossing
- Tender gums
- Swollen gums
- Bright red, purple, or dark red gums
- Bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Teeth that appear to be pulling away from the gums
How Do Lasers Help Treat Gum Disease?
Gum disease is caused by bacteria in the gums. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, it is essential to eradicate the infection and remove the diseased tissues. Soft tissue lasers are incredibly effective in accomplishing both goals, as they can reach deep into the pockets of the gums to eradicate disease and sterilize the area being treated.
. Laser dentistry for gum disease boasts benefits such as:
- Enhanced patient comfort
- Precise targeting of diseased tissues
- Reduced bleeding
- Preserves the strength and health of the tooth structure
- Avoids damage to healthy gum tissue
- Minimizes discomfort during recovery
- Expedites recovery period
- Reduces risk of re-infection
- Few side effects
- Extremely safe
Laser therapy may be used instead of, or in conjunction with scaling and root planing treatment. Commonly referred to as “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing involves the removal of plaque from the teeth beneath the gum line. The tooth roots are then smoothed to promote reattachment of the gums to the tooth.
Lasers in Dentistry
The use of lasers in dentistry was approved by the FDA more than 30 years ago. Today, lasers are used for gum disease treatment and cosmetic dental procedures including gum reshaping and teeth whitening. Soft-tissue lasers are also used for biopsies and for removing lesions.
Moreover, lasers are also now commonly used to treat tooth decay and to kill bacteria during root canal therapy. Lasers may also be used to expedite the curing (hardening) of dental fillings and may be used in dental extractions.
Am I a Candidate for Laser Dentistry for Gum Disease?
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, your dentist may recommend laser treatment along with scaling and root planing. Laser dentistry is generally safe for all patients, as it does not involve cutting, nor does it require anesthesia. Your medical history and a review of underlying conditions and current medications will be thoroughly reviewed to confirm eligibility.
Laser Treatment for Gum Disease in Pomona & Brooklyn, NY
A&R Advanced Dental Group is a technologically advanced dental practice providing comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. We offer laser dentistry for gum disease treatment at our two locations, in Brooklyn and Pomona, NY. To schedule an appointment contact us today.