Laser dentistry offers an effective method for treating a variety of dental conditions. Lasers are increasingly being used in both dentistry and medicine. Particular lasers can help to treat gum or periodontal disease around your teeth and even around your implants. Read on to find out more about how lasers are used for gum disease treatment.
Periodontal disease often starts to show up in adults in their 30s and 40s. Many adults in the U.S. have some form of periodontal disease. Everyone harbors bacteria in their mouths, which leads to plaque buildup. Practicing good oral hygiene is important.
Brushing and flossing consistently can help to get rid of plaque. But if the plaque ends up solidifying and forming tartar, flossing and brushing will not remove it. Regular cleaning treatments at the dental office can remove this tartar. Laser dentistry can assist with this cleaning.
Periodontal scaling and root planing is a common non-surgical treatment for gum disease. The procedure is used to remove harmful calculus and plaque both below and above the gumline. It also helps to smooth out the surfaces of the root. This provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach. This procedure is also referred to as deep cleaning. It is often done under local anesthesia to reduce discomfort.
Some laser devices have been approved for periodontitis treatment. But these devices have not been approved as a stand-alone therapy. Laser therapy can help to treat periodontal disease. It is used as an adjunct to treatment procedures like scaling and root planing. The laser is applied below the gumline often under a local anesthetic. The energy the laser emits is selectively absorbed and reflected by the different structures beneath the patient’s gum, including the bacteria.
The use of lasers as an adjunct to deep cleaning may improve the effectiveness of the procedure. Lasers can also help to improve gum health. The proper use of lasers helps patients to experience less swelling, bleeding, and discomfort during the surgery. This is attributed to laser therapy being less invasive than regular surgery. After undergoing any form of periodontal therapy, exercising good oral hygiene is very important. This will help prevent a recurrence of the problem.
But patients should know that there are some risks associated with the use of lasers in periodontal therapy. One of these is that it might cause further damage to the periodontal tissue. This can happen if the provider uses an inappropriate power level or wavelength. Many providers are also concerned about claims in advertisements for periodontal laser therapy. It is advisable to talk to a dental professional to help separate fact from hype.
There are many benefits of using lasers in dental procedures. Laser periodontal treatment is still in its infancy. Although some professionals support its use, additional long-term studies are needed. If you have any questions about laser dentistry, contact your dental provider today.
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