Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
By Joe McIntyre, DDS on March 29, 2022
Gum disease can negatively affect the appearance of your smile and your dental health. Thankfully, the team at Smiles for Life Dental Care offers treatment for gum disease at different stages.
Our practice serving the Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, and Staunton, VA, areas is committed to state-of-the-art dental care treatments, which includes the use of soft-tissue lasers for periodontal disease. Let’s discuss how laser dentistry helps our dentists treat cases of gingivitis and advanced periodontitis. We’ll also note some of the key benefits of laser treatment when addressing periodontal health.
When Gum Disease Treatment May Be Necessary
When periodontal disease goes unchecked, it can do irreparable damage to the gum tissue. This necessitates the removal of the diseased gum tissue in order to prevent the spread of infection throughout the mouth, root canal infections, and the formation of dental abscesses.
In the past, removing diseased gum tissue was done with a scalpel and traditional surgical equipment. Today, a laser can be used to precisely target unwanted gum tissue.
What Is Laser Dentistry?
Laser dentistry refers to the use of lasers in dental care treatment. This includes diagnostics, prepping tooth structure for a filling without a drill, and treating gum tissue that is damaged by gum disease.
How Laser Treatment Works
Working much like a high-tech scalpel, the soft-tissue laser removes excess gum tissue. This advanced tool gives dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons the ability to help patients experience better dental health.
The Advantages of Laser Gum Disease Treatment
There are a few key benefits to laser gum treatment:
- Less Bleeding – The soft-tissue laser cauterizes as it treats, reducing the amount of blood loss during gum treatment.
- Lower Risk of Infection – Since the dental laser cauterizes soft tissue, it reduces the risk of infection during gum tissue removal.
- Greater Patient Comfort – Patients who undergo laser gum disease treatment typically experience less pain and anxiety during the procedure and only require a local anesthetic.
- Fast Recovery Times – There are no stitches or sutures required after laser treatment. Patients can shed days off their healing time compared to traditional gum surgery.
What to Expect During the Procedure
During a consultation at our practice, we will determine if you need laser gum treatment or if a less invasive procedure would be ideal.
After administering the local anesthetic, the soft tissue laser is used to make accurate, precise, and safe incisions. The goal is to remove only the compromised gum tissue, leaving healthy tissue behind.
Once the compromised tissue is gone, no sutures are needed. Additional treatments may be planned to rebuild the gumline if your periodontal disease led to gum recession.
The Results of Laser Gum Therapy
Thanks to laser gum disease treatment, patients can smile with confidence again. There is no more risk of root canal infection or tooth loss thanks to the removal of the inflamed gum tissue.
Contact Us Today
You don’t have to live with gum disease. Numerous treatments are available that are simple, effective, and safe. To learn more about treating gum disease and improving your oral health, contact our dental practice today. You can also reach our offices at (540) 828-2312.
