Using Lasers to Treat Gum Disease

Gum disease is among the most serious oral health conditions. Not only is it the leading cause of tooth loss for adults in the United States, but it is also linked to heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, premature births and stroke. Therefore, treating gum disease is critical.

The treatment for gum disease is based on removing the dangerous plaque that accumulates beneath the gum line and attracts harmful bacteria. If left untreated, this bacteria damages your soft tissues and separates the strong bond between your teeth and gums. There are various stages of gum disease. The earlier you detect it, the easier it is to treat. If your gums bleed when you brush, or if they look red, swollen, or are tender to the touch, you may have gum disease. Your dentist’s treatment recommendation will be based on the severity of your condition.

Gum disease treatment is typically initiated with a deep cleaning to reverse the condition. In the past, patients had to undergo scraping of the tooth surface with metal hand instruments to remove the plaque and tartar buildup and bacterial toxins. However, Pleasant Plains Dental proudly offers the latest dental technology, which allows a scaling and root planing to be performed with soft tissue lasers and ultrasonic cleaning methods. This provides significant advantages in comfort, time and effectiveness.

A dental laser is very safe and gentle. It uses a highly concentrated light source to only target the infected pockets of gum tissue while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. A soft-tissue laser essentially kills pathogens (or the bacteria causing your gum disease) without harming the good cells. The laser beam is able to seal as it cuts away the damaged tissue, which greatly reduces bleeding and trauma. You can trust that this procedure is not painful. However, you may opt for sedation and anesthetic options to guarantee your comfort. An ultrasonic scaler is often used in conjunction with a soft-tissue laser for the most successful treatment. Ultrasonic scalers use focused sound waves to remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup on a microscopic level.

To learn more about how the latest tools and advancements in modern dentistry can benefit your smile, call Pleasant Plains Dental. We take your gum disease seriously. When it comes to reversing this condition, you can trust that we deliver the latest, most cutting-edge treatment options available.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Henry J. Ernst, Pleasant Plains Dental