Modern technology is changing the way dentists treat a variety of dental issues. This is particularly evident when it comes to gum disease. Depending on how advanced the infection in your gums is, there’s a good chance that your dentist may recommend laser periodontal treatment to address the issue. To understand why so many dentists nowadays are relying on soft-tissue lasers to treat gum disease, here’s a closer look at how this approach works and the benefits it offers.
How Does Laser Periodontal Treatment Work?
Laser periodontal treatment is typically performed after scaling and root planing. Using a state-of-the-art laser, your dentist can remove any gum tissue that has become severely infected. During the process, the energy from the laser will help kill the harmful bacteria that contribute to gum disease; this includes bacteria hiding at the bottom of the pockets of the gums that might have been missed with scaling and root planing alone.
What are the Benefits of Laser Periodontal Treatment?
Using a laser to treat gum disease comes with many important benefits:
- Improved Comfort: Compared to more traditional procedures that use a scalpel, laser periodontal treatment tends to be more comfortable, which is good news for patients with dental anxiety.
- Reduced Bleeding: Thanks to the energy from the laser, any blood vessels that are exposed during the procedure will immediately be cauterized. This means there will be significantly less bleeding afterwards.
- High Precision: A soft-tissue laser is much more precise than a scalpel. As a result, your dentist will be able to remove the infected or damaged tissue while leaving the healthy parts of your gums intact.
- Shorter Recovery Time: Due to their ability to immediately cauterize blood vessels, soft-tissue lasers can reduce the amount of time that your mouth needs to heal following your treatment.
Is Laser Periodontal Treatment Right for You?
To determine whether laser periodontal treatment is right for you, your dentist will need to carefully consider the current state of your oral health. Generally speaking, the procedure is often recommended for individuals who are suffering from a particularly advanced form of gum disease.
In summary, laser periodontal treatment offers all sorts of benefits that can make it an excellent option for addressing gum disease. By taking full advantage of soft-tissue laser technology, your dentist can get your gum health back on track while minimizing your discomfort and recovery time.
About the Author
Dr. Jonathan H. Cohen has completed advanced training at The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education and other institutes of higher learning. He is currently involved with various professional organizations, including the Academy of General Dentistry. At Julington Creek Family Dentistry, he offers state-of-the-art solutions for gum disease in the form of laser periodontal treatment. If you’re bothered by swollen or bleeding gums, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Cohen at his practice in St. Johns by visiting his website or calling (904) 230-2961.