Laser Treatment For Gum Disease: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth that can lead to bone and tissue damage if left untreated. It is caused by bacteria found in plaque, a sticky film that constantly forms on teeth. Symptoms of gum disease can range from inflammation, pain and bleeding when brushing to bad breath and receding gums.

If gum disease is not treated early, it can progress to a more serious form called periodontitis. This can cause further damage to the gums and bone around the teeth, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. Treatment for gum disease can include scaling and root planing, surgery, and more recently, laser treatment.

Laser treatment for gum disease is a relatively new and minimally invasive form of treatment that is becoming increasingly popular. It is used to treat moderate to severe gum disease and can help to reduce inflammation and stop the progression of the disease.

The goal of laser treatment for gum disease is to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease and to help the gums reattach to the teeth. It is also used to reduce inflammation and to promote healing of the gums.

How Does Laser Treatment Work?

Laser treatment for gum disease involves the use of a special laser designed to target and remove the bacteria that cause gum disease. The laser is used to penetrate the gum tissue and remove the infected tissue without damaging the healthy tissue that surrounds it.

The laser treatment is highly precise and can target only the areas that are affected by gum disease. This helps to reduce the amount of healthy tissue that is removed, which helps to reduce pain and recovery time. The laser also helps to reduce bleeding and can help to reduce inflammation as well.

During the procedure, the dentist will use the laser to remove the infected tissue and bacteria from the gums. This helps to reduce the amount of plaque that can accumulate on the teeth and can help to reduce the progression of the disease.

The laser treatment can also help to promote the healing of the gums by stimulating the production of new collagen and by promoting the reattachment of the gums to the teeth. This helps to reduce the amount of bone and tissue that is lost due to the disease.

Benefits of Laser Treatment

Laser treatment for gum disease has many benefits compared to traditional treatments. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is relatively quick and painless. It can help to reduce the amount of healthy tissue that is removed, which can help to reduce pain and recovery time.

The laser treatment can also help to reduce the amount of bleeding that occurs during the procedure. This can help to reduce the amount of pain that is experienced during the procedure and can help to reduce the risk of infection.

Laser treatment can also help to reduce the amount of inflammation that is present in the gums, which can help to reduce the progression of the disease. The laser also helps to promote the healing of the gums and can help to reduce the amount of bone and tissue that is lost due to the disease.

Finally, the laser treatment can help to reduce the amount of plaque that accumulates on the teeth, which can help to reduce the risk of further infection and can help to reduce the progression of the disease.

Risks and Side Effects of Laser Treatment

Laser treatment for gum disease is a relatively safe procedure with few risks and side effects. However, some patients may experience mild pain and sensitivity during the procedure. Additionally, the laser can cause some discoloration of the gums, which can usually be treated with over-the-counter whitening products.

The laser treatment can also cause some discomfort in the mouth, which is usually temporary. Additionally, the laser can cause some minor bleeding and gum irritation, which can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.

It is important to note that laser treatment for gum disease is not a cure and is only effective in reducing the symptoms of the disease. Additionally, the laser treatment can only be used to treat the symptoms of gum disease and cannot be used to treat the underlying cause of the disease.

Finally, it is important to note that the laser treatment can cause some damage to the healthy tissue surrounding the infected area, which can lead to further inflammation and damage. Therefore, it is important to consult with a dentist before undergoing laser treatment for gum disease.

Conclusion

Laser treatment for gum disease is an effective and minimally invasive way to treat moderate to severe gum disease. It can help to reduce the amount of bacteria present in the gums, reduce inflammation and promote healing. Additionally, it can help to reduce the amount of bone and tissue that is lost due to the disease. However, it is important to note that the laser treatment is not a cure and only treats the symptoms of gum disease. Therefore, it is important to consult with a dentist before undergoing laser treatment for gum disease.