3 Benefits Of Laser Gum Treatments Over Traditional Gum Surgery
Nearly half of Americans have some form of gum disease. This can range from mild to severe forms. Treatment for gum disease has usually been in the form of surgery, using scalpels and other harsh tools, but new laser treatments have multiple benefits over conventional treatments.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease occurs when bacteria-filled plaque forms on teeth and along the gum line, this is called gingivitis. If treated early, it’s mild and reversible. If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more serious condition. This involves gums separating from the teeth, creating gaps where more plaque and bacteria can develop. This disease can erode and destroy bone tissue, which causes teeth to loosen or shift.
Causes and Symptoms
Gum disease is caused by a number of factors including smoking, poor oral hygiene, genetics, stress, immune deficiencies and hormone changes. Remember to brush and floss regularly, and get regular checkups with your dentist. Call them right away if you see signs of gum diseases, which may include:
- A receding gum line
- Gaps forming between teeth and gums
- Swollen and tender gums
- Gums that bleed after brushing or flossing
- Chronic bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Discomfort while chewing
Conventional Treatments
If your dentist confirms that you have a gum disease, they may institute a non-surgical periodontal maintenance plan. This usually involves scaling to remove tartar from above and below your gum line, along with root planing to prevent more plaque from building up.
Laser Treatments
Several newer treatment methods for gum disease involve laser technology. With periodontal laser therapy, your dentist uses a laser to remove affected gum tissue from around your tooth’s root.
With the newest laser bone can actually regenerate and grow back!!
The three main benefits of laser treatment are:
- Greater accuracy and precision due to advanced laser technology. This means more of your healthy gum tissue is left undisturbed.
- No need for general anesthetic. Some patients have health risks or side-effects from anesthetics, or just don’t enjoy the general anesthesia process. Laser procedures don’t require this step.
- Less pain and bleeding, since laser procedure is less invasive than more conventional methods. This leads to a faster recovery and healing period.
If you think you may have gum disease, or if it has been a while since your last dental visit, schedule an appointment with a dentist at Beyond Dentistry Laser Center in Brooklyn, NY today. Our experienced team offers a wide range of dental services, from general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry, using the latest technology to provide our clients with the best results possible. Our dentist, Dr. Simon Kappel, uses laser dentistry to treat various forms of gum disease. We can quickly diagnose the problem and recommend treatment to help keep your smile healthy and bright.