Gum Disease Laser Therapy

Impact of Gum Disease on Oral Health

Untreated gum disease can have a significant negative impact on your oral health. Here are some potential consequences:

Tooth Loss

As the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth are damaged by periodontitis, teeth become loose and may eventually fall out. [2]  This can lead to difficulty chewing, speaking, and even social embarrassment. 

Jawbone Damage

The advanced stages of gum disease can destroy the jawbone, which can affct the shape of your face and even contribute to facial collapse. [3] 

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

While anyone can develop gum disease, certain factors can increase your risk:

Poor Oral Hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily are essential for removing plaque and bacteria that contribute to gum disease. [1] 

Smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system’s ability to fight infection, including gum disease. [4]  Smokers are more likely to develop gum disease and experience more severe symptoms.[4] 

Diabetes: People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease because high blood sugar levels can create an environment that favors the growth of bacteria in the mouth.

Traditional Gum Disease Treatment: Effective But Not Always Easy

While scaling and root planing remain effective methods for treating gum disease, they can sometimes be less comfortable compared to newer techniques.

Scaling and Root Planing: A Deep Clean

Scaling and root planing, often referred to as a “deep cleaning,” is a non-surgical procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. [5] This buildup harbors bacteria that contribute to gum disease. The scaling process involves using specialized instruments to scrape away plaque and tartar from the teeth and root surfaces. [5] Following scaling, root planing smooths out the rough surfaces of the tooth roots, making it harder for plaque to reattach. [5]

Potential Discomfort

While scaling and root planing are  effective, the procedure can be uncomfortable due to:

Scraping: Scraping away plaque and tartar can irritate the gums, causing soreness and bleeding.

Anesthesia: Depending on the severity of the gum disease, local anesthesia may be necessary to numb the area and minimize discomfort.

Surgical Intervention for Advanced Cases

In advanced cases of gum disease where significant bone or tissue loss has occurred, surgery may be recommended by a periodontist (a gum specialist). [6] These surgical procedures aim to remove diseased tissue, reshape bone to support teeth, and in some cases, promote new bone growth. [6] While generally effective, these surgeries can be more invasive and require longer healing times compared to scaling and root planing. [6] 

Laser Gum Therapy: A Gentle Touch

Laser gum therapy offers a modern and potentially more comfortable alternative to traditional scaling and root planing for treating gum disease. This innovative technique utilizes a focused beam of light to precisely target and remove infected gum tissue and bacteria.

How Laser Technology Works

The dentist uses a thin fiber optic laser that directs a concentrated beam of light energy onto the diseased tissue. [7]  The laser light interacts with the targeted tissue, causing a vaporization effect that removes the infected gum tissue. [7] This laser energy also has a cauterizing effect, helping to seal blood vessels and minimize bleeding.

Benefits of Laser Gum Therapy

Compared to traditional methods, laser gum therapy offers several potential advantages:

Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional methods that rely on scraping instruments, laser therapy removes diseased tissue with a focused beam of light, eliminating the need for scalpels or sutures.[7] This can lead to a less invasive procedure with reduced discomfort.

Reduced Bleeding and Swelling: The cauterizing effect of the laser minimizes bleeding during the procedure. This can also potentially reduce post-operative swelling and discomfort.

Improved Precision and Targeted Treatment: The laser beam allows for precise targeting of diseased tissue, minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissues.

Faster Healing Times: Because laser therapy is minimally invasive and reduces bleeding, it may promote faster healing times compared to traditional methods. [7] 

Increased Patient Comfort: The combination of reduced bleeding, minimal invasiveness, and potentially less discomfort can make laser therapy a more comfortable option for patients compared to traditional gum disease treatment.

Who is a Candidate for Laser Gum Therapy?

While laser gum therapy offers a potentially gentler approach to treating gum disease, it may not be suitable for everyone. A consultation with your dentist is crucial to determining if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.

Factors Considered for Candidacy

During your consultation, your dentist will assess your overall oral health, the severity of your gum disease, and your medical history. Generally, laser gum therapy can be a good option for patients with:

Moderate Gum Disease: For patients with moderate gum disease, characterized by deeper pockets between the teeth and gums but minimal bone loss, laser therapy can be an effective and minimally invasive way to remove infected tissue and promote healing .

Advanced Gum Disease:  In some cases, laser therapy may also be used in conjunction with traditional methods or even certain surgical procedures to treat advanced gum disease with significant bone loss. However, the suitability of laser therapy for advanced cases will depend on the specific situation and your dentist’s professional judgment.

Importance of Consultation

A personalized consultation with your dentist is essential to determine if laser gum therapy is the right course of action for your specific needs and gum disease condition. Your dentist can discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of laser therapy compared to traditional methods and recommend the most suitable treatment approach for your situation.

The Laser Gum Therapy Procedure: A Step-by-Step Look

Laser gum therapy offers a potentially more comfortable and precise approach to treating gum disease compared to traditional methods. Here’s a brief overview of what you might expect during a laser gum therapy session:

Preparation and Anesthesia

Consultation: Before the procedure, you’ll have a consultation with your dentist to discuss your gum health, candidacy for laser therapy, and answer any questions you may have.

Anesthesia Options: Depending on the severity of your gum disease and your dentist’s judgment, local anesthesia may be used to numb the area and minimize discomfort during the procedure.

Laser Treatment

Laser Application: The dentist will utilize a thin laser fiber to precisely target and remove diseased gum tissue and bacteria with the concentrated laser beam..

Deep Cleaning: Following the laser treatment, your dentist may use ultrasonic scaling tools or other methods to further clean the pockets below the gum line and remove any remaining plaque or tartar.

Additional Considerations:

Bone Regeneration: In cases of advanced gum disease with bone loss, your dentist might recommend additional procedures alongside laser therapy to promote bone regeneration. These procedures may involve grafting materials to stimulate new bone growth and improve support for your teeth.

Recovery and Aftercare: Back on Your Feet Faster

One of the potential advantages of laser gum therapy is a generally faster recovery time compared to traditional methods. Here’s what you can expect after your laser gum therapy session:

Faster Healing

Due to the minimally invasive nature of laser therapy, which reduces bleeding and minimizes tissue disruption, the healing process after laser gum therapy can be faster than with traditional scaling and root planing. This means you may experience less discomfort and be able to resume your normal activities sooner.

Post-Operative Instructions

To optimize healing and prevent complications, your dentist will provide you with specific postoperative instructions. These may include:

Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to manage any postoperative discomfort. 

Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for healing and preventing infection. Your dentist will advise you on gentle brushing and flossing techniques and may recommend using a special mouthwash.

Dietary Modifications: You may be advised to stick to soft foods for a few days following the procedure to allow the treated area to heal comfortably.

Every patient heals at their own pace. Following your dentist’s specific aftercare instructions is essential to ensuring optimal healing and a successful outcome.

Conclusion

Gum disease is a common oral health concern, but it doesn’t have to compromise your smile. Laser gum therapy offers a modern and potentially more comfortable alternative to traditional treatments.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

If you’re concerned about gum disease or want to explore treatment options, schedule a consultation with our experienced dentist. We utilize the latest advancements in laser gum therapy to provide effective and comfortable treatment for a healthy smile.

Don’t wait to address your gum health! Contact Englewood Dental NJ today or schedule a consultation online to discuss laser gum therapy and see if it’s right for you.