Lasers have revolutionized multiple industries, and oral care is no exception.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the supporting tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place. The condition affects mainly adults, according the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NICDR), and is usually caused by:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking
• Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes
• Certain medications
• Genetic susceptibility

Typical treatment for periodontal disease is scaling and root planing (SRP), which is a non-surgical method of cleaning the surfaces of the teeth and their root which may be exposed due to gum recession. This removes tartar, plaque and bacteria from the gum surrounding the root, and promotes the healthy regeneration of the gum tissue.

How Laser Therapy Works

Our hygienist’s have combined 30 years of experience and have had extensive training in treating periodontal disease. When determining the need for periodontal therapy an evaluation is done using a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the space between the teeth and the gums, and x-rays are taken to see whether the bone is damaged. Depending on the disease progression, the following treatments are used:

• More frequent cleaning intervals
• Periodontal Therapy in conjunction with Laser Therapy sessions
• Supportive Periodontal Management Sessions

Risks and Benefits

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), there are ample benefits to using lasers for excising diseased gum tissue:

• Lasers can target the diseased areas precisely and accurately.
• Bleeding, pain and swelling are limited because periodontal laser therapy is less invasive than regular surgery.
• Recovery and healing times are shorter.