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
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.