Laser Periodontal Therapy

Lasers have helped to revolutionize many industries, and oral care is no exception; and at Glenpool Dentistry, we are proud to utilize the latest technologies, tools, and techniques to bring our patients the most advanced dentistry possible.

What is periodontal disease?

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is an infection of the bone and supporting tissues that hold your teeth in place. It is most common in adults in their 30s and 40s, but it can affect people of all ages. 

 

It can be caused or worsened by:

 

  • Smoking
  • Poor Oral Hygiene 
  • Certain Medications
  • Certain Chronic Illnesses – Such as Diabetes
  • Genetics

 

Some of the common treatments for periodontal disease include scaling and root planing. SRP is a non-surgical method of cleaning the tooth’s surface and the root of the tooth that could have become exposed due to gum recession. This type of treatment can remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the gums that surround the root, and it can promote the healthy regeneration of gum tissues. 

 

Gum flap surgery is another alternative. This is where gum tissues are cut to allow for deep cleaning in the surrounding roots underneath. Any gum tissues that have been flapped back for cleaning will then be sutured back into place and left to heal.

Laser Periodontal Therapy – How It Works

Periodontal laser therapy utilizes a specialist dental laser in order to access then remove any inflamed gum tissue from the root of a tooth. Once any infected tissue is removed and the root of the tooth is exposed, this is when the root scaling process can start. Any calculus or plaque that is built-up under the gumline and around the root will be scraped off.

The root will then be smoothed off to remove any rough spots. The areas between the root and the gum will then be left to regenerate through the natural healing process.

The benefits of periodontal laser surgery include:

  • Lasers are able to precisely target the diseased areas with accuracy
  • A general anesthetic is not required 
  • Short recovery and healing times
  • Pain, swelling, and bleeding are all limited due to the surgery being less invasive than regular dental surgery 
  • Gum tissues are not cut with a scalpel, and there is no need for stitches 
  • It can help to preserve gum tissue
  • Lower risk of any post-operative infections
  • The laser kills bacteria upon contact
  • Ideal treatment for patients that are anxious as there is no suturing or cutting
  • Both sides of the mouth can be treated in a single visit

Although laser periodontal treatment is relatively new, it has shown promising results in patients, and if you’re eligible for the treatment, it could help you combat and lessen the impact gum disease can have on your oral health. We can help you build a beautiful, healthier smile in a less invasive way. 

At Glenpool Dentistry, we constantly strive to deliver the best in dentistry to improve your oral health and your quality of life. By investing in modern dental solutions, this enables us to always provide our patients will the finest levels of care and treatment.

How long do sessions last?

Although every patient is different, in the majority of cases, two x two-hour sessions are usually all that is required to treat periodontal disease with specialist laser therapy. 

If you have ongoing issues with your gums or an advanced stage of periodontal disease, then this type of treatment could help you regain control of your oral health. This is typically reserved for those with stage 3 or 4 periodontal disease but can be used in other circumstances.

If you want to find out more about our modern treatments for periodontal disease, then please contact a member of our team or talk with Dr. Roulston at your next appointment.

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