The Benefits of Using Lasers to Treat Gum Disease

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. This chronic condition affects the gums in different degrees of severity. Therefore, it is vital to diagnose it at an early stage to stop the progression of the disease and avoid its consequences. There are several treatments for gum disease that help control it, but in the last decade, lasers have gained a lot of attention due to their many benefits. In this article, you will learn how they can be used by a periodontist in Los Angeles to treat periodontal disease.

There are two types of gum disease

As previously stated, gum disease is a chronic condition that gets worse over time. There are two types of periodontal disease with significant differences. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of this condition and involves the inflammation of the gums. It is the result of a buildup of plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth and gums. Patients in this stage of the disease often consult their dentists because they bleed when they brush their teeth, or because their gums are red and swollen. In some cases, gingivitis can also cause bad breath. This condition is reversible with adequate treatment since the inflammation is limited to the gums. If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you should contact a periodontist near you.

 

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of periodontal disease. Plaque starts to build up below the gum line, which eventually forms pockets due to the gums separating from the teeth. Food debris and bacteria accumulate in these pockets, and this leads to a robust response from the immune system which starts to release substances to destroy bacteria. However, these chemicals don't just attack the bacteria, but also affect other structures that support your teeth (gums and jawbone). With time, your gums start to recede and you start to lose bone tissue. Eventually, your teeth lose their support and become loose.

How is gum disease treated?

The treatment of gum disease depends on the severity of each case, with some patients even requiring gum grafting in Los Angeles. In the case of gingivitis, dentists often recommend dental cleanings that remove all the plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and the gum line. This along with good oral health habits and avoiding sugary foods seems to prevent the onset of periodontitis.

 

In regards to periodontitis, there are several treatments available, starting with a deep teeth cleaning. This procedure is performed in the early stages of the disease and involves removing the plaque and tartar that has built up below the gum line. This can slow down the progression of the disease but it is vital to continue having regular checkups to determine if further treatment is needed.

 

If your condition is more advanced, you may require flap surgery in which your dentist will lift your gums to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar on your roots. This will also allow them to tighten the gums while they are being sutured to eliminate any pockets. On the other hand, if you have receding gums you may be a candidate for gum grafting near you.

How can lasers help?

Lasers have been implemented in the last decade in many of these treatments. These focused beams of light offer many benefits such as incredible precision that can't be matched by manual instruments. On the other hand, they help control bleeding during surgical procedures. Finally, they are very helpful in the treatment of advanced periodontal disease since they help seal off the pockets that form between the gums and the teeth and accumulate plaque and debris.