If you recently visited the dentist and learned you have periodontal disease, you are not alone. Various treatment options are available depending on how advanced your condition is. Laser periodontal therapy is one popular option because it is less invasive than traditional surgery. Laser technology has transformed many industries, including dental care. If you have periodontal disease, your dentist could recommend laser periodontal therapy to address your condition. This blog elucidates periodontal disease and how laser periodontal therapy works.
What Laser Periodontal Therapy Involves
Laser Periodontal Therapy is a treatment option that eliminates infected tissue and bacteria from the gums while encouraging healthy tissue growth. This therapy uses a special laser that sends out a focused beam of light to eradicate infected gum tissue and bacteria from the areas around the teeth.
It specifically targets the unhealthy and swollen gum tissue while preserving the healthy parts of the gum. This procedure results in less bleeding and a faster recovery than regular gum surgery. It also helps to close blood vessels and nerve endings, which minimizes bleeding and discomfort during and after the treatment.
Traditional Periodontal Treatment Methods
Traditional treatments for periodontal disease include scaling and root planing. These non-surgical procedures clean deeply by removing tartar, plaque, and bacteria from the tooth roots beneath the gum line. They also smooth the roots, which helps prevent bacteria from accumulating again and allows the gums to reattach firmly to the tooth.
In cases of severe gum infection, your periodontist may recommend surgery to treat your periodontal disease. One standard procedure is gum flap surgery, where a cut is made in the gum tissue. This surgery allows for deep cleaning around the roots. After cleaning, the gum tissue is stitched back to heal.
Other surgical treatments for gum disease include bone grafts, soft tissue grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and tissue-stimulating proteins. The discomfort levels in traditional gum treatment procedures can cause many patients to feel nervous or even avoid treatment because of the fear of pain.
However, patients anxious about surgical procedures to treat periodontal disease can use laser periodontal therapy because it is less intrusive.
Ideal Candidates For Laser Periodontal Therapy
If you have the following signs of moderate to severe gum disease, you are fit to undergo laser therapy:
- Gums that are often swollen
- Food getting stuck between your teeth or under your gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
- Losing teeth
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- A lot of tartar buildup
- A family history of gum disease or tooth loss
- Health issues like diabetes or heart disease
Many patients consider laser gum treatment after trying regular deep cleanings with their dentist but not getting the desired results. If you have health issues that make it hard for your mouth to heal after standard treatments, or if your dentist finds deep gum pockets, you may need more advanced care than regular cleanings.
Types of Lasers Used in Laser Periodontal Therapy
There are various types of lasers used in periodontal laser gum surgery. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, helping you select the appropriate one for the specific procedure. Some frequently used lasers are:
- Focused Sonography, or Free Form– This ultrasound uses sound waves and focused light to create images of internal organs and tissues. It is commonly used to diagnose diseases, track healing, and verify surgical outcomes.
- OmniLaser–This device uses concentrated energy beams to eliminate plaque on teeth and in between them, ensuring that healthy teeth and gums remain unharmed while treating decay.
- Digital Dental LASER–This laser creates high heat levels to destroy bacteria in your mouth and remove tartar that has built up on your teeth.
Expectations During Laser Periodontal Therapy
Usually, the procedure takes two visits, each lasting between one and two hours. The dentist handles one side of the mouth at a time. The appointments are planned two to three weeks apart to prevent bacteria from reaching the treated tissue and bone.
The dentist will use a laser to remove tartar and any infected tissue near your teeth. After the treatment, the dentist will use the laser again to clean the area, help the bone heal, and start the recovery process. Most patients recover in less than 24 hours since there is little to no discomfort after the surgery.
Laser Gum Treatment Aftercare
The following are tips to promote faster healing and ensure your optimum oral health after laser surgery:
- After surgery, drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and clear out toxins or bacteria in your gums. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily.
- Eat soft foods to protect teeth and help dental implants absorb nutrients better. Avoid hard foods, as they can lead to tooth Acute Necrosis (TAN), decay, or other issues later.
- Follow your doctor’s advice on taking antibiotics. Oral infections can result in serious bone loss around your teeth, even with regular brushing and flossing. Using antibiotics as directed can help minimize this risk and speed up your healing process.
Benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy
Below are some benefits of laser periodontal therapy during the treatment:
Reduced Gum Pockets
Periodontal pockets and their severity play a major role in aggressive gum disease. The gum tissue in healthy gums attaches to the tooth roots, forming a shallow 2-3mm gingival sulcus around each tooth. The gingival sulcus, or gingival crevice, is the small space in your mouth where your teeth touch your gums. This sulcus can collect plaque and tartar, leading to infection and gum detachment.
As the gums pull away, deeper pockets form next to the teeth, indicating more advanced disease and bone loss. Reducing the depth of these pockets can stop the disease from progressing and prevent further bone loss.
There are two methods for pocket reduction. One method uses a laser to remove excess tissue at the tooth’s neck, making it shorter. The other method involves using a laser inside the pocket to help the gum tissue reattach to the tooth root. Shorter periodontal pockets increase the chances of keeping your tooth. Shallower pockets are also easier to clean and maintain daily.
Decreased Inflammation
Laser therapy is a great way to lower inflammation in the gums. It uses laser energy to eliminate bacteria that lead to gum disease and encourage healing. This treatment works well to lower inflammation and support gum health.
Better Precision in Root Planning and Scaling
Laser therapy can enhance the precision of root planing and scaling. The laser effectively targets the infected spots, allowing for better removal of tartar and plaque.
Reduced Injury to Healthy Tissue
Laser therapy is a low-risk option for treating periodontal disease that helps save healthy tissue. It uses lasers to specifically target the problem areas, minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissue and reducing complications. It can also make gums look better by decreasing swelling and encouraging healing.
Minimal Discomfort and Faster Recovery
Patients experience minimal discomfort, sensitivity, swelling, or bleeding during recovery. This is due to the accuracy of the treatment and the laser’s ability to sterilize and seal the area. There is often little need for pain medication after the procedure, unlike traditional periodontal surgery. Most patients recover in under 24 hours, allowing them to return to work quickly.
Encourages Tissue Regrowth
With laser periodontal therapy, your body naturally heals itself by removing diseased tissue while keeping healthy tissue intact. The previously infected areas are sealed, allowing healthy tissue to regrow. At the end of the procedure, the laser is used again to clean and sterilize the area. This method helps prevent infection and creates a good gum and bone regeneration environment.
Reliable Results
The minimally invasive LPT treatment ensures consistent, positive outcomes. Unlike traditional surgery, LPT does not lead to healthy gum or bone tissue loss, which can expose tooth roots and increase sensitivity and decay risk.
Extra Cosmetic Results
Traditional periodontal surgery often requires cutting away gum tissue to reach the bottom of periodontal pockets where bacteria thrive. This can result in gum recession and exposed roots, making teeth unattractive.
In contrast, periodontal therapy improves gum appearance by keeping healthy tissue intact and minimizing pockets without causing recession. The laser is also helpful for cosmetic procedures, like crown lengthening for a fuller smile and gum re-contouring to address a “gummy smile.”
Improves Bone Health
Laser periodontal therapy encourages bone growth around the teeth. This process, triggered by lasers, goes beyond traditional periodontal treatment methods. When the right lasers are used, they can help reverse some bone loss and actively support the stability of affected teeth.
Risks Associated With Laser Periodontal Therapy
Some risks are linked to laser periodontal , but most can be minimized by following your doctor’s advice. Common risks include:
- Burned gums or teeth – If you feel any burning or pain after the procedure, contact your periodontist immediately. You should report any side effects for prompt attention.
- Bleeding – Minor bleeding usually stops within a few hours, but if you have significant bleeding, see your doctor immediately. Bruising may also happen and should fade over time.
- Swelling – You might experience swelling after the surgery, which can last a few days. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid heavy activities to help prevent complications.
Laser Gum Treatment Vs. Deep Cleaning
Deep cleanings, which mainly include periodontal scaling and root planing, are mechanical procedures. They involve physically cleaning and removing tartar, which can be sensitive and time-consuming. The dentist uses a thin, precise tool to feel the root surfaces. Typically, only one side of the pocket, the root, is treated.
However, periodontal pockets also include the surrounding gum tissues. Laser treatment is a great alternative because some can remove tartar and treat the infected gum tissues near the tooth. This process helps create a healthier environment for the gums to reattach to the tooth root. Unlike traditional root planing, laser periodontal treatments can help regenerate the bone in that area, which deep cleanings alone cannot do.
Is Laser Periodontal Therapy Safe?
Dental lasers used in periodontal therapy are medical devices approved by the FDA and shown to be safe and effective when used properly. The settings for periodontal lasers differ from those used for drill-free fillings. The type and intensity of the laser are adjusted based on the tissues being treated. Therefore, the dentist’s training is as crucial as their laser technology. Your periodontist should not use any dental laser on sensitive gum areas.
Laser gum treatments are also safe if you pick a qualified practitioner. Their experience and the range of technology they have will affect the results of your treatment.
Does the Treatment Hurt?
Many people do not consider dentistry or gum surgery as “gentle.” However, laser gum treatment is a less invasive method that makes the experience more comfortable for our patients. The laser produces warm sensations and sounds, so you will likely only feel slight pressure. Your periodontist will also numb the area with local anesthetic since the laser therapy is paired with a deep cleaning of the gum pockets. You should only feel light pressure as they work through different areas.
If you have dental anxiety or fear, you should let your practitioner know. They can take extra steps to help you feel more relaxed. While sedation is usually not needed for laser treatments, there could be exceptions. Mild sedation can help you manage the anxiety that might prevent you from obtaining the care you need.
Find a Laser Periodontal Therapy Specialist Near Me
Periodontal disease affects the gums and jaw bones that support your teeth. If not treated early, it can lead to tooth loss. However, many traditional methods of treating periodontal disease, such as gum surgery, can be uncomfortable or even painful, which makes many people hesitant to seek help.
If you are concerned about the pain or discomfort, you can consider using laser periodontal therapy. This procedure uses a laser to remove damaged tissue and bacteria, making it a better alternative to traditional treatments. It does not require stitches or cuts, which helps reduce pain and shorten recovery time.
To learn more about this procedure, contact Lasting Impressions Dental Spa in Encino, CA, today to discuss your periodontal condition. Our dentists are committed to providing advanced treatment solutions to treat any periodontal issues you might have. Call us today at 818-751-5100 to schedule your consultation.
