Laser Periodontal Technology

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of your gums that can lead to tooth loss. Because this gum disease is not painful in its early stages, you may not experience any symptoms, and not even realize that you have this disease until it begins to threaten your teeth.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that combine with mucus and other particles to form a sticky plaque on your teeth. If not removed, the plaque will harden and turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional cleaning. If left untreated, the acid produced by increasing populations of bacteria will cause serious damage to your tissues. This is periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease, which destroys your bones, gums, and tissues, resulting in tooth loss.

Laser Periodontal Treatment

Traditional treatment for gum disease involves using instruments to scrape the tartar from your root surfaces (called scaling and root planing), which allows your healthy gum tissue to reattach to their roots. If your periodontal disease has progressed to the point where scraping is no longer effective, gum surgery is typically recommended. Traditional surgery involves cutting your gum tissue, then clearing your roots and bones of deposits and smoothing them down. Stitches may be used while your gums are healing, which leads to roots that are sensitive and exposed.

However, your gums can now be treated for gum disease without a scalpel and stitches. Laser periodontal technology can treat infected gum tissue quickly, painlessly, and effectively. This method has been proven to be just as effective as surgery to rid your mouth of periodontal disease.

The laser used in this form of periodontal therapy generates a very narrow but intense beam of concentrated light. When laser light comes in contact with your soft tissue, a reaction occurs. This light beam is able to remove, vaporize or shape infected soft tissues in your gums, cheeks and tongue.

Benefits of Laser Periodontal Technology

The benefits of laser periodontal technology include:

• The preservation of as much of your healthy gum tissue as possible
• A faster, minimally invasive procedure compared to traditional periodontal surgery
• The ability to maintain the height of your gums surrounding your teeth
• It specifically removes infected tissue while stimulating your non-infected tissue
• Healing occurs more quickly due to the increase in circulation promoted by the laser
• The laser reduces the need for postoperative pain medication and helps reduce post-operative swelling and bleeding

Dr. Joel Miller and the dental team at Aesthetic Dentistry of Valencia are highly trained professionals who can rid your mouth of periodontal disease and restore your oral health. If you live in the Valencia, California area and believe you may have gum disease, please contact our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation.