Laser Periodontal Treatment in Austin

Roughly 80% of Americans have some degree of periodontal (gum) disease. Early gum disease is called gingivitis, and it can be fairly easily treated with an oral hygiene turn-around. However, if you let the infection transition into severe gum disease (periodontitis) bone deterioration and tooth loss can become an issue. The importance of your regular dental checkups is obvious regarding the health of your gums. Symptoms of periodontal infection are often non-existent, or so mild that a patient doesn’t even know there is a problem. However, a dentist or hygienist can diagnose gum disease in an early phase, making treatment much easier. Austin dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale, will tell you more about gum disease, and how we can treat it in the most innovative way: with laser periodontal treatment.

Periodontal Disease

Gum disease usually results from plaque and tartar buildup at the gumline. Gum disease is nothing more than a bacterial infection which has an erosive effect on the connective tissues which reside between your gums and teeth. Periodontal pockets are little pouches of infection which form at the base of teeth. The bacteria that cause gum disease thrive in this warm, moist, spacious, dark environment. When gum disease goes spread and progress this far, symptoms include red, swollen, tender gums. Halitosis (bad breath), loose teeth, jawbone deterioration, tooth abscesses, and complete tooth loss are also common symptoms of severe gum disease.

Laser Gum Disease Treatment

If detected and treated early enough, periodontal disease is fortunately treatable without surgical methods. Dr.Ragsdale utilizes a fine fiber which she gently inserts into your infected gum tissues at the base of your teeth. This fiber will project a laser beam which vaporizes the bacteria and the infection. The name for this procedure is laser debridement or laser decontamination. Laser gum treatment can restore a healthy oral environment conducive to the reattachment of gum tissue to teeth. Periodontal disease may not technically be reversible, but Dr. Ragsdale can ensure that the effects of severe gum disease are halted and healed so progression ceases.

Gum Disease Treatment from Austin Laser Dentist

If you are seeking gum disease treatment or gentle laser dental work in Austin, schedule a consultation with Dr. Helen Ragsdale. For an appointment at our Austin  dentist office, call 512-346-4690. Our team at Austin Laser Dentist is proud to serve patients in North Austin 78759 zip code and surrounding neighborhoods.