Austin Laser Dentist - Helen Ragsdale DDS, 11615 Angus Rd Ste 101, Austin 78759, United States (US) - Phone: 512 346-4690

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How Laser Dentistry Is Revolutionizing Gum Disease Treatment

man sitting in chair with dental laser in his open mouth during gum disease treatment

Gum disease (also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease) is a common dental condition that affects millions of people across the globe. It results when oral bacteria and dental plaque build-up on the teeth and gums. If the condition goes untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Fortunately, laser dentistry is rapidly revolutionizing periodontal treatments. 

Don’t give gum disease the opportunity to rob you of your health and smile. Contact our gentle laser dentist in Austin, TX, today! Patients can easily reach our Austin Laser Dentist at (512) 346-4690 for appointments and more information.

Laser dentistry is quickly changing how dentists provide gum disease treatments. In this blog post, we explore how laser dentistry is transforming patients’ smiles and reestablishing their periodontal health.

Traditional vs. Laser Gum Disease Treatment

Laser dentistry is a relatively new field that uses high-energy beams of light to perform a variety of dental procedures. One of the most promising applications of laser dentistry is in the treatment of gum disease. 

Traditionally, treatments for gum disease involved scaling and root planing. While this process is still beneficial, traditional methods involve scraping away bacteria and tartar that have built up on the teeth and gums with sharp dental tools. Although this method is effective, it can also be painful and invasive.

Is laser gum disease treatment better than traditional methods?

When it comes to treating periodontitis, dental lasers are quickly making a positive reputation for themselves. Compared to traditional dentistry, laser dentistry is far more precise and significantly less invasive.

Dentists can use lasers to target and destroy the bacteria that cause gum disease without damaging healthy tissue. This means that patients experience less pain and discomfort during and after the procedure. Furthermore, they typically require fewer appointments to achieve the desired results.

Let’s dive into other benefits of laser dentistry for gum disease treatment now.

Stimulate Natural Healing

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of lasers for periodontal disease is that they can stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Laser energy can help to promote the growth of new tissue and blood vessels, which can aid in the regeneration of damaged gums and bone. 

This means that laser gum disease treatment can lead to faster healing times and better overall outcomes for patients.

Comfortable Treatments

Because lasers are so precise, dentists can often use them without the need for anesthesia. This means that patients can avoid the discomfort and potential side effects of traditional anesthesia, such as nausea, numbness, and allergic reactions. 

Quick and Convenient 

Additionally, laser treatments are typically shorter and require less recovery time than traditional gum disease treatments. This allows patients to return to their normal activities more quickly so that they don’t miss out on important life experiences.

Laser Gum Disease Treatment in Austin, TX

Gum disease is entirely preventable. But, if you’ve developed the condition, you don’t have to get lengthy, invasive treatments. At Austin Laser Dentist, we can help you get lasting relief with high-powered, precision dental lasers. Contact our team at (512) 346-4690 or on our website here for appointments and more!

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Does periodontal disease treatment hurt?

3d render of dental diode laser used to treat gums

Our number one tip for patients with periodontal disease (also called gum disease) is to find a dentist who offers laser therapy. This is the best way to ensure you receive the most comfortable treatment available, regardless of what stage of periodontal disease you have.

Dentists who don’t offer laser gum treatments use outdated methods to remove the tartar from along the gumline. This typically includes scalpels, drills, and stitches when surgery is necessary. Patients who visit dentists who use dental lasers experience less discomfort and pain during and after treatment.

Dental lasers eliminate the need for drills and scalpels, promote faster healing, and are much more precise than other dental tools, making the treatment process much less painful.

The different stages of gum disease require different types of treatment. Even laser dentists use traditional treatment methods to address earlier stages of periodontal disease because they are more conservative.

Continue reading to learn about the four stages of gum disease and the appropriate treatments.

1. Gingivitis

The first stage of periodontal disease often goes unnoticed because the symptoms are less apparent than the latter stages. However, bleeding gums are one of the most distinct indicators of gum disease. You may notice this when brushing or flossing.

At this first indication, patients should increase their oral hygiene by brushing more often, drinking more water, flossing daily, and using a dentist-approved mouthwash. This may reverse gingivitis without professional intervention. However, we encourage patients to seek professional dental care (most likely a regular dental cleaning) as soon as possible. If the periodontal disease advances, it will no longer be reversible.

2. Slight periodontitis

Patients with slight periodontitis continue to have bleeding gums and will experience more noticeable symptoms like persistent bad breath. Tiny pockets of disease-causing bacteria form between the teeth and gums, giving them a place to reproduce.

Dentists use scaling and root planing to treat slight periodontitis. This involves removing plaque and tartar from along the gumline and smoothing out the rough surfaces of the teeth. Though patients may experience slight discomfort during this procedure, they rarely complain about significant pain during or after. During healing, the gums shrink and periodontal pockets disappear.

Following scaling and root planing, patients should practice good oral hygiene at home to maintain a healthy mouth.

3. Moderate periodontitis

Moderate periodontal disease will experience bone loss in the teeth and jaw—though they may not notice it. At this stage, the disease enters the bloodstream and can cause inflammation throughout the body.

There are two treatment options for moderate periodontitis:

  1. Scaling and root planing
  2. Laser pocket decontamination

Laser dentists often recommend scaling and root planing as a first-step treatment, then—if necessary—laser pocket decontamination. This state-of-the-art procedure is a non-surgical treatment that removes aggressive bacteria from the periodontal pockets and promotes fast healing.

4. Advanced periodontitis

In the fourth and final stage of gum disease, the bacteria attack the bones and ligaments that secure the teeth, causing them to feel loose. The previously developed symptoms will continue and become worse. People with advanced periodontitis may also notice small pockets of puss forming in the gum tissue.

Treatment for advanced periodontitis may involved scaling and root planing, laser pocket decontamination, and laser gum surgery. Again, the final three stages of gum disease cannot be reversed, but the results of treatment can be maintained.

Comfortable Periodontal Disease Treatment in Austin, TX

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with gum disease and want to experience the benefits of laser dentistry, contact the office of Dr. Helen Ragsdale today. Our dentist has over twenty years of experience using dental lasers and is the dentist who other dentists come to for training in laser dental procedures.

Call (512) 346-4690 to schedule an appointment at Austin Laser Dentist.