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

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Laser Treatments for Periodontal Care in Austin, TX

“Periodontal” simply means gum tissue–the gums that hold your teeth in place. Periodontal health, or gum health, is essential to maintaining strong, healthy teeth, but it’s also interwoven with whole-body health. Dr. Helen Ragsdale offers laser treatments for periodontal. Austin, TX, has many dentists for you to choose from, but Dr. Ragsdale offers patients an extraordinary experience with laser periodontal treatments. 

What is periodontal disease?

Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease is a group of gum tissue infections that include: gingivitis, periodontal disease, advanced periodontal disease, and periodontitis.

Naturally-occuring plaque forms on and between teeth, accumulating on the gumline, where teeth and gums meet.

Within 48 hours, soft plaque calcifies into a hard substance we call tartar or calculus. While plaque can be removed at home by brushing and flossing, tartar is not water soluble. Only a dental hygienist or dentist can remove plaque.

Left on teeth, tartar irritates gum tissue and allows harmful oral bacteria to infect the gums. Infection spreads vertically down a tooth, below the gum line, and to the root. Gum disease also spreads horizontally, and the spread can be quite fast. Without treatment, gum disease harms oral and overall health.

Results of Untreated Periodontal Disease (Austin, TX)

Periodontal disease is the primary cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. As infection spreads, over time gum and bone tissue can die (called necrosis), leaving teeth without structural support. Therefore, teeth fall out. To install replacement teeth, all dead gum and bone tissue must first be removed, then restored with grafts. 

Dr. Ragsdale offers laser treatment for all levels of gum disease and, if necessary, can refer a patient to a periodontist for treatment of periodontitis with necrosis.

Research also connects periodontal disease with these conditions:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Diabetes complications
  • Low-weight births
  • Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
  • Pulmonary diseases

Laser Treatments for Periodontal Care (Austin, TX)

Using a soft tissue laser, Dr. Ragsdale performs minimally invasive gum disease treatment. 

In the past, gum surgery required cutting damaged and dead tissue with a scalpel, then suturing the open wounds. Afterward, gums had to be packed with gauze, which required wound care. Recovery was painful and took weeks. 

In contrast, a laser seals periodontal tissue as it trims away infected and diseased tissue, so no scalpel (blade) or stitches (sutures) are required. Without stitches, gums heal very fast! You should be back to work the very next day.

Do you need laser treatment for periodontal care in Austin?

Visit us online at www.austinlaserdentist.com or call 512-346-4690 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ragsdale. With years of experience and hundreds of completed laser periodontal cases, Dr. Ragsdale will apply her skills and knowledge to your personalized treatment plan. If you fear the dentist or are concerned about pain during treatment, ask about sedation dentistry. Dr. Ragsdale and our team want you to remain comfortable at appointments and confident that we’ll always take great care of you and your loved ones.

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7 Surprising Facts About Periodontal Disease

A digital representation of how periodontal disease progresses over time.

Periodontal disease–also known as gum disease–is an infection in the gum tissue. It is caused by a buildup of plaque and harmful bacteria below the gumline. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to significant health issues, including extensive tooth loss. 

At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale uses gentle and effective methods to treat periodontal disease. So, don’t wait–schedule your appointment now by calling 512-346-4690 or sending us a message here. 

Think periodontal disease isn’t a big deal? Here are seven surprising facts that might change your mind.

Periodontal Disease Can Be Silent

The beginning stage of periodontal disease–known as gingivitis–can be painless with few visible signs of infection. However, there are a few sneaky signs and symptoms to look out for, such as:

  • -Your gums appear darker than usual
  • -You notice blood after flossing or brushing
  • -You have bad breath, even after brushing
  • -Your teeth seem to be getting longer

These are all indications that a periodontal infection is eroding delicate gum tissue and damaging teeth.

Gum Disease Is Extremely Common

The CDC estimates that almost 50% of all adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. And, that statistic keeps rising as we get older. Experts believe that almost 70% of adults over the age of 65 show signs of gum disease.

Gum Disease Is the Leading Cause of Tooth Loss

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. This is because periodontal disease can weaken both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth over time. 

Subsequently, the structures–like gums and bone–that keep teeth firmly in place begin to degrade. And, after extensive degradation, teeth lose the support that anchors them to the jaw, making tooth loss a very real threat.

Periodontal Disease Leads to Chronic Conditions

There is sufficient evidence to suggest that gum disease can lead to or worsen chronic conditions, such as: 

  • -Heart disease
  • -Diabetes
  • -Stroke
  • -Respiratory issues
  • -Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
  • -Pregnancy complications, premature birth, and low birth weight

Gum Disease Is Contagious

Yes, you read that correctly–gum disease is an infectious disease. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can spread to other people. Typically, people transfer gum disease-causing bacteria to others by sharing food, drinks, and kisses. 

Yogurt Might Prevent Periodontal Disease

A 2017 study found that individuals who ate yogurt regularly were less likely to develop gum disease. Medical and dental professionals attribute this to the probiotic properties of fermented milk.

Yogurt–a fermented milk product–contains millions (sometimes billions!) of healthy bacteria. These healthy bacteria prevent bad oral bacteria from growing out of control, thereby limiting the risk of gum disease.

Gingivitis Can Be Reversed

Gingivitis–the initial stage of periodontal disease–is curable. In fact, Dr. Ragsdale is uniquely skilled at using gentle dental lasers to disinfect periodontal pockets and encourage healing. As a result, her patients rid themselves of a progressive disease that can jeopardize their oral and overall health. 

Periodontal Treatment in Austin, TX

Gum disease will not go away without the help of a skilled dentist. That’s why you need to call Austin Laser Dentist right now. Dr. Helen Ragsdale can save your gums, teeth, and systemic health with ultra-precise and gentle dental lasers. Don’t wait–contact our Austin, TX, dental office at 512-346-4690 or online here.

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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.

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7 Common Questions About Periodontal Disease

Gum disease – Printed Diagnosis with Blurred Text on Red Background and Medical Composition – Stethoscope, Pills and Syringe. Medical Concept. 3D Render.

According to the CDC, 47.2 percent of adults 30 years old and older have periodontal disease. Also called gum disease, periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the gingiva. When left untreated the gums will pull away from the teeth, and the disease-causing bacteria will attack the bone and tissue beneath the gums.

Want to know more? Here are seven common questions about gum disease:

1. What are the most common symptoms of periodontal disease?

Gum disease doesn’t show up the same way for everyone. In many cases, patients don’t even know they have gum disease until severe damage has been done.

However, some symptoms are more common than others, such as:

  • Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
  • Inflamed or irritated gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Gum recession

Don’t wait until these symptoms appear to visit the dentist. At that point, the disease may have progressed past its ability to be reversed.

2. Is gum disease curable?

There are four phases of gum disease: gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. Dentists can only reverse or cure gum disease in the first stage. Once the disease has progressed past gingivitis, it can only be stabilized and maintained.

3. Who is at risk for gum disease?

Factors that increase a person’s risk of developing gum disease include:

  • Smoking
  • Old age
  • Poor nutrition
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Dry mouth
  • Hormone changes
  • Genetics

4. How do dentists treat periodontal disease?

Treatment options for periodontal disease vary depending on the advancement of the disease. For patients with gingivitis, a simple dental cleaning or root planing and scaling will suffice. These methods clean the teeth and gums and disinfect the gum line so that the gingiva can begin to heal.

For more advanced stages of periodontal disease, our laser dentist offers the following treatments:

  • Laser pocket decontamination
  • Gum grafts
  • Guided tissue regeneration
  • Laser gum surgery
  • Bone grafting

Dental lasers make the treatment for gum disease much more comfortable and effective. Dentists who don’t utilize dental lasers will likely use drills, scalpels, and sutures during the treatment process.

5. Does periodontal disease affect the rest of the body in any way?

Our oral and systemic health are directly related. When one isn’t healthy, the other probably isn’t either. If left untreated, the bacteria that cause inflammation in the gums will leak into the bloodstream and spread to other areas of the body.

Consequently, patients with periodontal disease may suffer from a stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and early labor.

6. Will gum disease cause tooth loss?

Tooth loss is the most common result of untreated advanced gum disease. As the bacteria eat away at the gingiva, bone, and other hard and soft tissues, the teeth no longer have the support they need to stay in place.

Patients will experience loose teeth, tooth movement, and other obvious symptoms before tooth loss occurs.

7. How can I prevent gum disease?

When it comes to maintaining good oral health, prevention really is the best policy. In addition to visiting the dentist every six months, patients should develop an effective oral hygiene routine at home. This should include:

  • Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
  • Flossing daily
  • Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash

A healthy diet is also important for avoiding periodontal disease. Fruits, veggies, protein, and dairy products are healthy-mouth staples. Try to limit starchy and sugary foods that cause an imbalance in the mouth.

For more information about gum disease, or to schedule an appointment with our Austin Laser Dentist, contact our office today at (512) 346-4690.

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Modern and Effective Periodontal Treatments

chart showing healthy tooth vs periodontal disease

Periodontal disease affects millions of Americans every single day. Most of the time, the effects of gum disease go completely unnoticed until they cannot be ignored any longer. The symptoms include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Excess plaque and tartar
  • Periodontal pockets
  • Bone recession
  • Persistent bad breath

If left untreated, the bad bacteria can move from the mouth, into the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.

As dental professionals, our goal is to help patients avoid these consequences completely. That’s why we recommend regular dental cleanings every six months and teach good oral hygiene practices.

However, when patients do develop gum disease, our dentist offers the following effective and state-of-the-art periodontal treatments.

Root planing and scaling

Our Austin laser dentist prioritizes conservative, non-surgical periodontal treatments. Root planing and scaling, also called a deep dental cleaning, is just that. First, she cleans the surfaces of each tooth and the gum line. Then, using gentle techniques and effective tools, she removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line—this is the “scaling” part. Finally, she smooths out any rough spots on the tooth (planing).

This process causes the periodontal pockets to shrink and heal. Patients can then maintain good gum health through proper oral hygiene habits at home, such as brushing and flossing.

Laser pocket decontamination

For deeper periodontal pockets and more advanced forms of gum disease, laser pocket decontamination may be necessary. In the past, more invasive procedures would be necessary, but dental lasers have made treatments much simpler and safer.

During this procedure, our dentist utilizes a precise dental laser that emits a focused beam into the periodontal pockets. Through this practice, the disease-causing bacteria are eliminated, and the laser creates an environment that aids in healing. Many studies have shown that laser therapy increases the chance of recover from gum disease.

Gum grafts

Most patients with periodontal disease experience gum recession as a result of deep periodontal pockets. Once the disease has been neutralized, dentists focus on treating the damage. Gum grafts solve the issue of gum recession by using tissue from a bank or patient’s mouth.

First, the tissue (if using from the patient’s mouth) is removed with a dental laser. Then, the grafts are carefully and attached to the remaining gum tissue.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

Teeth and gums that have been damaged by periodontal disease become extremely susceptible to falling out. Guided tissue regeneration involves surgery on the gum and bone, separating tissues, and healing. In about six months, the teeth should have much more support.

Bone Grafting

Periodontal disease also attacks the jawbone, leading to bone resorption that causes the face to appear caved in. Through modern technology, dentists can regrow the bone, restoring function and appearance. Once healed, the dentist will likely replace any missing teeth with dental implants to ensure the jawbone remains strong.

Modern Periodontal Treatment in Austin, TX

When it comes to dentistry, conservative and gentle techniques are preferred. At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen Ragsdale is passionate about creating a comfortable dental experience for patients with all types of oral health needs. Laser dental treatments are her specialty for that reason!

If you or someone you love is suffering from periodontal disease, don’t wait any longer to receive treatment. The earlier, the better! Dr. Ragsdale is prepared to help eliminate the disease and restore your mouth to health. Contact our office today at (512) 346-4690 to schedule an initial consultation.