About 25% of Americans have some degree of gum deterioration. Gum deterioration can include gum line recession, gingivitis, or periodontitis.
The initial signs of gum disease are bleeding and sore gums. However, if left untreated, gum disease can lead to infections, tooth loss, and bone loss. Advanced gum disease increases the risk of you developing other diseases, including diabetes, dementia, and heart disease.
At Austin Laser Dentist, Dr. Helen E. Ragsdale’s dental exam will include checking your mouth for signs of gum disease. If you have mild to moderate gum disease, Dr. Ragsdale will do root scaling to eliminate plaque and tartar above and below the gum line and planting to smooth your teeth’s roots.
However, if your gum disease is more advanced, you may need laser decontamination (removes bacteria in periodontal pockets) to eliminate infections. If you need advanced gum disease treatment, including surgery, laser therapy has distinct benefits over traditional methods.
Less Gum Tissue Loss
Because laser beams are more precise than surgical instruments, they can target the exact places where your gums are affected. This means preservation of more of the healthy gum tissue surrounding the infected tissue.
Having lots of healthy gum tissue will speed the healing process. It will also help prevent more tooth and bone loss.
Less Bleeding
With traditional periodontal surgery, there is always a risk of post-operative bleeding within the first 24 hours. There are many restrictions you have to follow to avoid bleeding days or weeks after traditional surgery.
Laser periodontal surgery causes far less bleeding than using surgical instruments. Bleeding is also easier to control. As soon as the laser removes infected gum tissue, it cauterizes the area so that bleeding is stopped.
More Flexibility
Laser tools can perform many types of gum disease treatments. This is because laser beams can be fine-tuned in a wide range of wavelengths and intensities.
If you have several gum disease issues, you might have to have several different traditional surgeries. It is possible, however, with laser treatments to have all your periodontal problems taken care of in one surgery.
Shorter Recovery Time
The recovery time for traditional gum disease surgery can be lengthy. Complete healing may take several weeks. During this time, you will be limited in what you can and can’t do.
Laser gum disease treatment has a shorter recovery time. You may experience soreness for a few days, but the overall healing process is faster.
Used in Other Dental Procedures
Laser gum disease treatment can be used in conjunction with traditional scaling and root planing. When used in combination, results are more effective.
Cavities can also be removed during your laser gum disease treatment. Because the laser can precisely cut out just the decayed part of your tooth, more of your natural tooth will be preserved.
Laser Gum Disease Treatment in Austin, TX
Dr. Helen Ragsdale at Austin Laser Dentist has extensive experience with laser gum disease treatment. She uses the latest techniques and technology to provide you with the gentle and compassionate care that she is known for.
No dental insurance? No problem. We offer a customizable in-house dental plan that can meet every level of care that you might need. Schedule your initial consultation for laser gum disease treatment with Dr. Ragsdale today by calling our friendly team at (512) 346-4690. You will be pleased with the results.
