How a Laser Can Restore Your Gums
Traditional gum treatment has been a dental treatment that many people have dreaded and many have even avoided it altogether – even though they really needed it. Its reputation for creating a lot of pain during the recovery period has scared many people away. Fortunately, the new laser treatment for receding gums has changed everything.
Lasers Simplify the Process
When gums need to be treated because there are severe signs of gum disease, patients can now choose between the traditional way and the new laser treatment. Lasers enable the dentist to perform the necessary periodontal treatment in less time and the patient also gets to enjoy a faster healing time.
Benefits of Laser Surgery
Lasers have several definite benefits that are seen in gum recession treatment. They include:
- Shorter Surgery
Receding gum treatment can be conducted much faster using lasers. Because several steps are completely eliminated, time spent in the dentist’s chair is greatly reduced – and the patient is much more comfortable during the procedure, too
- Local Anesthesia Only
In the old method of treatment for advanced periodontal disease, periodontists would first have to put the patients to sleep with general anesthesia. This was because it was just too painful to have the patient remain awake. With laser therapy, all a patient needs is local anesthesia, and there is much less pain during recovery, too! With the traditional treatment, the patient would have to have prescription painkillers for several days after the surgery. With lasers, patients are often able to go to work immediately, because the laser seals the nerves instantly – eliminating nearly all pain. At most, some patients may need to use some over-the-counter pain medications.
- Very Little Bleeding
Another benefit is that there is very little bleeding. The laser cauterizes the wound when cutting soft tissue, causing there to be nearly instant clotting. Because a scalpel is not used, this treatment is considered non-invasive.
- No Stitches Needed
One thing that enables the periodontist to conduct this surgery faster while using a laser is because no stitches are required. Previously, the gums would be stitched much closer to the teeth, helping to close the pockets and to keep the bacteria out. The laser is also used to make tissues in the gum pockets stick to the teeth which creates a seal to keep them out. Since no stitches are needed, this also helps to greatly reduce pain in the post-treatment phase.
After the bacteria are destroyed, the dentist will apply an ultrasonic root cleaner to help clear bacteria off the tooth and smooth the tooth roots. This makes it harder for them to start a new colony.
- More Bacteria Destroyed
In the traditional method, oral surgeons would often have to cut open the pockets on the gums in order to remove the bacteria manually. With lasers, this process can often be skipped. All the dentist has to do to destroy the bacteria in the pockets is to insert a thin fiber-optic cable into the gum pockets and turn on the laser. The laser light will kill as much as 99 percent of the bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
The use of a dental laser also reduces the possibility of an infection. This benefit occurs because the laser kills bad bacteria closest to the site.
- Less Healthy Tissue Lost
The laser light is selective in what it destroys. It can destroy only the bad bacteria because there is a difference in the color of healthy tissue and unhealthy tissue. This is especially important in gum surgery because patients do not need their gums to recede any more.
- Stimulation of Growth
Laser light is unique because it has been discovered to stimulate new tissue growth. It can stimulate the growth of the bone and gum tissue, enabling the gums to attach to the teeth sooner.
- Shorter Recovery Period
Healing also occurs much faster after laser surgery. This enables patients to be able to get back to their life much faster – some even going to work right after the surgery.
About Periodontitis
Gum disease can often be completely avoided. The primary cause of it is a lack of good care of your teeth – not brushing twice a day and flossing. Periodontitis is the more severe form of gum disease (gingivitis is the mild form), and it can cause your teeth to become loose and fall out.
Many people are not aware that they have gum disease. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss them, and they are inflamed or red, you have gingivitis. You will usually be able to eliminate it by brushing twice a day and flossing. Once it becomes periodontitis, you will need the help of a dentist to remove it – and it gradually becomes worse.
Laser treatment for receding gums enables you to get the treatment you need without the pain and long recovery period. It is a much better experience, and the laser process enables you to get back to your normal life quickly. When you need gum recession treatment, ToothHQ Board Certified Periodontists, can help you with the new high-tech laser treatment in their Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Mocking Bird/SMU, and Grapevine, TX offices. Most dental insurance plans are accepted. For a FREE dental consultation or information about periodontal treatment, you can contact our office today at (214) 731-0123.
