Laser Therapy Treatment for Periodontal Disease

A laser is a device that utilizes low light energy to perform work. Laser periodontal therapy is a conservative, nonsurgical treatment recommended by Dr. Wittmus and/or Dr. Calderon for periodontal disease.  Lasers are precise and can target diseased or infected tissues lining the pockets around your teeth while leaving healthy, surrounding tissue unaffected. At the same time, the laser will kill the bacteria causing your gum disease and promote healing of your gums.

The ability of the laser to kill bacteria in periodontal pockets and rid those pockets of sick and infected tissue has enormous potential, not only as a means of arresting the progression of periodontal disease, but as a fast and simple prophylactic. Benefits of the use of laser include: opening up the pocket to expose bacteria left after deep cleaning and removal of the bacteria, removal of diseased inner pocket lining, sterilization of the pocket, and sealing of the pocket. Lasers reduce or stop bleeding by sealing off blood vessels and nerve endings during a procedure, lessening postoperative pain and swelling.  The end result is elimination of bacteria and the reattachment of the gums to the teeth. A video and additional information regarding lasers can be found at our website at: https://www.gratefuldental.com/service/diode-laser-periodontal-therapy/

How do I know if I need to have laser therapy?

Dr. Wittmus and/or Dr. Calderon has diagnosed you as having periodontal disease. This is an infection of bone and supporting structures of your teeth. Periodontal bacteria can cause an inflammatory response leading to destruction of the supporting fibers that connect your teeth to bone. Destruction of the fibers creates a space called a periodontal pocket. Normal pocketing depths are 1-3mm, which can be cleaned at home with routine brushing, flossing, and rinsing, however, in your situation, you have pockets that are deeper than 3 mm, and it is impossible for you to clean them. As a result, debris and bacteria living at the bottom of these pockets has led to a chronic gum infection. Additional information on periodontal disease can be found at our website at: https://www.gratefuldental.com/periodontal-gum-disease/LASER

FACT: The leading cause of tooth loss before age 30 is tooth decay. After age 30, the leading cause of tooth loss is gum disease!

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