Laser dentistry can treat various dental problems. Lasers deliver energy in the form of light to act as a cutting instrument or to vaporize tissue. One of the most common uses of lasers in dentistry is laser gum surgery. Laser gum surgery can prevent and improve gum disease.
According to Crest, about three out of four Americans experience gum disease or gingivitis throughout their life. Gingivitis occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth and gums. If left untreated, gingivitis becomes periodontitis, an irreversible and more severe form of gum disease. To have a healthy, bright smile, patients need to begin with the health of their gums. One way to focus on gum health is through laser therapy for gum disease.
Gingivitis manifests as bleeding gums in the early stages. Healthy gums should not be swollen, red, or cause the patient pain during brushing. As gingivitis worsens, patients may experience foul breath. Generally, gingivitis does not change the smell of an individual's breath, but as it progresses to severe gum disease, it can.
Adult teeth do not grow longer throughout a patient's life. If a patient notices teeth appearing longer, the reality is that the gums probably look smaller. As the bone begins to break down, gums separate from the tooth and create a pocket. As the gums pull away, the teeth appear longer.
In cases of periodontitis, patients may suffer from recurrent abscesses, damage to the jaw bone, receding gums, loose teeth, and damage to the periodontal ligament. Doctors also associate gum disease with other health conditions, such as lung infections and cardiovascular disease.
To address the gums, dentists may use laser-assisted periodontal therapy or LAPT. This therapy decontaminates the gums through high-powered lasers. When using LAPT, the dentist targets the most common bacteria in the mouth around and inside the gum tissue. LAPT targets the bacteria that cause inflammation to the gums and decontaminates the area to help with the healing process.
Unlike traditional gum disease treatment, laser periodontal therapy does not require stitches and does not cause bleeding for the patient. The laser is only about as wide as three human hairs and does not harm healthy tissue. The laser can reach all bacteria on the gumline, including bacteria within deep pockets.
One of the significant benefits of laser dentistry is the laser is precise. It distinguishes between different types of gum tissue and has a quick recovery time. Most patients recover in about 24 hours from the time of the procedure.
The health of a patient's gums can determine the individual's overall oral health. In the early stages of gum disease, dentists can keep the condition from progressing and may even reverse the early stages of gingivitis. Using laser dentistry can address various stages of gum disease and leave patients with an overall healthier and bacteria-free mouth.
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