As advancements in research continue to broaden our understanding of oral health and the disease process, the technology we use also continues to advance. With current research strongly suggesting a link between the oral cavity and the body’s systems, laser gum therapy has become an invaluable tool to us as healthcare providers.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease has different stages. It starts from gingivitis and advances to mild, moderate to severe peiodontal disease. While gingivitis is reversible, periodontal disease is not. Gum disease is a disease of the bone surrounding and housing teeth. As bactria lurk in the deep dark pockets around your teeth, the bone forsees this as something to get away from, hence shrinking. The bone you lose as a result of this will not return. Our goal in treating gum disease is to diagnose it early and stop the disease from further destroying the bone. Unfortunately gum disease is a silent disease and doesn’t hurt till later stages when it is usually too late to save the teeth, and has already affected your overall health. For more information on gum disease see our blog.
We are proud to provide our patients with soft tissue laser gum therapy. The laser is beneficial in decontaminating the pockets before treatment, reducing the risk of bacteria from entering the blood stream and aiding our ability to halt and control active infection before further damage occurs. During laser therapy, the output of heat energy is conducted much like a flashlight. Uniquely the diode laser is used to safely reduce bacteria levels and as necessary, selectively remove dead or diseased tissue within a “periodontal pocket”. This treatment helps in eliminating the imbalance of harmful bactria in the mouth. With a “clean slate” remaining, the body’s defense system is activated, allowing an accelerated recovry time and ultimately the most effective pathway in preventing future infection. This procedure is preferably conducted along with a deep cleaning also known as scaling and root planing. It is painless, there is no cutting into the gums as in gum surgery, and is most effective. For more information on how we can help you achieve a healthy mouth and in turn a healthy body, call our Escondido, CA dental office at 760-747-1811. See our new patient promotion.
Happy smiles,
Dr. Rabee McDonald
