Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to several complications, including tooth loss, bad breath, and even serious health problems.
In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of gum disease, treatment methods, and explore how laser treatment for gum disease at Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Implant Center can help you regain a healthy smile.
Table of Contents
- What is Gum Disease?
- Traditional Treatment Methods
- Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
- The Procedure – Scaling and Root Planing with Localized Use of Laser
- Benefits of Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
- Take Action Today!
- FAQs about Gum Disease Treatment
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support and surround your teeth. It’s caused by bacteria in plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth when you don’t brush or floss regularly. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause irreversible damage to your teeth and jawbone.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
As gum disease progresses through its four stages (gingivitis, slight periodontitis, moderate periodontitis, and severe periodontitis), the damage to the soft tissues and underlying bone structure worsens, resulting in loose teeth and bone loss.
Common symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen, red or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
What Are Periodontal Pockets?
Periodontal pockets are spaces between the teeth and gums where bacteria can collect and cause damage. As gum disease progresses, these pockets become deeper, making it more challenging to clean effectively.
Periodontal pockets are measured in millimeters, with a healthy pocket depth being 3mm or less. When periodontal disease is present, these pockets can deepen to 4mm or more.
Key Takeaway
Laser treatment for gum disease at Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Implant Center offers a minimally invasive, effective approach to enhance oral health. This advanced procedure combines traditional scaling and root planing with laser technology for efficient bacterial elimination, leading to faster recovery and improved oral health.
Traditional Treatment Methods
Traditional treatment methods for gum disease include scaling and root planing and gum surgery.
Scaling and Root Planning
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure performed by a dental professional. During this treatment, the plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gum line, and the tooth’s root surface is smoothed to prevent bacteria from re-adhering.
Gum Surgery
Surgical procedures used to treat gum disease include gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, and gingival flap surgery. These surgeries aim to reduce pocket depth and improve the condition of the soft tissues.
Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
At Highlands Ranch Periodontics, we use the Biolase® diode laser to help treat gum disease effectively. This laser treatment is used after surgery and during scaling and root planing or when the probing depths aren’t that deep.
Laser Bacterial Reduction
Laser bacterial reduction (LBR) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses laser energy to target and eliminate bacteria in the periodontal pockets. This treatment helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing of the tissues.
How Does it Work?
The Biolase® laser uses a concentrated beam of light to target and eliminate bacteria in the gum pockets. This technique minimizes damage to healthy tissue while effectively removing harmful bacteria.
The Procedure – Scaling and Root Planing with Localized Use of Laser
Our advanced procedure for treating gum disease combines traditional scaling and root planing with the use of laser for effective decontamination of the periodontal pockets.
- Scaling and Root Planing: We begin the procedure with traditional scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning process involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, followed by the smoothing of the tooth’s root surface to inhibit bacteria from re-adhering.
- Application of Methylene Blue: Next, a dye called methylene blue, is carefully applied inside the periodontal pockets. The laser is drawn to the dark color of the dye, making it easier to target and eliminate bacteria.
- Laser treatment: With the pockets dyed, we use the Biolase® laser to decontaminate the pocket. The laser effectively targets and eliminates the bacteria harbored within the gingival sulcus.
Benefits of Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
Some of the benefits of laser treatment include:
- Minimally invasive procedure
- Faster healing and recovery times
- Less post-operative pain and discomfort
- Reduced risk of infection
- Preservation of healthy tissue
- Improved oral health
Take Action Today!
Don’t let gum disease threaten your oral health any longer. At Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Implant Center, Dr. Mike Norouzinia and Dr. Kerri Font are dedicated to providing the most advanced periodontal treatments available, including laser periodontal therapy.
If you are searching for ‘gum disease treatment near me,’ or ‘gum disease specialist near me’, we can help. Call (303) 683-1144 to book an appointment or complete the online booking form.
FAQs about Gum Disease Treatment
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal and reshaping of loose or diseased gum tissue. It is commonly performed to address periodontal issues or to improve the overall aesthetics of the smile.
During the procedure, the dentist or periodontist carefully removes the excess gum tissue, creating a more balanced and proportionate gum line. This can help to reduce the depth of periodontal pockets, enhance the appearance of the teeth, and promote better oral health.
A gingivoplasty is a dental procedure used to reshape and contour the gum tissue for both aesthetic and health reasons. It involves removing excess gum tissue and reshaping the remaining tissue to achieve a more pleasing appearance and better gum health.
This procedure is often performed in conjunction with a gingivectomy. Together, these procedures can help improve the overall appearance and health of the gums, resulting in a more confident smile and reduced risk of gum disease.
Gingival flap surgery, also known as periodontal flap surgery, is a dental procedure that aims to treat advanced gum disease. It involves carefully lifting the gums away from the teeth to gain access to the underlying roots and bone. This allows the dentist to thoroughly clean deep pockets of bacteria and tartar that have formed in the gum tissue. Once the cleaning is complete, the gums are repositioned and sutured back into place to promote proper healing.