More than one out of every three adults has some form of gum disease, but most people prefer to put off treatment. Even though ignoring gum disease can lead to further complications, the mere suggestion of a surgical procedure is often enough to deter patients from taking any corrective actions. However, there is another option, and that is laser therapy.
Laser treatment for gum disease does have its pros and cons, but ultimately its high success rate and relatively few side effects make it a sensible choice in many cases. Here’s what the procedure entails.
What Is Laser Gum Treatment?
Gum disease laser therapy is an alternative to surgery for treating periodontal disease. This modern method uses light energy to destroy bacteria, improve oral health, and stimulate bone growth. It’s not just for gum disease, either. Dentists can use it to treat tooth decay, fix hypersensitivity, and reshape the gums.
The dentist uses a laser beam during the procedure to eliminate inflamed gum tissue. A significant pro of laser treatment for gum disease is the ability to distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue. The laser light does this by identifying the darker color of the infected sections. It can then remove those parts to eliminate the infection and sterilize the area.
Afterward, the healthy gum tissue can regenerate and return to normal. Depending on the severity of the disease, the dentist can perform this procedure in one or two office visits.
Laser Gum Treatment Pros
Laser gum therapy has various advantages over traditional treatments for periodontal disease. Here are the most notable pros of this restorative dental procedure.
Highly Effective
The first advantage of laser treatment for gum disease is the procedure’s effectiveness. Gum disease can lead to serious dental consequences like infection and tooth loss if left untreated.
Laser therapy can successfully treat moderate to severe cases of periodontal disease and remove all the harmful bacteria gathered in the deep pockets of your gums. With gum laser treatment, you can avoid the side effects of gingivitis and keep all your natural teeth intact.
Minimally Invasive
Another advantage of laser therapy over surgical procedures for gum disease treatment is that it’s a less invasive method. In traditional gum surgery, the dentist will cut into your gum tissue to remove the infection. Patients require stitches, and there is always a small risk of further infection at the site of the incision.
Laser therapy, on the other hand, only emits a small light at the infected area to complete the procedure. It’s only a minor discomfort, and you will not require anesthetics for pain.
Faster Recovery
Another notable benefit of laser treatment for gum disease is the shorter recovery time. Traditional gum surgeries have long recovery periods, lasting two to four weeks. Patients typically experience pain, swelling, and discomfort during this recovery period. In some cases, you may have to follow a liquid diet.
The recovery time for laser treatments is much shorter. Since the dentist doesn’t make incisions in your gum tissue, you will only feel the discomfort for about 24 hours. You can return to your normal routines within a few days after receiving treatment. This minimal downtime with gum laser treatment also means you can avoid the possible side effects of surgeries such as fatigue, pain, or missed work time.
More Precision
Although dentists are highly trained and take precautions, things can go wrong in traditional gum surgery. There is a risk that the dentist may cut into your healthy gum tissue. Yet because the laser beam is so precise, and because it distinguishes between healthy and infected tissue, the procedure has a high degree of accuracy. The dentist can heal your damaged gums without harming any healthy tissues.
Patient-Tailored
The final pro of laser treatment for gum disease is the possibility of customization. At the Dental Health Group, Dr. Abad can change the wavelengths and power levels of the laser based on the severity of your gum disease. This customization will yield a more successful result and increase your comfort during the procedure.
Laser Gum Treatment Cons
Although it is a highly recommended procedure, gum laser treatment can have some side effects and additional considerations that may make it not the right choice for everyone.
Unsuitable for Highly Severe Cases
Laser gum therapy may be unsuitable for those with highly severe periodontal diseases. In these cases, the dentist may use a surgical procedure alongside laser therapy or perform the surgery alone.
Not Offered by All Dentists
One of the downsides of laser treatment for gum disease is that not all dentists perform it. Laser therapy is a dental service that requires additional training. Not everyone is qualified, and some offices do not have the equipment. We’re proud to offer laser gum therapy at the Dental Health Group in Canoga Park.
It Can be Costly
Laser gum therapy can be expensive if you plan to pay for it out of pocket. However, most insurance plans cover a portion of the costs, and there are financing options to help you pay for the treatment.
Does Laser Gum Treatment Hurt?
One of the most notable advantages of laser treatment for gum disease is that the procedure is virtually painless with or without anesthesia. When you find a good dentist and treat the disease early, you will avoid oral health complications down the road.
Receive Effective Laser Gum Treatment at the Dental Health Group
While laser gum therapy is a great choice for many patients, Dr. Erwin Abad at the Dental Health Group can help you decide if it’s right for you. We welcome patients from all over Los Angeles for effective treatment at our modern office. Contact us now to schedule an appointment and restore your gums’ health.