subject: Laser Dentistry- Treat Gum Disease With Periolase [print this page] Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. If you have been told that you have gum disease, you are not alone. In the United States, many adults currently have some form of gum disease, whether it is in its early stages or advanced stages. No one places gum disease treatment at the top of their favorites list, but with advancements in dental technology you can receive treatment for gum disease without the pain and worry that is commonly associated with it. With laser dentistry, periodontal therapy is more comfortable and less time-consuming than traditional dental surgery. For instance, PerioLase offers treatment with no cutting and no suturing, which helps lessen bleeding and swelling during and after treatment.
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal, or gum, diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. The word periodontal means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become inflamed.
The two major stages of periodontal disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. However, gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis. Amazingly, gum disease is more common than heart disease, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer's combined. The good news is that unlike these other diseases, gum disease can be easily prevented and treated.
Treating Gum Disease with PerioLase
By eliminating the infection and closing up the pockets, your dentist can repair the damage. Until now, treatment of gum disease meant surgery and sutures. However, today Dr. Tracy Hodge offers LANAP PerioLase, which is a patient-friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over standard gum surgery.
Research suggests that the use of lasers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing may improve the effectiveness of this procedure. In addition, when the lasers are used properly during periodontal therapy there can be less:
*Bleeding
*Swelling
*Discomfort during surgery
Each laser used in laser dentistry has different wavelengths and power levels that can be used safely during different periodontal procedures. Damage to periodontal tissues can result if an inappropriate wavelength and/or power level is used during a periodontal procedure.
Tartar, associated with inflamed and bleeding gums, is removed from the root surface of the tooth using an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments. Then, a small amount of light energy from the laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. This laser light energy removes a tiny amount of diseased tissue and aids in reducing the bacteria associated with the disease. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.
To see if you are a candidate for this incredible procedure, it is important to contact Dr. Hodge's office at (513) 825-7570.
