Periodontal Therapy
Laser Treatment for Periodontal Therapy
Laser technology has made its way into a variety of industries, including oral care. It is still in the early stages, but it has been used effectively for treating gum disease or periodontal disease. It is offering some promising results for many patients.
How Lasers Can Be Used for Periodontal Therapy
When used for periodontal therapy, lasers access inflamed gum tissue and removes it from the area around the root of the tooth. Once the infected tissue has been removed the root is exposed and the dental professional can begin the scaling process. Scaling involves the scraping of the tooth’s surface to remove built up plaque and calculus. Once these substances have been scraped away, then the teeth are smoothed out so there are not any rough spots that can attract bacteria. The healing process can now begin.
What are the Risks and Benefits to Using Laser Treatment
There are some benefits for those who are eligible to use laser treatments for periodontal therapy. Some of the benefits include:
- You will not need any anesthetic for the procedure.
- Lasers provide very targeted treatment.
- It limits the amount of swelling, pain and bleeding since it is less invasive than other methods for treating periodontal disease.
- Recovery time and healing are shorter.
There are a few risks worth mentioning as well. For instance, if the medical professional uses an inaccurate wavelength or the wrong power level it can cause damage to the gum tissue.
What Type of Care is Needed Following the Procedure
After undergoing laser treatments for periodontal therapy, you will need to continue with good daily oral hygiene habits. This means brushing and flossing your teeth every day. You should also avoid tobacco products to reduce the risk of developing future infections.
