Periodontal Therapy
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth.
Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance known as calculus (or tartar).
Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Clenching and grinding teeth
- Medication
- Poor nutrition
Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.
Preventing Gum Disease
The best way to prevent gum disease is effective daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some form of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to prevent its progress.
How is Periodontal Disease Traditionally Treated?
- Special cleaning called Scaling & Root Planing to remove plaque and tartar deposits
- Series of appointments scheduled 10 to 14 days apart
- If pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery is often needed
Laser Gum Therapy
We treat Periodontal Disease using the latest, minimally invasive, technique: the Laser! Our LASER GUM THERAPY, the Wavelength-optimized Periodontal Therapy uses light energy to gently disinfect and evaporate diseased tissues from around the tooth and inside the gum pocket.
This treatment interrupts the bacterial destruction of the tissues and bone, giving the gum pocket a chance to heal. This new gum laser therapy is gentle, less painful, and has a quick recovery. While surgery may still be indicated for severely advanced periodontal cases, laser therapy is a much more conservative, effective and comfortable option for beginning, moderate, to advanced periodontal cases.