Gum disease progresses when bacteria multiply in the periodontal pockets that form between your teeth and gums. Over time, these pockets become deep, and the infection attacks the tissue and bone that support your teeth. Stopping this cycle is critical for preserving your smile and overall health. When considering your treatment options, understanding the role of laser technology is essential.

How Laser Energy Targets Periodontal Disease

Traditional deep cleaning, scaling, and root planing (SRP) uses specialized instruments or an ultrasonic device to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacteria from the surfaces of the roots below the gums. It is highly effective but mechanical and does not necessarily sterilize the tissue.

This is where the precision of the laser dentistry comes into play. The laser works with a beam of concentrated light, typically a diode or Nd: YAG laser, defined by the wavelength. This light is drawn to the dark coloration of the infected tissue and the pathogenic bacteria that cause gum inflammation.

As the laser is gently inserted into the periodontal pocket, light energy is taken in by the tissues, vaporizing and killing instantly the disease-causing bacteria and infected gum tissue. Studies show that diode laser treatment can yield a notable reduction of the bacterial load deep inside the gingival sulcus. The treatment is applied to some patients for laser bacterial reduction during routine cleaning to prevent the spread of gum infection.

Laser Gum Treatment vs. Deep Cleaning

We usually suggest laser technology as an adjunct to traditional deep cleaning, providing a two-pronged treatment for complete laser therapy. The combination benefits from the strengths of both methods: mechanical removal of hardened deposits (tartar) followed by sterilization and tissue stimulation by the laser.

One of the most appealing benefits of incorporating laser therapy is reduced trauma to adjacent normal gum tissue. Because the light beam is so precise, only the diseased, inflamed lining of the gum pocket is eliminated and not healthy tissue, which causes a phenomenon referred to as regenerative healing.

Also, the laser cauterizes small blood vessels as it acts, so little or no bleeding is experienced during the procedure, and less likelihood of infection upon completion. Patients are usually more at ease both during and after the treatment compared to conventional surgery. All this gentleness is one of the primary reasons patients are adopting advanced treatments like laser therapy in Long Beach for their periodontal treatment.

The Benefits of a Minimally Invasive Approach

To most people, even the thought of having any kind of dental surgery is unpleasant. Fortunately, laser treatment has significant patient-centered benefits. Treatment is not surgical in nature, so there are typically no cuts and no stitches involved.

• Less Discomfort: Patients can experience less pain and swelling following treatment.
• Faster Healing: Because tissue trauma is reduced, healing is usually faster than with traditional gum surgery.
• Precision and Sterilization: The focused energy gives a deep-cleaning, sterilizing the root surface and reducing harmful bacteria by huge amounts. This intense treatment makes the gums reattach to the tooth root, which is the best possible result in treating periodontal disease.

If you are suffering from chronic periodontitis, discussing this revolutionary alternative with Dr. Saad might convince you to choose the most personalized plan of action for your case.

Is Laser Periodontal Treatment Right for You?

While laser technology offers incredible advantages, it isn’t a be-all and end-all. In some cases of advanced bone loss or heavy, difficult-to-remove tartar buildup, traditional methods or surgery may still be necessary. The most important step is a comprehensive periodontal examination to accurately diagnose the severity of your problem.

Dr. Saad will check your dental condition to create a care plan that brings the most predictable and successful long-term outcome. From simple scaling to full-scale periodontal treatment, your comfort and well-being are always a priority to us.