Laser Gum Treatment

LASER GUM (PERIODONTAL) TREATMENT

Gum and bone disease (called periodontal disease) is a very common infection. Left untreated, it causes bad breath, sore gums, receding gums, bone loss and loose teeth.

A high percent of Australians suffer from some kind of gum disease, but dental fear is one of the factors that stop patients from having dental treatment. At Ryde Dental Family, we want to let out patients know we have the necessary technology for Laser Periodontal Treatment, which is a non-surgical approach for treating gum disease. We have found that this is a very effective treatment, and much more comfortable than traditional periodontal surgery.

HOW LASER GUM THERAPY IS PERFORMED?

Laser periodontal therapy is a breakthrough in the treatment of gum disease. It generates a tiny beam of concentrated light energy that destroys otherwise inaccessible bacterial groups while creating an ideal environment for healing.

We use this procedure to preserve as much of the healthy gum tissue as possible, maintaining the height of the gums around the teeth, and minimizing the dental discomfort to the patient.

After removing the tartar and calculus, a laser is used to selectively remove diseased or infected tissues lining the pockets around your teeth. At the same time the laser will kill the bacteria that cause gum disease and promote its healing. Some lasers can help increase circulation and collagen formation at the bottom of your periodontal pockets.

BENEFITS OF LASER GUM TREATMENT

Moderate to serious cases of gum and bone (periodontal) disease benefit from laser therapy treatment. The advantages of using Lasers for gum treatment are as follows

Less invasive than traditional therapies and involves no cutting or stitches

Non traumatic, virtually painless and causes no swelling

Faster dental healing

Minimal post-op discomfort

Less bleeding

Decreased sensitivity

Faster procedure that traditional periodontal surgery

Reduced risk of infection

LASER BACTERIAL REDUCTION (LBR)

There has been found to be a direct link between inflammation of the gums and debilitating and life threatening systemic disease.

Through Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR) we are able to destroy the bacteria that cause inflammation and periodontal disease.

In other words, just by circling the teeth with the laser, in a non-cutting mode, within the surrounding gum pocket, we can drastically reduce the harmful bacteria that can affect our dental and overall health. For example, around one tooth, within an inflamed periodontal pocket, there are billions of bacteria. The application of the laser will take the bacterial counts around that tooth from the billions down to the hundreds within seconds.

The bacterial levels will slowly grow back towards their original levels over the next several weeks, however, during this time and with proper home care, you can allow the area to heal enough to enable the surrounding gum tissue to reattach and the pockets to shrink.

What are the benefits of Laser Bacterial Reduction?

We recommend that all of our patients have their teeth decontaminated with a dental laser prior to cleaning appointments for the following reasons.

To reduce or eliminate Bacteremias (bacteria that can be introduced into our bloodstream)
To prevent cross contamination of infection in one area of your mouth to other areas
To destroy the bacteria in Periodontal Disease before they can cause the loss of attachment of the surrounding structures
To boost the immune system
To improve overall health
The laser decontamination process is painless and normally takes 5-10 minutes

Cosmetically, this procedure is the most preserving of tissues around the teeth compared to any treatment demanding traditional flap access. Any periodontal treatment has some effect on the inflammation caused by disease process. As the inflammation resolves, there will be some shrinkage of the soft tisues, LANAP keeps this change to a minimum because only the unhealthy tissue is removed. Full mouth treatment with LANAP decreases the time for a surgical procedure by more than 50%.

In addition to destroying the bacteria and infection, the Laser treatment also encourages stem cells in the tissues to develop new connective tissues, collagen and bone. (Not Proven-the research is still on)

Is Laser gum surgery safe?

Yes. Laser gum surgery is a safe and effective gum disease treatment for patients who have serious medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.

Laser gum surgery is also safe for patients who take medications that generally preclude them from traditional surgery.

LASER GUM LIFTS AND CROWN LENGTHENING

Teeth are not the only part of what makes a great smile – gums and lips also make a difference. They should all be in harmony.

Sometimes gum levels need to be corrected before placing veneers, onlays or crowns, particularly where teeth have been broken or filled below the gum line. Typically this involves cutting and stitching the gum, and then waiting six to eight weeks for it to heal before further work can be done.

With laser gum lifts, gum and bone around teeth can be reshaped and balanced quickly and painlessly without sutures or swelling. Often the crowns or veneers can be finished at the time of your appointment or within two weeks.