In terms of treating gum disease, patients today have a greater variety of advanced treatment options than in years past. While traditional gum surgery has been a valid and proven method for years, new technologies such as laser gum treatment are changing the way we treat patients. If you are seeking a newer, minimally invasive option, laser therapy may be just the option that you have been looking for. To understand what makes it newer and different, it is useful to see side-by-side comparisons of laser and traditional methods. If you are concerned about gum conditions and are looking for a good periodontist in Los Angeles, understanding your current treatment options is a great first step on the pathway to healthy gums.
Understanding Gum Disease and Treatment Options
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease, and it results when bacteria and plaque get underneath the gumline and cause inflammation, bleeding, and eventual bone loss. If untreated, this can result in loose teeth or tooth loss.
In the past, treatment was scaling and root planing, followed by flap surgery if deep pockets remained. While effective, traditional gum surgery involved incisions, sutures, and a longer recovery time.
With modern laser gum treatment, these issues are addressed using light energy to remove infected tissue and bacteria without cutting the gums.
How Laser Gum Treatment Works
LANAP laser gum therapy (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) and other laser-assisted therapies utilize a modern dental laser that can target the diseased tissue while leaving the healthy gum tissue unaffected. The following is the summary of the process:
- The laser will be used to remove the infected gums around the roots of the teeth by the periodontist.
- The laser energy will accomplish this by sterilizing, eliminating the harmful bacteria.
- The roots are cleaned and smoothed to help with healing.
- The laser then helps the gum tissue reattach to the tooth, resulting in a natural decrease in the pocket depth.
Benefits of Laser Gum Treatment
Patients, of course, like laser therapy for gum disease due to its gentleness, efficiency, and speed of healing. Here are some benefits of laser therapy:
Patients often prefer periodontal laser treatment because it’s gentle, efficient, and promotes faster recovery. Here are some major advantages:
- Minimally Invasive: There is no requirement for scalpels or sutures.
- Less Pain: The majority of the patients have little swelling or bleeding.
- Quick Healing: The healing duration is most likely significantly shorter than a traditional gum surgery.
- Less Chance for Infection: The laser will sterilize the area being treated, which will limit the chance for bacteria to multiply.
- Destruction of Disease, Not Healthy Tissue: Lasers are precise, so only the diseased tissue is removed, and the healthy tissue remains.
- Promotes Regeneration: Laser treatment facilitates the body’s regenerative response and helps the new bone grow back.
Traditional Gum Surgery: Which Is Best?
Laser and traditional gum surgery both have an important role in modern dentistry, so the better option really depends on the unique needs of each individual, which include oral health, gum disease, and treatment goals.
Laser gum surgery may be most appropriate for patients who:
- Have moderate or mild gum disease
- Want to avoid invasive surgery
- Want to lessen pain and speed up recovery
Nevertheless, traditional surgery can always be a viable treatment option when it comes to severe, advanced, or treatments that may not be appropriate for laser treatment.
Laser vs. Traditional Gum Surgery: Which Is Better?
Both laser vs traditional gum surgery have their roles in modern dentistry, so the “better” choice really depends on each patient’s unique circumstances that include oral health, gum disease, and treatment objectives.
Laser gum surgery may be most appropriate for patients who:
- Have moderate or mild gum disease
- Would like to avoid invasive surgery
- Would like to experience less pain and a shorter recovery time
Surgical treatments may still be a good option for:
- Deep and/or extensive bone defects
- Advanced periodontitis with significant loss of bone or tissue
A qualified periodontist near you will examine your situation and recommend which procedure is likely to make you the healthiest in the long run.
Is Laser Treatment Safe and Effective?
Yes, gum disease laser therapy is safe and effective under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. In one LANAP study, more than 85% of patients reported pain reduction, recovery time reduction, and improved gum health.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate gum treatment to take is relevant in oral health. In case of gum disease symptoms, including gum bleeding, bad breath, or gum recession, call your dentist.
Book now to make an appointment with Nima Ebrahimi, DDS, and learn whether laser gum treatment is suitable for you and begin the process of achieving a healthier and more self-assured smile.
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