Laser Periodontal Care for Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an extremely common problem, with most people around the world suffering from the condition at some point in their lives. It is characterised initially by red, bleeding, or inflamed gums caused by plaque buildup. When not addressed, this condition can progress into periodontitis, which can attack the jawbone, cause gum recession, and even result in tooth loss. Untreated gum disease has also been linked to heart disease and stroke, which is why it is important to manage the condition to protect your oral and overall health.

Since the signs of gum disease are often very subtle at first, many people may not even realise they have it. Fortunately, several treatment options exist for reversing or managing gum disease, including laser therapy, which we are proud to offer at The Paddington Dental Surgery to help you improve your oral health.

What is Periodontal Disease?

The terms “periodontal disease” and “gum disease” both refer to varying degrees of inflammation or infection of the soft gum tissue. While insufficient dental hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease, factors such as smoking, diabetes, and genetics may also put you at risk.

Dental health professionals recognise three general stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis, the most basic form of gum disease, is caused by a buildup of bacteria around the gums that leads to a sticky tartar. The effects of gum disease are typically reversible at this early stage if you resume a regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleaning/exam schedule. 

Periodontitis

Unfortunately, when gum disease reaches this stage, it cannot be reversed, as lasting damage to the periodontal structures begins to happen. With periodontitis, the infection has begun to spread into the bone and soft tissue, forming a pocket of pus between the teeth and gums. The teeth may begin to pull away from the gums and the gums may recede. Please note that although periodontitis cannot be cured, it can be managed.

Advanced Periodontitis 

At this stage, the divide between the gums and teeth has become so severe that the teeth may begin to loosen or fall out. When you reach this level of infection, you are at a higher risk of developing systemic issues that have been linked to advanced gum disease, some of which can be life-threatening (e.g., diabetes, stroke, and heart disease). As with less advanced periodontitis, the condition can be managed to reduce discomfort and severity of symptoms.

What are Common Signs of Gum Disease?

Depending on the stage of severity, symptoms of gum disease may include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen, puffy gums 
  • Soreness 
  • Halitosis (bad breath)
  • Gum recession 
  • Noticeable periodontal pockets
  • Tooth loss

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, following a healthy diet, and attending your regularly scheduled cleanings and exams. In addition, it can be helpful to be aware of the early signs of gum disease (i.e., bleeding, swelling, and chronic bad breath). If you catch gingivitis early enough, you may be able to stop it before it progresses.

What Are My Gum Disease Treatment Options?

The Paddington Dental Surgery treats gum disease using tried-and-true periodontal care procedures in addition to advanced laser technology. Our treatments include:

Scaling and Root Planing 

Plaque and tartar in deep pockets along the gum line will be removed non-surgically for improved gum health. After a thorough deep cleaning, the roots are smoothed in an effort to prevent future bacteria from attaching. We will then use our laser to seal the gums, which can speed up your recovery process and limit any pain that you may feel after the procedure.

Laser Therapy

In lieu of traditional dentistry, many patients prefer laser periodontal treatments because of the very distinctive benefits:

  • Less bleeding and swelling after surgery
  • No stitches or sutures required
  • Virtually painless 
  • Faster recovery times
  • Non-invasive
  • Less risk of infection
  • Procedure times shortened
  • Longer-lasting results in many cases

We find that the Diode laser is highly effective in treating gum disease. It can also be applied to uneven or excess tissue caused by gum recession in what is known as gum recontouring.

How Much Does Laser Gum Disease Treatment Cost?

The cost of laser gum treatment varies based upon the extent of work to be done, the condition in question, and many other factors. We tailor each procedure to the unique needs of every patient and typically discuss your estimated cost after we have thoroughly examined you and gone over the specifics of the procedure. If you have any questions about financial options, our team would be more than happy to help you.

How Do I Choose a Gum Disease Specialist?

Effective periodontal treatment can not only improve oral health, but overall quality of life, as well. For this reason, we advise you to choose an experienced, well-educated, and compassionate provider to perform your treatment. Most dental professionals will offer an initial consultation, which can be an excellent opportunity for you to “interview” your dentist — in other words, to ask questions about their qualifications and background.

Here are some questions that may be helpful to ask your dentist:

  • How often do you treat periodontal disease?
  • Which methods (i.e. laser therapy, scaling and root planing, oral surgery) do you use to address gum disease?
  • How long have you been in practice?
  • What can I expect during my appointment?

While these inquiries are important to ask a potential new dentist, it is especially important that your provider gives you a sense of comfort and trust. We encourage you never to hesitate to ask questions about your care, and to always feel free to consult a member of our friendly staff.

Additional FAQs About Laser Gum Disease Treatment

Can you cure gum disease?

Although gum disease that has progressed beyond the gingivitis stage cannot be cured, certain treatments can be employed to manage the condition. If scaling and root planing or laser periodontal therapy do not provide enough improvement, oral surgery may be required to ease your discomfort and restore your mouth to its proper function. Examples of these procedures include gum grafting, which involves the replacement of damaged gum tissue, and osseous surgery (also known as “pocket surgery”), in which the gums are folded back to facilitate the removal of plaque and tartar.

In addition, a patient whose teeth have fallen out due to advanced periodontitis may qualify for dental implants once their condition is under control. Expertly-crafted implants are known to feel and look extremely lifelike, and often serve as permanent replacements for missing teeth.

Is gum disease contagious?

Contrary to popular belief, gum disease is contagious. This is because saliva can carry some of the harmful bacteria that cause gingivitis and the infection can be spread through oral contact (i.e. kissing). As such, in order to protect yourself – as well as those around you – from gum disease, we advise you to always practise good oral hygiene.

What is the best toothpaste for gum disease?

The best way to choose a toothpaste or mouthwash for gum disease is to look for the Australian Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. This signifies that the product has met the highest standards of the ADA after a rigorous testing process.

What does laser dentistry feel like?

Because laser periodontal treatments typically involve the use of a numbing agent, you will likely feel little to no discomfort during your procedure. As part of our commitment to providing as pain-free an experience as possible for each patient, our dentists are well-versed in several sedation dentistry techniques, including intravenous (IV) methods, oral conscious sedation, and even a few homeopathic solutions.

Contact The Paddington Dental Surgery

For more information on dental care or to make an appointment, please contact The Paddington Dental Surgery today.

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