Benefits of Laser Gum Surgery as a Periodontal Treatment
Nearly half of adults living in the U.S. have periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, if you’ve been told that you have gum disease, know that you are not alone.
Periodontal disease ranges from mild gum inflammation to severe disease, resulting in damage to gum tissue and the bone that support the teeth. In extremely severe cases of periodontal disease, teeth are lost.
Studies suggest that periodontal disease can be related to health issues beyond the mouth. Gum disease may increase the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other medical conditions.
While periodontal disease is a serious condition, dental technology is advancing rapidly to treat gum disease that will help you keep your existing teeth. Today, with outstanding care from a highly qualified periodontist, laser gum surgery presents an effective option for getting the gum care you need in order to avoid serious health and wellness consequences down the road. In fact, laser gum surgery, when performed early enough, may help you preserve your natural teeth.
Benefits of Laser Gum Surgery
Past methods of combating gum disease involved cutting, bleeding, stitches, bandages, and long periods of eating only soft foods – not to mention the inevitable loss of healthy gum tissue along with the unhealthy tissue you were trying to eliminate.
However, laser gum surgery does away with many of these unpleasantries, and offers the following benefits that make laser gum surgery worth considering:
- Faster healing. Minimally invasive treatments allow for faster healing.
- Little gum line recession. Unlike previous treatment options, laser surgery does not reduce your gum line.
- Long-term results. People who practice good oral hygiene are likely to experience permanent results from laser gum surgery.
- Minimal discomfort. Pain medications are rarely necessary or prescribed after laser treatments.
- Preserve natural teeth. People at risk of losing teeth and needing dentures or dental implants can often avoid those risks with early intervention through laser gum surgery.
- Promotes new bone growth. Laser surgery has been shown to promote the regeneration of bone around teeth.
- Shorter recovery. Most people are able to return to their daily activities immediately after laser surgery.
Who are Good Candidates for Laser Gum Disease Treatment?
While most people who have periodontal disease and are interested in preserving their smiles as well as their health make great candidates for laser gum surgery, there are some people who may need this type of procedure more than others. They include patients with:
- Bone loss around implants.
- Fear of dental treatment/surgery.
- Infections around dental implants.
- Loose or shifting teeth.
- Prescriptions for blood thinners or aspirin therapy.
- Swelling and bleeding of the gums.
For the most part, anyone who has gum disease and prefers a minimally invasive treatment option, is an ideal candidate for laser gum surgery.
Why See a Periodontist for Gum Disease Treatment?
Periodontists are highly trained dental experts who have specialized training in the field of periodontal disease treatment. They have up to three years of additional training related to the treatment of periodontal disease including non-surgical treatments and periodontal plastic surgery. They are also experts when it comes to dental implants as a means to replace missing teeth.
While dentures and dental implants are certainly viable treatment options for periodontal disease, it is possible to avoid them in many cases by having minimally invasive, practically pain-free, laser gum surgery. Prevention, after all, is the best cure.
Dr. Michael Skinner and Dr. Jason Primm have over 20 years of experience in the Periodontal field. Call us today to move one step closer to preserving your natural teeth, healthy gums, and beautiful smile!