How Effective Is Laser Treatment for Gum Disease?
Gum disease comes in many forms and is an infection of the gums and surrounding tissues that support the teeth and can lead to swollen gums, gum recession, and even eventually tooth decay and loss. As such, people with gum disease are eager to find a treatment that is effective and allows for gum regeneration. Laser gum surgery, also known as Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP), is an incredibly effective treatment where the vast majority of recipients see significant improvement.
What is Laser Gum Treatment?
Laser gum treatment, also known as laser periodontal therapy or LANAP, is a minimally invasive dental procedure that uses laser energy to target and remove gum disease. This treatment is incredibly precise using laser technology to selectively target gum disease, bleeding gums, plaque, and other oral hygiene issues so that these problems are handled with less pain, discomfort, and result in faster healing.
These lasers work towards gum health improvement and tooth loss prevention by working towards bacteria elimination in the periodontal pockets which can lead to inflammation reduction and reduced bleeding. Furthermore, laser treatment for gums can result in collagen stimulation that encourages gum tissue regeneration so that the gums reattach to loosening teeth.
Is Laser Gum Surgery Necessary?
There are multiple periodontal disease stages and with the progression of the gum disease, laser treatment becomes more necessary. Laser gum treatment is most necessary for moderate to severe gum disease. Signs of moderate to severe gum disease include:
- Increased gum pocket depths
- Diseased gum tissue
- Receding Gums
- Loosening Teeth
- Tooth Loss
- Persistent Bad Breath
- Heavily tartar buildup
But it doesn’t have to be a medical necessity to get gum laser surgery, some people choose to have cosmetic gum applications, cold sore treatment, canker sore treatment, or for a frenectomy. Other people choose to have laser gum removal or treatment for a lot of reasons including as bone loss treatment or for healthy tissue preservation.
The Procedure of Laser Gum Treatment
A laser gum procedure begins with a consultation with your dentist so that they can evaluate gum recession and other gum issues to determine to create a treatment plan. Some dentists may also choose to take X-rays or other images to enhance the treatment plan.
Once you decide to proceed with the treatment, after seeing the laser cleaning teeth cost, you will set up an appointment and on the day of your appointment, a local anesthesia will be applied to the area where treatment is going to occur to numb the area. Then, a laser fiber is gently inserted between the gum and tooth which requires no sutures. This laser fiber uses a cauterization to remove diseased gum tissue and bacteria which can lead to a tooth sensitivity decrease.
After the laser for gums treatment, ultrasonic instruments will be used to remove any remaining plaque and tartar. Post-operative care is essential after laser treatment for gum to promote faster healing and prevent complications. There may be swelling and discomfort which is usually manageable with over-the-counter medication. Be sure to make it to any follow-up appointments with your dentist in Philadelphia to ensure everything is healing correctly.
How Oral Laser Surgery Works?
Gum laser surgery works by using focused light energy to reshape, remove, or treat gums and other areas in the mouth. A laser, such as the PerioLase MVP-7, uses wavelengths designed to target bacteria and unhealthy tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact. This process is not only good for diseased tissue removal, it can also be used for tissue reattachment and pocket depth reduction as a form of tooth loss prevention.
The laser dental surgery can also be used to remove tartar and calculus buildups, seal pockets, for tissue fibroma removal and to encourage bone regeneration. This non-surgical treatment is much less invasive than scaling and root planing and leads to accelerated healing comparatively.
Pros and Cons of Laser Gum Treatment
There are many pros and cons of gum laser surgery including:
Pros:
- Minimally invasive procedure with little bleeding or swelling and quick recovery time.
- Precise and effective treatment to tackle a multitude of gum issues.
- LANAP laser treatment is less painful than traditional methods of gum treatment.
- Bad breath reduction and tooth sensitivity decrease
Cons:
- Laser cleaning teeth cost may be higher than traditional treatments.
- Requires a specialized dentist who has the necessary equipment.
- Potential gum decolorization.
- Not suitable for some types of treatments.
Advanced Gum Care at Miracle Dental – Book Your Appointment Today!
If you have or think you have gum disease, Miracle Dental is here to help answer all of your questions and offer the latest treatments and equipment for all of your dental or gum health needs. From routine cleanings to gum laser therapy, our procedures offer long-term oral health benefits. Scheduling an appointment is easy, just go to their website or give them a call.
FAQs
Is laser gum treatment worth it?
Gum laser surgery can be extremely beneficial for dental health enhancement for many people. Despite the monetary cost, this treatment is minimally invasive and precisely targets the areas that need to be treated. Patients of laser treatment see faster healing than traditional treatment and can be back on their feet faster.
What is the success rate of laser gum treatment?
Almost 85% of people who get laser gum treatment experience significant improvement in the health of their gums. However, it is not a one-size fits all, and you need to be sure to speak with your dentist to see if this treatment is appropriate for your needs.
Does laser treatment get rid of gum disease?
Gum disease can be treated with gum laser removal that works to eliminate bacteria and promote healing. Just like any medical treatment there is no guarantee that it will be totally successful, however, most patients see their gum disease healed or vastly improved.