What is laser periodontal treatment, and what does it treat?
Laser periodontal treatment may be used as part of treatment for periodontitis, which is a more advanced form of gum disease. Gingivitis involves inflammation of the gums and is generally reversible with appropriate care. Periodontitis involves damage to the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
When a patient has periodontitis, we evaluate how advanced the disease is and determine which periodontal treatments may be appropriate. For some patients, laser therapy may be used along with other periodontal treatment.
How is laser periodontal treatment different from traditional gum surgery?
Traditional periodontal surgery may involve making incisions to access the tissues and root surfaces that need treatment. Laser periodontal treatment uses laser energy as part of the treatment of the periodontal pocket and affected gum tissue.
Periodontal pockets are spaces that develop between the teeth and gums as periodontal disease progresses. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria can accumulate below the gumline in these areas.
Depending on the treatment protocol, a dental laser may be used along with scaling and root planing to treat the affected tissues. The goal is to reduce the bacterial burden and inflammation and create an environment that supports periodontal healing.
What happens during laser periodontal treatment?
Laser periodontal treatment may be performed along with scaling and root planing, depending on your periodontal condition. Local anesthetic can be used to numb the treatment area and help keep you comfortable.
During scaling and root planing, we remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and along the root surfaces. The laser may then be used as part of the periodontal treatment according to the specific technique being performed.
Whether stitches, additional procedures, or a different type of periodontal treatment are needed depends on the individual case. We'll explain the procedure and what you can expect before treatment begins.
Is laser periodontal treatment painful?
We use appropriate anesthesia and comfort measures during periodontal treatment. Afterward, some patients may experience temporary soreness, sensitivity, or other discomfort while the tissues heal.
We'll also give you instructions for eating, brushing, and caring for the treated areas after the procedure. Your individual recovery depends on the extent of your periodontal disease and the treatment performed.
How long does it take to heal after laser periodontal treatment?
Healing after periodontal treatment happens gradually, and the timeline varies depending on the extent of treatment, your periodontal condition, your overall health, and how your tissues respond.
You may begin noticing changes in the gums relatively early, but periodontal healing and tissue remodeling continue beyond the first few weeks. We'll monitor your healing at follow-up visits and evaluate how the gums are responding.
Who is a good candidate for laser periodontal treatment?
You do need to see a dentist or periodontal provider to determine whether laser periodontal treatment is appropriate. Gum disease can be relatively painless, so you may not realize that you have a problem based on symptoms alone.
Some people notice bleeding when they brush or floss, swollen gums, gum recession, or other changes, while others have few noticeable symptoms. We evaluate the gums, periodontal pocket depths, bone levels, and other clinical findings to diagnose the condition.
From there, we can determine whether you need scaling and root planing, laser therapy as part of periodontal treatment, referral to a periodontist, or another approach.
How is laser periodontal treatment different from deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, uses dental instruments to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline and along the root surfaces. Laser periodontal treatment uses laser energy as an additional treatment method for selected periodontal cases.
Laser therapy doesn't automatically replace scaling and root planing. Depending on your periodontal condition, it may be used along with mechanical cleaning or as part of a broader periodontal treatment plan.
Local anesthetic may be used for scaling and root planing, laser periodontal treatment, or both, depending on the areas being treated and your comfort needs.
What results can patients expect from laser periodontal treatment?
The goal of periodontal treatment is to reduce inflammation and help control the progression of gum disease. As the tissues respond, you may notice less bleeding, swelling, or tenderness.
How much improvement occurs depends on how advanced the periodontal disease is, your response to treatment, your home care, and ongoing periodontal maintenance. We reevaluate the gums after treatment to determine how well the condition has responded and whether additional care is needed.
How many laser periodontal treatment sessions are needed?
The number of appointments depends on how much of the mouth requires treatment, the severity of the periodontal disease, the specific laser protocol being used, and your individual needs.
Some treatment may be completed in one appointment, while other patients may have treatment divided into multiple visits. We'll recommend an approach based on your periodontal condition and comfort.
Can a general dentist perform laser periodontal treatment?
A general dentist may provide certain laser periodontal treatments when they have the appropriate equipment, education, and training. Periodontists also provide treatment for gum disease and may be recommended for certain advanced or complex cases.
The important thing is that the provider appropriately diagnoses your periodontal condition and has the training required for the treatment being performed.
What should you know before choosing laser periodontal treatment?
If you've been diagnosed with periodontitis and have been told that you need scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery, or another type of gum treatment, ask about the options that are appropriate for your condition.
Laser treatment may be an option for selected patients, but it isn't automatically a substitute for every other periodontal procedure. A consultation and periodontal evaluation can help determine which approach fits your individual needs.
If you’re ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we’d love to hear from you. Call us at (929) 238-9944 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.