Advantages of using Laser technology when treating Gum Disease (Periodontal disease)
A bacterial infection in the pocket or space between teeth and gums causes gum disease. If left untreated, this infection commonly spreads into the periodontal ligament, a group of specialized connective tissue fibers made of collagen that attach your tooth to your bone. This disease process is chronic, may have periods of deterioration, and can eventually lead to tooth loss. More importantly, gum disease has been linked to many systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, respiratory diseases, pancreatic cancer, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, stillbirth, many pregnancy issues, and the list continues to grow. Due to these health risks, it is important to treat gum disease.
Gum disease can have multiple contributing factors, including genetics, immune response, systemic diseases, and certain medications. Home care is critical, but often insufficient to maintain our oral health.
Laser technology can be used for highly effective treatment by decontaminating the pockets, reducing bacteria and biofilm, and helping manage gum disease. Put simply, a biofilm is a collection of microscopic living organisms that grow together within a substance they produce. There are many different types of bacteria living inside your mouth. Some of these bacteria are very common and harmful to teeth and gums. Utilizing laser light energy to reduce bacteria helps decrease inflammation, reduce bleeding, decrease pocket depths, and enhance gum health. Lasers also induce biostimulation, which promotes the healing of tissues. The laser will enable us to clean more deeply into the tissue where our instruments cannot reach.
In summary, laser therapy, in combination with scaling, supports the healing of the periodontal pockets by eliminating bacteria and stimulating new collagen production.