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Rebecca Mooar Kelleher, DDS Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

 

573 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, CT 06070

(860) 658-0010

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Posts for tag: laser dentistry

Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?

By Rebecca Mooar Kelleher, DDS
December 26, 2017
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: laser dentistry   gum disease  
IsLaserTreatmentaGoodOptionforControllingGumDisease

Although techniques for treating periodontal (gum) disease can vary, they all boil down to one objective: remove the bacterial plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits) that cause the infection. The initial treatment usually involves two techniques known as scaling and root planing.

Scaling uses hand instruments, ultrasonic equipment or a combination of both to manually remove plaque and calculus from the tooth and root surfaces. Root planing takes it a step further by minutely “shaving” infected material from the root surfaces. While more invasive techniques (including surgery) may be needed, scaling and root planing are the first line of treatment for any recent diagnosis of gum disease.

In recent years, an adaptation to these treatments has emerged using the Nd: YAG laser. The laser uses a particular crystal that’s adaptable for many different types of surgery. In the case of gum disease, it’s been found as effective as traditional methods for removing the infected linings of periodontal pockets. Voids created by detaching gum tissues as bone loss occurs, enlarge the small natural gap between the teeth and gums, which fill with pus and other infected matter. Removing the diseased lining from these pockets reduces bacteria below the gum line and speeds healing.

Periodontal laser therapy may have one advantage over traditional treatments: less tissue damage and swelling, and hence reduced post-treatment discomfort. While some research seems to confirm this, more controlled studies are needed to render a verdict on this claim.

Regardless of whether you undergo traditional scaling and root planing or a laser alternative, the aim is the same — to bring the disease under control by removing plaque and calculus and reestablishing good daily oral hygiene practices. Stopping gum disease as soon as possible will help ensure you’ll have healthy teeth and gums for a long time.

If you would like more information on treatments for periodontal (gum) disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Lasers versus Traditional Cleanings for Treating Gum Disease.”

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Archive:

  • 2018
      • February (2)
        • Periodontal Surgery Allows us to Access Deep Surfaces for Plaque Removal
        • Although a Challenge, Chronically Ill Children Need Tooth Decay Prevention
      • January (2)
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Treating a Young, Permanent Tooth Requires a Different Approach
  • 2017
      • December (3)
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
        • A Topical Fluoride Treatment Could Protect Your Child from Tooth Decay
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
      • November (2)
        • We can Rid You of that Lump in Your Mouth you Keep Biting
        • 4 Tips for Avoiding Dental Disease While Wearing Braces
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        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
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