Don’t Let Gum Disease Take Over
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Oral health is a crucial component of our overall well-being. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is a prevalent condition that can cause significant damage to your dental health. Ignoring the symptoms of gum disease can result in tooth loss, bone decay, and other severe health issues.
Fortunately, laser periodontal therapy is an effective and minimally invasive treatment option for those who suffer from gum disease.
What Is Laser Periodontal Therapy?
Laser periodontal therapy is a revolutionary dental procedure that utilizes laser technology to treat periodontal disease. It’s a minimally invasive and highly effective alternative to traditional gum surgery. The laser can precisely target the infected tissue without harming the surrounding healthy gum tissue. It can treat the symptoms of periodontal disease and restore the health of the gums, supporting bone health in the mouth.
How Laser Therapy Works
Laser therapy works by using a specialized laser, that emits a concentrated beam of light energy, to remove infected gum tissue and bacteria from the pockets around the teeth. The laser targets only the diseased and inflamed gum tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact. This type of precision results in less pain, less bleeding, and a quicker recovery than traditional gum surgery.
The laser energy is absorbed by pigmented bacteria and inflamed tissues, causing them to be vaporized or eliminated. This helps in removing the diseased gum tissue and sterilizing the area, reducing bacterial levels and promoting healing.
Additionally, the laser can be used to access and remove tartar buildup beneath the gum line, aiding in the restoration of healthy gum attachment to the teeth.
A dentist will begin the procedure by numbing the affected area with a local anesthetic. Once the patient is comfortable, your dentist will use the laser to remove the infected tissue and bacteria from the pockets around the teeth. The laser also sterilizes the area to promote healing.
Benefits of Laser Gum Treatment
Laser therapy offers many benefits over traditional periodontal treatment, including:
- Minimally Invasive: The dental laser used in this procedure is precise and only targets diseased tissue, leaving healthy gum tissue untouched. This means minimal pain, bleeding, and swelling during and after the procedure.
- Quick Recovery: Because periodontal laser therapy is minimally invasive, the recovery time is much quicker than traditional gum surgery. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two.
- Reduced Risk of Infection: The dental laser sterilizes the area, reducing the risk of further infection after treatment.
- Effective: Laser therapy is highly effective at removing infected tissue and bacteria from the pockets around the teeth. This results in improved gum health and a decreased risk of further complications.
- Reduced Need for Antibiotics: Because the laser sterilizes the area during the procedure, there’s a reduced need for antibiotics afterward.
Laser Periodontal Therapy Costs
On average, the cost of laser periodontal therapy can range from $500 to $3,000 per quadrant (a quarter of the mouth). Keep in mind that multiple quadrants may need treatment depending on the extent of the periodontal disease.
The cost of laser periodontal therapy will vary depending on various factors, including the geographical location, the severity of the gum disease, the number of teeth being treated, and the specific dental practice you visit. Generally, laser periodontal therapy tends to be more expensive than traditional gum disease treatments such as scaling and root planing.
Consult with a dental professional to get an accurate estimate of the cost based on your specific situation. They’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss treatment options, and provide a breakdown of the associated costs. Additionally, dental insurance coverage may vary, so check with your insurance provider to determine if laser therapy is covered and to what extent.
It’s worth noting that while laser periodontal therapy may have a higher upfront cost, it can potentially offer long-term benefits by effectively treating gum disease and reducing the need for more treatments in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients are concerned about pain during laser therapy, but your dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area before beginning the procedure, ensuring you’re comfortable throughout.
Most patients can expect the procedure to last between one and two hours. However, the length of the procedure varies depending on the severity of the gum disease and the number of teeth being treated.
Laser periodontal therapy is minimally invasive, so the recovery time is usually quick. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two following the procedure.
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics after the laser procedure if necessary. However, because the laser sterilizes the treatment area during the procedure, there’s a reduced need for antibiotics afterward. Your dentist will provide you with personalized aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Reclaim Your Smile With Laser Treatments
Don’t let gum disease control your life and your smile. Take action today and schedule an appointment with our Seattle dentists to learn more about periodontal laser therapy. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care and helping our patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Don’t wait any longer to address your gum disease. Contact our dental team today and take the first step towards better oral health.