Are Dental Lasers help with your gum Infections?

August 12, 2023

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According to CDC Gum infections pose the greatest dangers to the health of your mouth. Infecting one out of 2 adults over 30 years of age, gum problems can infiltrate the supporting bones, causing the more severe condition known as periodontitis. Research has shown that aging increases the risk of serious gum infections, which affect as much as 70% of people aged 65 and over. Periodontitis requires professional intervention to treat.

Important takeaways

Lasers for dentistry can treat serious and long-term gum problems. A consultation with a certified laser specialist or a periodontist is the very first step to consider in exploring lasers for dental use.
Dental lasers burn away dead tissue, open infected areas, clean deep pockets and eliminate bacterial colonies in the gums. They also aid in the regeneration of healthy gum tissue around the location.
Dental lasers are gaining popularity. They are more efficient, less invasive and offer excellent patient ease. Postoperative complications are not as severe.
Consult your periodontist to learn about the pros and cons and determine if you’re an ideal candidate for the dental laser gum treatment.

The good news is that your dentist can offer laser-assisted treatments for the issue. Learn more about how lasers can work on gum inflammation and what you can gain from these lasers.

Gum gum disease (gingivitis) are able to be reversed in the beginning stages. However, over time, the plaque builds up around the teeth, it hardens and eventually forms tartar (calculus) and pulls away gums from teeth. If not addressed at this point the infection may infiltrate the supporting bones of your teeth, and can cause a loss of teeth. When you reach this point it is likely that you’ll be losing your otherwise healthy teeth and risk compromising the health of your gums to the degree that traditional treatments do not work. This is precisely where lasers for dental use can be of assistance.

What is a dental laser?

Lasers in dentistry are devices that emit light. Lasers emit focused small, high-intensity, and narrow light beams which emit energy when they hit tissues of the mouth. The laser beam can be reflected, transmitted scattering, absorbed, or transmitted dependent on the tissue that it strikes.

The majority of the benefits of dental lasers are due to their ability to be absorbed into inflamed and infected oral tissues. The amount of water, melanin pigments and hemoglobin (called Chromophores) within the gums determine how the effect of lasers are felt. Let’s explore the various ways that a dental laser can work on the tissues of the mouth.

How do dental lasers function?

Laser-assisted treatment options for gum disease are getting more popular both among dentists and patients. They’re also gaining popularity for the many good reasons! Here’s how lasers for dentistry work in the case of severe gum disease:

Remove dead gum tissue. The active bacterial zone is usually covered with dead gum tissue along with calculus deposits. The removal of these is the only way to clear the infection. Through a procedure known as cauterization, lasers aid in remove damaged gum tissues around the teeth with precision and selectively. The heat generated by the dental laser causes the tissues to be burned and exposes the pockets of infection surrounding the teeth.
Reduce the tartar as well as hard deposit. Dentists use specific lasers to target the tartar, absorb it by the tartar, and then break it down into small pieces. After the tartar has broken into pieces, the dentist may make use of scaling or curettes to take them off the tooth’s surface.
Infect the pockets that are infected. If you have severe gum inflammation The pockets that surround the teeth expand and encase harmful bacteriathose that cannot be eliminated with standard treatment for gums, such as scaling or root planning. Lasers for dentistry can kill and destroy bacteria that reside in deep periodontal pockets and even those which stick to the teeth’s surfaces.
Reinvigorate healthy gums. Healthy teeth thrive with healthy gums. When the entire area has been laser-sterilized, it’s now time to grow and heal the tissue that has been destroyed surrounding your teeth. Dental lasers are developed to stimulate healthy gum tissue to produce new gum cells that are including blood vessels and nerves.

Each laser is unique, with particular light powers, wavelengths in addition to emitting frequencies. This means that a specific gum issue requires a particular kind and type of laser for dental use.

Visit a certified dental laser expert.

A thorough understanding of lasers, a clinical understanding and a keen eye for detail – that’s what is required to be a laser-ready dentist.

A periodontist who is trained in laser treatments is your best option should you wish to investigate the possibility of laser therapy for your infected gums.

Gum diseases: The benefits of laser treatment

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has stated the fact that lasers for dental use, when paired in conjunction with conventional therapies, provide improved outcomes for patients suffering from chronic and persistent gum disease. The extent to which they offer similar outcomes as stand-alone treatments is a matter of debate. Here are some benefits from laser-based gum treatment

The precision. Lasers cut off dead tissues, and then leave healthy tissues. It is not necessary to be worried about the loss of your healthy gums.
It is less intrusive. Dentists don’t need to cut the gums using scalpels. Lasers can be used to remove affected areas and create deep pockets, all by using the help of a beam.
Lower bleeding. Lasers coagulate the blood vessels that run along the region of action, reducing the risk of complications. People who are taking blood thinners can choose laser treatments to prevent bleeding complications following the procedure.
Friendly for patients. If you fear needles, blades, or blood, lasers may be a good alternative. Additionally, post-operative swelling and pain is reduced through lasers.
Excellent for the majority of people. Lasers are suited for people who are older and who suffer from health issues that prevent surgical treatment.
Regenerate gum tissue. Lasers help in healthy gum tissue regeneration. They heal faster and reduce the need for a second surgical procedure to regenerate.
Cosmetic. You might not appreciate the cut lines appearing each time you smile. With lasers, you’ll be able to get rid of these problems.

Selecting the correct laser for gum disease

There isn’t “one type that is universal” in choosing the appropriate laser. Your dentist will choose a laser for your dental in accordance with your requirements and the guiding protocols. The dentist will be able to choose from diode lasers and CO2 lasers Lasers Nd: YAG Er: YAG and YSGG lasers, and Cr. The choice is based on the health of your gums as well as the adjacent bone.

While CO2 and diode lasers assist in removing tissue softening, Nd:YAG lasers and Er Lasers based on YAG are more efficient in eliminating tartar. The most beneficial aspect in laser treatments is the dentist gets the ability to customize the intensity and wavelengths to your specific needs.

Insurance will pay for this procedure?

Certain dental insurance plans can provide certain laser treatments to treat periodontal disease and others might not.

If you have dental insurance make sure it covers your gum treatment. Check if you are covered by laser-assisted dentistry. It’s recommended to inquire with your insurance provider prior to you begin therapy. Some dental insurance plans require specific conditions to be fulfilled prior to covering laser therapy, such as how severe gum diseases are and the amount of teeth that need treatment.

Because of their nature dental lasers give you an experience that you will enjoy. Lasers are different in that they assist fight serious gum infections, heal tissues and healing the site. If you suffer from periodontitis make sure you speak with your dentist regarding the advantages and disadvantages of lasers for dental use and whether laser gum therapy is right for your needs.

FAQ

Are dental lasers safe? FDA-approved?

Yes dental lasers have been approved from FDA. FDA and dentists suggest using lasers for secure option in surgical gum treatments. But, it is important to be aware of the dangers to your eyes from the lasers. The dentist will shield your eyes prior to when the procedure gets underway. Additionally, the wrong selection of lasers could cause damage to the process. Be sure that you’re in good hands.

What is the price of the laser treatment for gums?

The price of laser gum treatments is contingent on how serious the gum infection can be. The cost may differ based on the area you reside in, the level of experience and knowledge of the dentist who performs the procedure, as well as the kind of laser utilized. Consult your dentist for an cost estimate. Laser treatments can be costly so it’s best to be aware of the costs prior to making a decision the procedure.

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Does the post-laser recovery process take a long time?

Recovery is swift following laser gum treatment. Some pain, swelling and discomfort around the gums are typical, but they’re usually minor and will disappear in one week with proper oral hygiene and medication. Follow your dentist’s advice for a faster healing. See your dentist if discomfort becomes severe or the area remains in numbness or the swelling is increasing.