Laser Gum Therapy Vs Traditional Gum Surgery
The use of lasers in dentistry has become widespread, with the technology now able to help detect cavities, treat gum disease and canker sores, and reshape gum tissue. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, half of Americans experience gum disease, which is characterized by gums that are receding, swollen, tender, and/or bleed during brushing and flossing. Other types of gum disease can also include bone loss, tooth loss, or tooth looseness.
When left untreated, gum disease can cause deep pockets to form between the teeth and gum tissue leading to infections and eventual tooth loss. When considering laser gum therapy vs traditional gum surgery to treat periodontal disease, it’s important to understand the effectiveness of the procedure.
Is Laser Gum Therapy Effective for Treating Gingivitis?
Traditional gum surgery, often called osseous surgery, involves removing diseased gum tissue and bone manually or using the rotary drill, requiring incisions and sutures. Laser gum therapy works by inserting a small laser fiber about the same thickness as three hairs between the teeth and gums to clear the infection. This modern approach to gum disease is:
- Quicker
- Less invasive
- Offers better recovery time
- Less costly
Laser gum therapy also eliminates pockets of infection without requiring incisions. Diseased tissue is darker than healthy tissue and absorbs more light in the laser’s spectrum, making a laser an excellent way to kill bacteria in infected tissue while leaving healthy tissue unharmed.
Does Laser Gum Therapy Regrow Bone and Gum?
One of the major benefits of laser gum therapy is its positive effect on healing gum tissue and bone. While laser gum therapy doesn’t directly cause healthy tissue to regrow, it does remove diseased tissue and reduce inflammation, creating the best possible conditions for the gums to form new attachments and heal naturally. This, in turn, helps the mouth regenerate the necessary structures around the teeth. Since each person is different and complex, most people will have healing of the gum tissue and some patients will get bone regeneration.
What are Other Ways Lasers are Used in Gum Therapy?
The effectiveness of laser gum therapy works not only on cases of periodontal disease, but also for crown lengthening and gum reshaping procedures as well. During gum reshaping, excess tissue can be effectively and easily removed with a dental laser, improving the aesthetic of a “gummy” smile while also minimizing bleeding and improving healing time.
Gummy smiles can also be corrected with crown lengthening, which involves reshaping the natural gum and bone structures to expose more of the natural teeth. The less invasive nature and natural healing stimulation of laser gum therapy can greatly benefit these procedures as well. Dr. McCormick is highly trained in laser gum therapy and has been actively using dental lasers for 15 years, ensuring that you are in expert hands for your procedure.
Reach Out Today to Learn More
Have you been feeling self-conscious about your inflamed, bleeding, or swollen gums, or gummy smile? We’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. McCormick at our Santa Rosa office and find out more about the effectiveness of laser gum therapy and how this advanced technology can help preserve your gums, rebuild bone structures inside your mouth, and help you heal faster so you can look your best without the invasiveness or recovery time of traditional gum surgery.
