Combating Gum Disease With Laser Dental Technology
Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious oral health condition that can result in severe consequences if not treated immediately. At the dental office of Dr. Franklin Landers, we offer innovative gum disease laser therapy to gently eliminate any infected tissue to help our patients reclaim their healthy smiles.
Our Boynton Beach dentist is dedicated to providing gentle and high-quality care to patients in Boca Raton, Highland Beach, and Greenacres, FL. Read on to learn more about laser gum treatment and if your smile’s oral health may benefit.
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of your mouth’s soft tissues that can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated. This disease progresses in stages. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is easily reversible, but advanced periodontitis can result in irreversible effects such as tooth loss. That’s why it’s essential to seek treatment as early as possible to prevent gum disease from worsening.
Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease
Because gum disease is best treated when caught in its early stages, it helps to be aware of the condition’s common symptoms. Schedule an appointment with our dentist in Boynton Beach, FL if you experience:
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Discoloration of the teeth or gums
- A pimple (fistula) on the gums
- Receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
How Does Laser Gum Therapy Work?
With periodontal laser treatment, Dr. Landers uses a specialized dental laser to gently eliminate infected gum tissue, stopping the infection in its tracks. From there, he’ll carefully remove any lingering plaque and tartar, ensuring your mouth is free of unhealthy bacteria. The dental laser sterilizes the areas it treats, allowing you to enjoy a shorter recovery time on top of a less invasive procedure.
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
There are several benefits to choosing laser dentistry over traditional methods to reverse your gum disease, such as:
- Painless procedure
- Reduced need for local anesthesia
- Accelerated recovery time
- No chemicals needed
- More accurate procedure
- Reduced chance of reinfection
Laser Therapy Aftercare
Recovery following a laser dental treatment depends on several factors, including your oral health, the nature of your procedure, and the severity of your condition. Dr. Landers will provide you with aftercare instructions at your appointment to ensure successful healing. He may recommend that you stick to a soft and liquid-based diet for at least 24 hours after your appointment, as well as maintain a good oral hygiene routine.
Following periodontal laser therapy, it’s normal to experience:
- Slight swelling and bleeding around the treatment site
- Changes in gum color
- Mild soreness and discomfort
Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! Dental lasers don’t cause any pain as they only target infected gum tissue. Most patients don’t even need local anesthesia due to how gentle and accurate a laser can be. Laser dentistry also eliminates the need for dental tools and anesthesia injections, which can cause discomfort and stir your dental anxiety. Ask your dentist if you may benefit from a laser dentistry treatment.
Yes, dental lasers are safe! Laser dentistry methods are more accurate and gentle than traditional dental tools, making your procedure more comfortable. Dental lasers even sterilize the targeted area as they remove unhealthy tissue, reducing healing time and promoting good oral health for your smile.
Preventing gum disease is as simple as practicing a consistent oral hygiene routine and attending biannual dental checkups with your dentist. Daily brushing, twice daily flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash between meals help eliminate lingering bacteria and food particles. By visiting your dentist once every six months, they can leave your smile feeling refreshed and monitor your health for any signs of complications.
The main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene, but this condition can arise due to several other factors, such as:
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Genetics
- Certain medications
- Leftover plaque and food particles
- Poor nutrition
The best way to keep your oral health at its prime is with good at-home oral hygiene and routine visits to your dentist for cleanings and exams.
Get Your Oral Health Back on Track With Dr. Landers
Don’t let gum disease ruin your healthy, beautiful smile. Laser gum therapy from Dr. Landers is a painless, convenient way to eliminate infected gum tissue to get your oral health back to the level it should be on.
Call our Boynton Beach, FL office to schedule a consultation at (561) 736-2122, or book your appointment online by filling out our contact form. We look forward to helping you reclaim your smile!