Periodontal Laser Gum Treatment

Periodontal (gum) disease is a major health problem for most American adults. Up to 80% have it to some degree. About half have it in its severe form, periodontitis.

In periodontal laser therapy, the provider uses a dental laser to access and remove the inflamed gum tissue from around the root of the tooth. When the infected tissue is removed and the root is exposed, the root scaling begins. This involves scraping off the calculus and plaque built up below the gumline and around the root. The dentist then smooths the root with instruments to remove any rough spots that might attract bacteria and cause future infections. The area between the gum and the root can then regenerate during the healing process.

If your gums are red and puffy, if they bleed when you brush or floss, gingivitis is already a reality. But gum disease can be reversed with lasers.

Risks & Benefits

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), there are ample benefits to using lasers for excising diseased gum tissue:

• No general anesthetic is needed, as is sometimes required for other forms of dental surgery.
• Lasers can target the diseased areas precisely and accurately.
• Bleeding, pain, and swelling are limited because periodontal laser gum treatment is less invasive than regular surgery.
• Recovery and healing times are shorter.