Laser Periodontal Therapy in Sugar Land, TX
Severe infection of the gum, also called periodontitis, is a common dental health problem faced by people of all age groups. Periodontitis, the second stage of gum disease, calls for an immediate gum treatment procedure to avoid more serious consequences, including tooth loss.
Periodontitis is caused by bacteria that have been allowed to grow on your teeth and gums for a long time. If periodontitis is left untreated, your bones and teeth can be affected and damaged.
What are the causes of periodontitis?
Common causes of periodontitis include:
- Improper oral hygiene
- Smoking
- Unhealthy food habits
- Diabetes
- Genetics
What are the symptoms of periodontitis?
The symptoms of periodontitis depend on the stage of the disease but generally include:
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Changes in the alignment of your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Red, tender, or swollen gums
- The buildup of plaque or tartar on your teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Inflammation throughout your body
- Tooth loss
What are the complications of periodontitis?
If not treated for periodontitis, your teeth' supporting structures, including the bones of your jaw, can be destroyed.
Periodontitis can lead to the following complications:
- Aching abscesses
- Loosened or fallen teeth
- Misalignment of your teeth, which may interfere with eating
- Receding gums
- Increased risk of complications during pregnancy, including low birth weight and preeclampsia
- Increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease
Laser Periodontal Therapy
Also called LANAP (laser-assisted new attachment procedure), laser periodontal therapy is a state-of-the-art approach for treating moderate to severe gum disease. The accuracy and precision provided by laser dentistry allow dentists to treat gum disease and destroy disease-causing bacteria without the need for more invasive approaches that use scalpels and other instruments to eliminate unhealthy tissue. Thus, laser gum therapy offers a simpler, more accurate, and more comfortable treatment option to treat gum disease, one of the most common reasons for tooth loss in adults in the U.S.
Benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser Periodontal Therapy comes with several patient benefits, including short treatment times, faster recovery, and other factors that result in better dental health conditions in the future. The main benefits of laser periodontal therapy include the following:
Minimum discomfort for patients: The procedure is painless.
Higher precision: The treatment has pinpoint accuracy with no risk of missing the target and destroying surrounding tissues.
Fewer appointments: Compared to traditional treatments for periodontitis, patients only need to make half the number of visits.
Minimal or no anesthesia: You can have the procedure without feeling numb.
Minimal bleeding and less swelling: As no cuts and stitches are required, the bleeding will be minimal.
For more information about laser-assisted gum treatment procedures, contact us or schedule a consultation online.
