As dental technology continues to advance, so too do the treatments available to patients. One of the most exciting and innovative developments in recent years has been the rise of laser gum disease treatment. This cutting-edge approach to dental care offers a range of benefits over traditional methods, from faster healing times to reduced discomfort and improved accuracy. But what exactly is laser disease treatment, and why is it considered the future of dental care? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind this revolutionary technique, and the ways in which it is transforming the dental industry for the better. Whether you’re a dental professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, or a patient curious about the latest trends in dental care, read on to discover why laser gum treatment is poised to become the gold standard in oral health.
What is laser gum disease treatment?
Laser gum disease treatment, also known as LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a specialized laser to remove diseased tissue from the gums. Unlike traditional gum disease treatments, which involve cutting away the affected tissue with a scalpel, laser disease treatment works by using a focused beam of light to vaporize the damaged tissue. This process is much less invasive than traditional surgery, and results in less pain, swelling, and bleeding.
In addition to removing the diseased tissue, laser disease treatment also has the unique ability to stimulate the growth of new tissue and bone. This is because the laser used in the procedure targets the bacteria and toxins that are responsible for causing gum disease while leaving healthy tissue and bone intact. This allows the body to naturally regenerate new tissue and bone, leading to a faster and more complete healing process.
Overall, laser treatment is a less invasive, more precise, and more effective alternative to traditional gum disease treatments. It offers a range of benefits over traditional methods, from faster healing times to reduced discomfort and improved accuracy.
Benefits
Laser gum disease treatment offers a number of benefits over traditional gum disease treatments, including:
Faster healing times
Because laser gum disease treatment is less invasive than traditional surgery, patients typically experience faster healing times. This is because there is less tissue damage, swelling, and bleeding, which allows the body to heal more quickly.
Reduced discomfort
Laser treatment is much less painful than traditional surgery, as the laser used in the procedure cauterises the tissue as it removes it, which reduces bleeding and pain. Additionally, because there is less tissue damage during the procedure, patients experience less swelling and discomfort after the surgery.
Improved accuracy
Because laser gum disease treatment is a more precise surgical technique than traditional surgery, it allows for greater accuracy in removing diseased tissue and preserving healthy tissue. This leads to a better overall outcome for the patient.
Preservation of healthy tissue and bone
Unlike traditional surgery, which involves cutting away healthy tissue and bone along with the diseased tissue, laser disease treatment is able to selectively remove only the damaged tissue. This allows for the preservation of healthy tissue and bone, which can lead to better long-term outcomes for the patient.
Overall, laser treatment offers a range of benefits over traditional gum disease treatments, including faster healing times, reduced discomfort, improved accuracy, and preservation of healthy tissue and bone.
Laser treatment vs. traditional treatment
When it comes to treating gum disease, there are a number of different techniques available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Two of the most common approaches are laser disease treatment and traditional gum disease treatment. Here’s a closer look at how the two compare:
Laser gum disease treatment
Laser gum disease treatment is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a specialized laser to remove diseased tissue from the gums. It is less painful than traditional surgery, and offers faster healing times, improved accuracy, and preservation of healthy tissue and bone.
Traditional gum disease treatment
Traditional gum disease treatment involves cutting away the affected tissue with a scalpel, which can be a painful and invasive procedure. While it is effective at removing diseased tissue, it can also result in a longer healing time, more discomfort, and a greater risk of complications.
Overall, while both laser disease treatment and traditional gum disease treatment can be effective at treating gum disease, laser disease treatment offers a number of advantages over traditional methods.
How laser treatment works
Laser treatment works by using a specialized laser to remove diseased tissue from the gums. The laser used in the procedure is able to selectively target the bacteria and toxins that are responsible for causing gum disease, while leaving healthy tissue and bone intact.
The laser works by emitting a focused beam of light that is absorbed by the water and pigments in the tissue. This causes the tissue to vaporize, while leaving healthy tissue and bone intact. In addition to removing diseased tissue, the laser also has the unique ability to stimulate the growth of new tissue and bone, leading to a faster and more complete healing process.
Overall, laser gum treatment is a less invasive, more precise, and more effective alternative to traditional gum disease treatments.
The procedure of treatment
Laser treatment is typically performed in a dental office, and can be completed in a single visit. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:
Anesthesia
Before the procedure begins, the dentist will administer a local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected teeth and gums.
Laser treatment
Once the area is numb, the dentist will use a specialized laser to remove the diseased tissue from the gums. The laser emits a focused beam of light that vaporizes the tissue, while leaving healthy tissue and bone intact.
Scaling and root planing
After the diseased tissue has been removed, the dentist will perform a scaling and root planing procedure to remove any remaining bacteria and tartar from the teeth and gums.
Follow-up care
After the procedure is complete, the dentist will provide instructions for post-treatment care. This may include taking antibiotics to prevent infection, using a special mouth rinse, and avoiding certain foods and activities for a period of time.
Overall, laser gum disease treatment is a safe and effective procedure that can be completed in a single office visit.
Post-treatment care for laser treatment
After undergoing laser gum disease treatment, it’s important to take proper care of your teeth and gums to ensure a successful recovery. Here are some post-treatment care tips to keep in mind:
Take antibiotics
To prevent infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics after the procedure. Be sure to take them as directed, and finish the entire course of medication.
Use a special mouth rinse
Your dentist may also recommend using a special mouth rinse to help promote healing and prevent infection. Be sure to use the rinse as directed.
Avoid certain foods and activities
For a period of time after the procedure, you may need to avoid certain foods and activities that could irritate the gums. This may include spicy foods, alcohol, smoking, and vigorous brushing or flossing.
Follow-up appointments
Be sure to attend any follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure that your gums are healing properly and to address any concerns or issues that may arise.
Overall, by following these post-treatment care tips, you can help ensure a successful recovery after laser disease treatment.
Success rates
Laser gum disease treatment has been shown to be a highly effective method for treating gum disease. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, laser treatment had a success rate of over 90% in treating moderate to severe gum disease. This is comparable to the success rates of traditional gum disease treatments, but with the added benefits of faster healing times, reduced discomfort, and improved accuracy.
Overall, laser disease treatment has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative to traditional gum disease treatments, with a high success rate and numerous benefits for patients.
Cost comparison between laser and traditional gum disease treatment
When it comes to the cost of treating gum disease, there are a number of factors to consider, including the severity of the disease, the location of the treatment, and the type of treatment used. In general, laser gum disease treatment tends to be more expensive than traditional gum disease treatments, due in part to the cost of the specialized laser equipment.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that laser gum treatment offers a range of benefits over traditional treatments, including faster healing times, reduced discomfort, and improved accuracy. Additionally, because the procedure is less invasive, it may result in fewer complications and a shorter recovery time, which can ultimately save patients money in the long run.
Overall, while laser disease treatment may be more expensive than traditional treatments, it offers a range of benefits that make it a worthwhile investment for patients looking to improve their oral health.
Conclusion:
As dental technology continues to advance, laser gum disease treatment is quickly emerging as the gold standard in oral health. This innovative technique offers a range of benefits over traditional gum disease treatments, from faster healing times to reduced discomfort and improved accuracy. By selectively removing diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue and bone, laser disease treatment allows for a faster and more complete healing process, with fewer complications and a better overall outcome for the patient.
Whether you’re a dental professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, or a patient looking for the latest and most effective treatments for gum disease, laser disease treatment is a technique that is poised to transform the dental industry for the better. So why wait? Contact your local dental professional today to learn more about laser disease treatment, and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.
References:
- Knowledge of elementary school teachers in Tel-Aviv, Israel, regarding emergency care of dental injuries
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-9657.2010.00970.x - Utilization of a Hospital for Treatment of Pediatric Dental Emergencies
https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/aapd/pd/2006/00000028/00000001/art00003
