The Benefits of Treating Gum Disease with Laser Therapy
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious progressive condition that can impact your health and your quality of life. While largely preventable, it continues to be the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. At Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry, we combine traditional gum disease treatment with laser dentistry to provide the best outcomes for your smile. We invite you to experience a new level of care!
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a chronic and progressive bacterial infection that impacts the gums, bone, and connective tissues that hold the teeth in place. It usually results from plaque building up, which irritates the gums, leading to inflammation and the onset of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Warning signs include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. At this early stage, gingivitis can usually be fully reversed with professional treatment and good at-home oral hygiene.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress with devastating impacts on your oral health. The gums will gradually pull away from the teeth, leaving pockets that trap plaque and food debris, providing harmful bacteria with the perfect environment to flourish. As the condition progresses, the inflammation and infection begin to break down the bone and tissues that hold the teeth securely in place, leading to loose teeth and tooth loss. Aside from your oral health, gum disease has been linked to serious health concerns, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even pregnancy complications.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
Treating gum disease begins with a deep dental cleaning procedure known as scaling or root planing. The non-surgical treatment is one of the most effective ways to prevent the progression of gum disease, avoiding its devastating impacts on your smile. Scaling involves the removal of plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and right below the gum line using a dental instrument called a scaler. Next is root planing, which involves gently cleaning and smoothing out your tooth root surfaces to promote healing and gum tissue reattachment.
Depending on your needs, we may recommend treatment with ARESTIN after your deep dental cleaning. This involves placing the antibiotic directly into your infected periodontal pockets, which helps fight off any gum disease-causing bacteria remaining at the site of infection.
Laser-Assisted Gum Disease Treatment
At Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry, we use our cutting-edge Solea laser alongside traditional periodontal therapy to enhance your treatment outcomes. Our dental laser addresses periodontal inflammation at the microscopic level of infection. Focused light energy destroys those hard-to-reach bacterial colonies, providing the ideal environment for healing.
Laser therapy for gum disease helps reduce inflammation, pain, and bleeding, promotes healthy gum tissue regeneration, and accelerates healing. The pain-free, gentle treatment has been shown to improve gum health and lower the risk of tooth loss.
Laser-Assisted Gum Disease Treatment Near Me in Gurnee, IL
Contact Heather Ridge Laser Dentistry to learn more about improving your gum disease treatment outcomes with laser therapy. Dr. Nallasamy and her patient-centered team are committed to providing the best possible care and enhancing your patient experience. We invite you to call our office at 847-356-2336 to schedule your appointment or book one online today.