Those living with gum disease that do not have it treated quickly may begin to experience significant discomfort. Common symptoms include red, swollen and bleeding gums. In this initial stage (Gingivitis) the gums may feel sore or sensitive while brushing and eating but not significantly influence your daily activities. This is the best stage to have the condition treated because we can treat it by cleaning on, around, and under your gums.
Laser dentistry enables us to use a laser to break up the plaque and tartar that have formed underneath the gums. Once tartar is on the tooth structure below the surface, it is impossible to remove it with regular brushing or flossing. Either a traditional dental tool needs to get under the gums to scrape the plaque and tartar, which can be uncomfortable or a laser can be used to break it. The laser is a non-invasive solution that can complete the treatment without the need for an incision. One of the other benefits of working with a laser is that the surrounding teeth and tissue won’t be irritated. This means that you can recover from the procedure quickly and without the prolonged downtime that can come from deep cleaning the gums the traditional way.
Removing the plaque and tartar is the first step in treating infected gums, and it is extremely effective. Once the tartar has been removed, the gums can start to feel healthy and rejuvenated. Many of our patients find that after this procedure, their gums start to look normal again, and there is no need for further treatment. This is the best case scenario and the non-invasive natural of laser dentistry, makes this a real possibility. Once the gums do recover, the swelling decreases, and they are secured to the tooth; the risk of other issues like bone loss is eliminated.
If you have sensitive gums that are swollen or look like they are receding, you probably have some form of gum disease. When considering whether or not to have it treated, think of how important your gums are to your oral health. The gums surround the tooth structure and the root system in order to protect them. When gum disease is left untreated, the gums will start to pull back from the tooth (recede). As a result, the tooth structure and roots will be exposed and susceptible to being attacked by bacteria and acid. This can lead to infections and even worse – bone loss. Many people have experienced tooth loss as a result and thanks to laser dentistry; this is something that you can prevent with minimal effort.
