Lasers Lend a Helping Hand

This is a truly exciting time to be a dentist! New techniques and technologies are appearing almost daily and we make certain in our practice to take advantage of the very best of these wonderful inventions. Over the last 25 years, for example, dentistry has harnessed laser power for many applications and procedures. And one of the most important of these applications is laser-assisted perioscaling.

Perodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common afflictions we all face, and one of the most difficult to eradicate: almost 75% of our population will encounter it during their lifetime. Worse, we now know that gum disease is linked to heart disease, strokes, osteoporosis, and even diabetes. Laser therapy not only eradicats the gum infection (which causes gum disease), but it also completely eliminates the bacteria, thus significantly reducing reoccurrence.

In laser-assisted perioscaling we direct a small amount of light energy through a tiny fiber which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. There are no incisions, no stitches, no bleeding or swelling: as a result patients experience minimal or no pain, no cosmetic changes or gum recession, and no lost ime from work or play. Laser therapy actually allows us to save teeth that only a few years ago would have beeen lost due to the deterioration of the supporting gum tissue.

If you have any questions about laser therapy, please ask us at your next regular checkup.