Learn How Laser Therapy Supports Deep Cleaning for Advanced Periodontitis

Gum disease is more than an oral health concern; it can also affect your overall health. Not all gum disease is the same, however, and for this reason there are numerous treatment options available that can help address the problem. One of the most effective is laser therapy. 

Laser gum therapy is often most suitable for the treatment of advanced gum disease. With laser therapy, you can address damaged tissue without needing invasive procedures. 

At King Dental, our team offers this advanced option to support the treatment of gum disease and your long-term gum health. But what does laser therapy involve exactly, and why is it a good choice for so many patients?

Understanding the Difference: Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis

Gingivitis and periodontitis are not the same. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, which typically presents with swollen gums as a result of plaque buildup along the gum line. 

This allows bacteria to start impacting your gums, causing them to become red and inflamed. You can experience bad breath, bleeding gums, and some tenderness when you’re brushing or flossing. 

At this stage, gum disease is reversible. With appropriate dental care and good hygiene, the condition doesn’t have to progress. One of the challenges, however, is catching the issue as early as possible. Since gingivitis is not always obvious, you may not even notice that it has progressed. 

If gingivitis does get worse, it can become periodontitis. This is advanced gum disease that causes sores, bad breath, and swollen gums. If it goes untreated, you can suffer tooth loss and other oral health issues. Because of the severity of periodontitis, it tends to require more intensive treatments. 

What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing are both common periodontitis treatment options. Scaling addresses gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from below and above the gum line. 

Then, the root planing process can start. Root planing entails smoothing down root surfaces, which removes bacteria and other harmful substances encrusted on the tooth’s structure. It also makes it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate.

This deep cleaning makes it harder for bacteria to spread, giving the gums a chance to heal and reattach fully to your teeth. Combined, scaling and root planing make up the first step in treating advanced gum disease.

Where Laser Therapy Comes In

After cleaning plaque and tartar from the gum line, your dentist may recommend laser therapy, which assists in the process of removing diseased tissue. Laser therapy uses focused light energy to target the diseased tissue without causing damage to healthy tissues. 

During periodontal laser therapy, your dentist removes diseased gum tissue within periodontal pockets using a thin laser beam. Deep cleaning with lasers helps to sterilize the area, making infections less likely to occur. 

At the same time, it can also stimulate the formation of new and healthy bone and gum tissue, making it easier for the gums to reattach to your teeth. That makes further infections less likely to occur. 

Benefits of Laser-Assisted Treatment

Laser-assisted gum disease treatment offers a number of benefits, including minimizing the discomfort, bleeding, and swelling often associated with surgical options. In fact, laser therapy can reduce the need for more invasive surgical procedures altogether.

Additionally, you can experience a speedier recovery process. You won’t have stitches to worry about, and you usually won’t have to limit your activity levels as much as you would if you received surgery. Some people are able to return to their normal activities on the same day as the procedure. 

There are fewer risks of developing an infection, too. The sterilizing power of the laser provides protection, which is enhanced by not needing to create an open wound.    

This type of gum disease treatment also helps to preserve healthy tissue thanks to its ability to target tissue precisely. That might not be the case with traditional surgical options. The laser itself further encourages the healing process by stimulating the gum and bone tissue. 

Choosing Laser Dentistry in Virginia Beach

If you have noticed signs of gum disease, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring gum disease can put you at risk of losing teeth, suffering jaw bone loss, and even facing overall health problems as a result of inflammation. 

One of the best options for patients with periodontitis is laser therapy. This advanced treatment supports better, faster results so that you can get back to your normal life sooner. 

At King Dental, we offer laser therapy options for those struggling with gum disease in Virginia Beach. Our compassionate and dedicated team takes pride in providing gentle, full-service dental care with the whole family in mind. 

If you’re concerned about your gum health, ask our team if you’re a good candidate for this procedure during your next periodontal evaluation.