Laser Periodontal Therapy at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center
What is laser periodontal therapy or laser gum surgery?
Laser periodontal therapy or laser gum therapy is an umbrella term for a few different things. Typically, when someone needs periodontal therapy due to an infection of the gums and the bone surrounding the teeth, which causes the bone to deteriorate, there are a few steps required.
One is to clean the root surface of the tooth, which often has a lot of tartar buildup. We use scrapers and an ultrasonic scaler that vibrates and shoots out water to clean it. The nice thing about using a laser in conjunction with that is the laser assists in sterilizing the area around the tooth. It destroys bacteria, eliminates foreign material and deposits, and stimulates healing. It increases your body's ability for the gums to reattach to the tooth and heal by increasing the number of blood vessels and cells in the area. Laser is a great therapy to use in conjunction with traditional periodontal therapy.
How does laser treatment compare to traditional gum surgery?
Traditional gum therapy has worked well for many years, but it has some limitations. It does a great job of cleaning around the teeth. However, once you have lost the bone and gums around your teeth, it's hard to get that back.
Laser therapy is an adjunct service that helps promote healing and aids the body's ability to attach back to the tooth. It helps prevent the loss of gum and bone around the teeth, which can cause them to loosen over time. It helps keep our teeth longer term.
Who is a candidate for laser periodontal therapy?
Pretty much everyone undergoing periodontal therapy is a candidate for laser therapy. There aren't many people who wouldn't be candidates for it. We recommend it almost all the time during periodontal therapy. Our goal at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center is to help people get healthier, and using the laser in conjunction with periodontal therapy promotes healing.
How painful is laser gum surgery?
The good news about laser therapy in conjunction with periodontal therapy is there's really no added pain. In fact, some people report less pain when we use the laser. Studies show that the laser helps reduce pain, even when dental treatment might cause discomfort. While deep cleaning and other gum procedures can be sore afterward, the laser does not add to that soreness and often decreases it.
Is laser gum therapy safe?
Laser gum therapy is very safe. The one precaution is ensuring everyone in the room wears safety goggles, as staring at lasers can be harmful to your eyes. We provide specific laser goggles for everyone in the room to ensure safety.
What is the recovery time after laser dental treatment like?
The recovery time is very good. Laser therapy does not increase recovery time after periodontal therapy. In most cases, it helps shorten the recovery time by promoting healing.
How many appointments are required for laser dental procedures, and how long does it take?
Periodontal therapy often requires a few appointments. Using the laser multiple times increases the benefits. It's similar to red light therapy, where multiple sessions are needed for maximum benefit. The more times we use it, the more benefit we get.
What are the risks or potential complications of laser periodontal therapy?
There are typically not many risks or potential complications with laser therapy. Lasers used in dentistry, especially in periodontal therapy, are quite slow, which is good for precise treatment. It's unlikely to burn a hole in your tooth or gums. The methodical approach ensures safety.
How much does laser gum surgery cost and how does does insurance cover it?
Laser gum therapy is often not covered by dental insurance. However, we offer it because we prioritize what's best for the patient. We've priced it very competitively to ensure affordability.
Will laser treatment regenerate bone or soft tissue loss from periodontal disease?
We must be cautious in claiming laser therapy will regenerate bone or attachment loss, as every individual is different. While we can't guarantee results, I've seen miraculous recoveries where significant bone and soft tissue loss improved after several laser therapy sessions. Results vary, but it has happened many times.
Are there different types of lasers used for periodontal treatment?
There are different types of lasers used in periodontal treatment. If you have questions about which kind we use, feel free to come down, and we'd be happy to discuss it with you.
What should I expect during laser periodontal therapy?
The main expectation during periodontal and laser therapy is that it will be similar to periodontal therapy. We'll numb you and clean the teeth. The laser part involves wearing different glasses to protect your eyes. It doesn't add to the pain or discomfort and is fairly quick, so you might not notice much while it's happening.
How do I find a qualified provider for laser periodontal therapy?
It's important to find someone qualified to use a laser. At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, we have multiple providers trained to use lasers effectively in periodontal therapy.
At Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center, you come first. Whether you need dental care or simply have questions, call us at (480) 888-8123 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is here to help you every step of the way.