Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: four minutes.
The Precise® LTM Diode Laser is one of the most advanced tools in the fight against gum disease, offering a precision that traditional methods just cannot match.
Laser therapy reduces even more bacteria than traditional methods because it can reach the bacteria within the infected tissue. This process also stimulates the body’s healing response, which provides shorter healing times and less discomfort.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of laser periodontal therapy and why it’s a popular choice for treating gum disease at any stage.
Table of Contents
- What Is Laser Periodontal Therapy?
- Benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy
- When Is Laser Periodontal Therapy Used?
- Is Laser Periodontal Therapy Right for You?
- The Laser Periodontal Procedure
- Aftercare and Recovery
- Clearwater Dentistry: Your Family Dentist in Greeley, CO
Key Takeaway
Laser periodontal therapy with the Precise® LTM Diode Laser effectively treats all stages of gum disease. It penetrates infected tissue, reduces bacteria, and promotes faster healing with less discomfort.
What Is Laser Periodontal Therapy?
Laser periodontal therapy is an advanced treatment that uses a dental diode laser to target pathogenic bacteria and treat diseased tissue while preserving healthy tissue.
This therapy is used to treat gum disease, which affects the supporting structures of the teeth (gums and bone) and can lead to tooth loss and other systemic health issues if left untreated.
How Does It Work?
The Precise® LTM Diode Laser uses infrared light energy to eliminate pathogenic bacteria from within infected tissue and promotes the regeneration of healthy gum tissue through a process called biostimulation.
Unlike traditional gum surgery, this laser treatment is less invasive, reduces discomfort, and speeds up recovery time.
Benefits of Laser Periodontal Therapy
Laser gum treatment offers several key advantages over traditional gum surgery, making it a highly effective and popular option for periodontal therapy.
- Less invasive: Laser treatments are less invasive than traditional surgery, which means less pain, bleeding, and swelling.
- Quicker healing: With laser therapy, the healing process is faster, allowing you to get back to your regular activities sooner.
- Reduced risk of infection: The laser sterilizes the area as it works, reducing the risk of harmful bacteria and infection.
- Preservation of healthy tissue: The laser targets diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue intact, promoting quicker healing.
- Minimal discomfort: The laser is gentler on the gums, meaning you will experience less pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.
- Improved oral/systemic health: Laser therapy eliminates even more infection-causing bacteria than traditional methods, which reduces inflammation to promote overall gum health, which supports overall systemic health. overall gum health and reducing the risk of future oral infections.
When Is Laser Periodontal Therapy Used?
Laser gum therapy is used to treat various stages of gum disease, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontal disease.
Therapeutic Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing)
In preparation for laser therapy, a therapeutic cleaning to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar/calculus from the tooth surface above and below the gumline would be completed.
At this time, any irregularities on the tooth or root surfaces are also smoothed to help prevent bacteria from reattaching.
Laser treatment: Using the Precise® LTM Diode Laser, we decontaminate the periodontal pockets. The laser energy eliminates bacteria within the soft tissues, which reduces inflammation and promotes faster healing.
Regular Hygiene Appointments
If you have bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease during a routine cleaning, the laser may be used to treat the infected tissue.
This approach helps address early-stage gum disease to prevent further progression.
Is Laser Periodontal Therapy Right for You?
Laser gum treatment is a great option if you have gum disease or suspect you might.
Not sure what healthy gums look like? To learn more, read: What Do Healthy Gums Look Like?
If you notice swollen, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or tooth sensitivity, laser therapy could be the solution you need.
Signs You May Need Laser Periodontal Therapy
- Bleeding gums: Gums that bleed when you brush or floss may indicate gum disease.
- Bad breath: Persistent bad breath could be caused by harmful bacteria in your gums.
- Swollen or inflamed gums: Red, swollen, or tender gums are signs of gum infection.
- Receding gums: If your gums are pulling away from your teeth, it may indicate advanced gum disease.
- Loose teeth: Gum disease can cause tooth mobility due to loss of supporting bone and gum tissue.
The Laser Periodontal Procedure
Here is what you can expect:
- Consultation: Your dental team will assess the stage of your gum disease and discuss your treatment options.
- Anesthesia: A topical and/or local anesthetic is administered to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.
- Laser treatment: The dentist/hygienist will use the Precise® LTM Diode Laser to target infected tissue.
- Healing: This treatment promotes healing through biostimulation, which reduces inflammation and helps regenerate healthy tissue attachments.
Aftercare and Recovery
One of the biggest advantages of laser periodontal therapy is the quick recovery time.
Unlike traditional gum surgery, which can require several weeks of recovery, laser treatment is minimally invasive which allows for faster healing.
Recovery Tips
- Follow your dentist/hygienist’s advice: Be sure to follow any specific aftercare instructions given by your provider.
- Avoid crunchy/chewy foods: Stick to soft, nutritious foods during the healing process.
- Use warm salt water: Gently rinse with warm salt water to help reduce inflammation.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing gently around the treated area.
Clearwater Dentistry: Your Family Dentist in Greeley, CO
Laser periodontal therapy with the Precise® LTM Diode Laser offers an advanced, effective, and minimally invasive solution to treat gum disease.
If you are ready to take the next step toward healthier gums (and overall systemic health) with a quicker recovery and less discomfort, we are here to help.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or complete the online inquiry form! We are located at 3110 67th Avenue Place, Greeley, CO.
