Laser Gum Therapy / Periodontal Care

You may be surprised to hear that your gums are what allow you to have heathy teeth and a great smile.

Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is when bacteria infect your gums, causing your gums to become red, swollen, and painful. Your gums may bleed easily when brushing or flossing your teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can damage underlying bone tissue and cause your teeth to loosen, ultimately leading to tooth loss. Gum disease is preceded by gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums.

Although gingivitis and gum disease are fairly common, these problems are also preventable. Professional dental cleanings and good at-home dental hygiene are great ways to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. But once you have periodontitis, it may require more serious periodontal treatment.

woman receiving laser gum therapy

looking at teeth on magnifying glass

Periodontal Treatment

The aim of periodontal treatment is to thoroughly clean the area under the gums surrounding the teeth. A cleaning involving scaling and root planing may be conducted. Antibiotics in the form of pills or mouth rinses may be prescribed.

In the event of advanced periodontitis, dental surgery may become necessary in order to:

  • Gain access to clean deep under the gums
  • Treat receding gums with a soft tissue graft
  • Reshape damaged bone tissue, using bone grafts, if necessary

Dental Lasers

Laser technology now provides you with nonsurgical options to treating advanced periodontitis.

Dental lasers can remove damaged tissue and help to rehabilitate gums – all without having to make a single cut in your skin. Benefits of laser gum therapy include less post-op pain and a faster recovery period. With a laser, no scalpel is used and no suturing is needed. There are lasers designed specifically for hard and soft tissue of the mouth that can accomplish many dental surgery objectives.

Other Dental Laser Applications

At Town Square Dental, Dr. Cindy Crews has advanced training in the use of dental lasers for periodontal treatment as well as:

  • The removal of excess tissue at the back of the mouth to eliminate snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
  • To quickly and effectively remove oral lesions
  • Use during root canals to exceptionally clean and debride infected teeth
  • To prepare a patient for dental implants

If you require periodontal care, including dental surgery to treat advanced gum disease, you’re in good hands with Dr. Crews at Town Square Dental in Castroville, Texas. Call us at (830) 538-2236 to find out what your treatment options are – including the benefits of dental lasers. You can also request an appointment now.