Periodontal disease is a gum infection caused by polymicrobial bacteria. Bacteria multiply and travel along the tooth root surfaces and produce a hard substance known as tartar. The gums becomes red and puffy in response to the presence of bacteria, eventually culminating in tooth loss, bone loss, or even heart disease if left untreated. Laser dentists offer alternatives to traditional treatment.

Traditional gum disease treatment

Traditional chairside protocol consists of scraping with sharp instruments and ultrasonic scalers to remove tartar, biofilm, and toxic bacteria from tooth root surfaces. Traditional treatment can cause bleeding, swelling, and pain.

A better alternative

According to the American Dental Association, many clinicians choose lasers over traditional treatment because they prefer non-surgical management of periodontal disease. Lasers use tiny beams of light to eradicate harmful bacteria. Laser technology demonstrates positive effects on decreasing bacteria, removing calculus, assisting in tissue reattachment, and biostimulation for better healing. The treatment is called Laser Bacterial reduction(LBR).

The benefits of laser treatment

Lasers are considered leading-edge treatment for periodontal disease. Advantages of laser treatment include:

• Enhanced success
• Reduced anxiety in patients
• Eliminated drill noise
• Eliminated noisy ultrasonic instruments
• Reduced bleeding
• Sealed periodontal pockets
• Reduced gum trauma
• Reduced or eliminated tooth loss
• Minimized swelling during treatment
• Faster healing time