Soft-Tissue Laser Treatment for Edison, NJ
How Does Soft Tissue Laser Treatment Improve My Gum Health?
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults. Reports indicate that millions of people are unaware that they have gum disease, and about 30% of the population is genetically susceptible to contracting the condition. Other risk factors include smoking, pregnancy, puberty, stress, grinding teeth, poor nutrition, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene. When gum disease sets in, it destroys soft tissue, breaks the strong bond between teeth and supporting gums, and can cause jawbone deterioration, as well as tooth loss. Some of the illnesses and diseases linked to gum disease include:
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- High Blood Pressure
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Pneumonia
- Pregnancy complications
But the consequences of gum disease go well beyond the confines of your mouth. There is something called the oral-systemic connection as well. Studies show that the same bacteria in plaque that can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis, the beginning and later stages of periodontal disease, are linked to other health issues. While researchers cannot yet point to a cause and effect relationship, they do know that there is a connection.
Treating Periodontal Disease with Laser Dentistry
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or if they appear red, swollen, or tender to the touch, you may have gum disease. Depending upon the severity of your case, our hygienists may recommend deep cleaning to reverse the condition. This procedure removes the buildup of plaque and tartar—hardened plaque—from along the gum line. Removing these also removes the bacteria that initiate gum disease.
Our office uses a gentle soft tissue laser to treat the pockets infected by bacteria and periodontal disease. This procedure, combined with ultrasonic techniques, will help remove the disease and restore your gums to optimal health. The laser, which is no thicker than a few human hairs, is positioned between your teeth and gums. Then, we eliminate the infection by removing only diseased tissue. Healthy tissue is left untouched and unharmed.
Not only does the laser reduce bacteria, it also helps stimulate the growth of new root surface coating and it encourages healthy new gum tissue to reattach to the root surface. All of this is accomplished without our doctors having to make a single incision.
Soft tissue laser therapy for deep cleanings presents many advantages. The laser beam seals as it removes damaged tissue, so bleeding is minimal. Because of the reduced trauma, most patients feel better than they would after traditional deep cleanings.