Laser periodontics

Periodontal or gum disease is an infection of the supporting tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place. Generally affecting adults in their 30s and 40s, periodontal diseases are caused due to a number of reasons, such as poor oral health, genetic susceptibility, chronic illnesses like diabetes, smoking, and certain medications.

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Typical treatment for periodontal disease is scaling and root planing (SRP). This is a nonsurgical method that includes cleaning the surfaces of teeth and their roots, which may be exposed due to gum recession.

Laser treatment is a tissue-preserving, regenerative, and bone-building procedure. In general dentistry, the dentist uses a laser to access an infected pocket to kill the infected tissue and bacteria. Once the infected tissue is removed and the root is exposed, the calculus is removed with an ultrasonic root cleaner instead of scraping with hand tools. Lastly, laser energy is used to warm the stem cell that contains blood in the pocket, which creates a seal of tissues against the tooth root.

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Laser treatment ensures that no tissue is subtracted or gum tissue is reduced to a lower level on purpose. It also stimulates stem cells in the tissues to form new connective tissues, bone, and collagen. The body’s healing process then regenerates the lost ligaments and bone around the tooth.